August 03, 2003
 Junior Marcus Jasmin led the d-line last year with 66 tackles. |
The rotation and depth of the defensive line will be very important with the different looks defensively instead of the old 3-4 base.
Two returning starters, senior from Tyler John Tyler High School and junior from De La Salle High School in New Orleans, will be leaders among the defensive line.
Three other defensive linemen who have lettered are true sophomores from Forest Brook High School in Houston and from Rayburn High School in Pasadena, along with from Forney High School. Patrick saw work on both sides of the line last year before concentrating on the defensive side this spring.
"Entering the fall, we've probably got more depth on the inside positions of the defensive line," Coach Stan Eggen said. "Players like Marcus Jasmin and Johnny Jolly have seen some playing time. Marcus was limited in the spring, but showed some flashes. Johnny has good athletic ability and will help us. Linnis Smith is a player who could play both inside and outside."
"We're looking for quickness off of the football, especially at the end position," Eggen said. "We want guys to stretch the line of scrimmage and flash behind the line of scrimmage to make a tackle for loss, or a sack and disrupt things. If we do a good job of disrupting the line of scrimmage, then we may be able to shut down one phase of the offense and force them to be a one-dimensional attack.
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"The defensive line is a good situation for young guys to step in and help us as we continue to develop depth and look for a players with ability. We use a rotation and the guys have to show they can handle the game day atmosphere. By using a rotation you may be fortunate to manufacture some depth and it gives you a chance to stay fresh and dominant games in the fourth quarter. As the season wears on, with depth your guys are a little more fresh in games eight through 11 and down the stretch as you are trying to win championships. You have a little bit more in your tank when you are able to spread around the number of snaps. Younger guys gain experience by playing and that results in better practices because they are seeing action in the game. Our practice structure helps us, the number of reps in practice helps get them prepared for the games."
A couple of young players such as , a sophomore from Aldine High School, and from Naaman Forest High School in Garland, will have an opportunity to work into the rotation.
The Aggies signed a terrific class of defensive linemen this spring. from Jasper High School, from St. Pius High School in Houston, from Humble High School and junior college transfer from Navarro Junior College will have an opportunity to come into Aggieland and contribute early.
STATISTICAL LEADERS - DEFENSIVE LINEMEN - LAST 10 YEARS
Tackles Solo Tackles QB Sacks Tackles/Loss QB Pressures 2002 M. Jasmin 66 M. Jasmin 38 M. Jasmin 5.5 T. Warren 12 L. Smith 7 2001 R. Bernard 69 R. Bernard 42 R. Bernard 5 R. Bernard 15 T. Warren 7 2000 R. Flemons 38 T. Warren 23 T. Warren 5 T. Warren 16 R. Edwards 10 1999 R. Edwards 27 R. Bernard 16 Edwards,Bernard 4 R. Bernard 7 R. Edwards 4 1998 R. Bernard 58 R. Bernard 23 R. Edwards 5 R. Edwards 9 several 1 1997 B. Crowley 67 B. Crowley 30 B. Crowley 6 B. Crowley 15 Heard,Bernard 1 1996 E. Jasper 57 E. Jasper 38 B. Mitchell 6 E. Jasper 11 n/a 1995 E. Jasper 53 E. Jasper 34 B. Mitchell 6 E. Jasper 18 B. Mitchell 8 1994 B. Mitchell 62 B. Mitchell 50 B. Mitchell 9 B. Mitchell 31 B. Mitchell 5 1993 S. Adams 78 S. Adams 45 S. Adams 10.5 S. Adams 23.5 S. Adams 16
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