In the fifth part of the position breakdown series I will breakdown the defensive line, provide a full depth chart, give the level of expected competition, and give stats from last year. We'll start off with the depth chart.

Right End

97 Adam Davis 6-0 259 Sr. Starter

90 Laton Dowling 6-2 257 So. Second string

45 Marquel Bryant 6-3 239 rsFr. Third string/Scout team

54 Godinet Taylor 6-3 237 So. Scout team

DT (Right)

71 Jon Sua 6-0 290 Sr. Starter

99 Javonta Boyd 6-2 294 Sr. Second string

56 Wesley Hollingshed 6-1 299 Jr. Third string

DT (Left)

92 Vai Lutui 6-2 289 Sr. Starter

91 Darryl Blackmon 6-7 281 rsJr. Second string

93 Sam Harville 6-1 272 Fr. Third string/Scout team

73 Xavier Gates 6-3 312 rsFr. Third string/Scout team

Left End

42 Meshak Williams 6-3 245 Sr. Starter

40 Ryan Mueller 6-1 245 So. Second string

43 Hunter Davis 6-3 248 Fr. Third string/Scout team

41 Logan Haug 6-5 233 Fr. Scout team

For the stats, level of competition, and write up keep reading after the jump.

2011 Defensive line Stats

Vai Lutui- 34 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery

Adam Davis- 34 tackles, 4 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble

Meshak Williams- 28 tackles, 7 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery

Ryan Mueller- 3 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery

Javonta Boyd- 3 tackles

Level of competition- DE 5 DT 4

In stark contrast to the young offensive line, the defensive line is one of the most veteran position areas with all of the starters being seniors and two backups being juniors. Ray Kibble, Jordan Voelker, and Raphael Guidry will all be missed as they accounted for a combined 6.5 sacks and 3 kick blocks. That's pretty much it for the bad news, the good news is there is a bunch of good young players in this group including Laton Dowling, Marquel Bryant, Hunter Davis, and Sam Harville. DT is going to be one of the stronger positions this year as Jon Sua, Vai Lutui, Darryl Blackmon, and Javonta Boyd all return with the additions of Harville and JUCO recruit Wesley Hollingshed. I would expect all of these players to contribute at sometime during this season. As a group I would expect this group to be about as good as last year or maybe even a little better as most have had another year to develop.