Bowling Green State University Athletics
Defensive Line A Long Term Strength For BGSU Football Team
August 24, 2004 | Football
Aug. 24, 2004
Bowling Green, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University defensive line relied heavily on depth in 2003 as it ranked near the top of the MAC in rushing defense and also finished second in sacks. This year, depth also will play a key as the unit returns four players who have at least 14 career starts and three other veterans who figured into the Falcons rotation a year ago. "The key for us is the experience these kids bring and their athleticism allows us to be versatile," said BGSU defensive coordinator Tim Beckman. "They are great run stoppers, but their talents also allow us to put pressure on the quarterback and that is a huge key. Second-team All-MAC junior defensive end Mitchell Crossley (49 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 9 sacks) and junior defensive tackle Matt Leininger (63 tackles) each have 19 career starts. Junior nose tackle Mike Thaler (64 tackles, 2 sacks) and sophomore defensive end Devon Parks (48 tackles, 9 for a loss and 5 sacks) both started every game last season. Senior Ryan Newble (15 tackles) appeared in all 14 games as did junior defensive tackle Monty Cooley (37 tackles). Sophomore defensive tackle Brad Williams (18 tackles) saw his playing time increase as the season progressed. "Although we have experience, the positive for us is that we are still relatively young," added Beckman. Three true freshmen could emerge and see playing time this season. Brandon Curtis (6-2, 280), Brandon Mack (6-5, 245), and Andrew Campbell (6-4, 265) are prospects who may be counted on right away. Curtis is a product of the same high school (Springfield South) as Crossley. D-Line Facts: The Falcons 33 sacks last year were their most since having 38 in 1992. Last year, the defensive line picked off two passes (Thaler and Will Teague). During the last three years, defensive linemen have snatched four passes and had two TD returns.
