WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (March 28, 2017) – Today's William & Mary football spring practice update features a look at the Tribe's spring depth chart at defensive line.
Defensive Line Coach
Kevin Lewis
"We have a veteran group returning with a lot of experienced and talented players. We're focusing on consistency this spring, and the guys have shown that to this point. Our group is working hard to get better, and everyone is competing well and pushing each other to get better. I expect our guys to continue progressing and to be leaders on the defense."
| DEFENSIVE LINE |
| DE |
#58 Matt Ahola, Sr. (6-2, 260)
Former walk-on who enters his third season as a starter … Emerging leader … Plays with good technique and is very physical … Hard worker and very coachable … Effective in run game and working hard to become even better as a pass rusher … Smart player who consistently puts himself in a position to succeed … Ranked second on the team in tackles among defensive linemen last season (32). |
#91 Nick Ridpath, RFr. (6-2, 240)
Technically sound … Good footwork … Very coachable and plays hard … Redshirted as a scout team defensive end last season. |
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| DE |
#99 Gavin Johnson, So. (6-3, 240)
Outstanding young defensive end who appeared in 10 games with two starts as a true freshman last fall … Became the program's first true freshman to play at defensive end since 2002 (Jonas Watson) … Excellent overall player who excels as a pass rusher and in the run game … Good speed and length … Working hard to continue gaining strength … Lots of upside. |
#94 Joe Suarez, So. (6-2, 245)
Athletic defensive end who possesses good strength and explosiveness … Savvy player … Shown good burst, quickness and ability to make plays … Appeared in 10 games and earned three starts last fall. |
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| DT |
#73 Isaiah Stephens, Sr. (6-2, 300)
Returning All-CAA player who has appeared in 36 games with 26 career starts … Great size and strength … Athletic and has good lateral movement for his size … Good versus the run and difficult to move … Improved hand strength and hand skills … Hard worker who has elevated conditioning and physical tools … Very motivated … Shown leadership qualities … Career totals include 115 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. |
#60 Graydon Campbell, So. (6-3, 290)
Converted from offensive lineman to defensive tackle last season … Big, strong player with good size … Strong hands … Plays with good effort and a physical style … Worked hard at improving his technique … Great potential with a very high upside. |
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| DT |
#95 Bill Murray, So. (6-4, 275)
Talented young player who appeared in eight games and earned a start as a redshirt freshman last season … Good strength … Possesses an explosive burst off the ball … Runs well … Effective as both a pass rusher and in the run game. |
#92 Robert Omelchenko, RFr. (6-4, 250)
Good burst … Strong hands … Hard worker who gives good effort … Working hard to improve technique … Redshirted as a scout team defensive lineman last season. |
