Defensive line article

Image was taken by me at the UMass Media Day. Click on the image and Blogger displays a larger view.

Jeff Thomas has an article about the 2008 UMass defensive line here .

Thomas reports that the starting UMass line will be:

• Darnel Delaire RDE RSr. 6-2 240
• Kyle C. Harrington NT RJr. 6-3 285
• Brandon Collier RJr. DT 6-1 280 (Captain)
• Michael Hanson LDE RJr. 6-2 260

UMass looks to be deeper this year with a number of players with game experience as backups Darrlyn Fenner DE RSr. 5-11 230 (12 games), Shaun Allen RSr. DL 6-3 255 (7 games) and Bob McLaughlin DT RSo. 6-2 265 (13 games).

Other DL expected to contribute this year are Anthony Monette DE RJr. 6-2 245, Theluxon Pierre DL JUCO Junior 6-3 260, Ray Jones DL RSo. 6-4 275 (9 games in 2006 for Delaware) and Courtney Jackson DE RFr. 6-2 235.

Other DL on the roster includes:

• Nicholas Collilouri Fr. 5-11 260
• James Gilchrist RFr. 6-3 250
• Charles Thompson Fr. 6-3 290

Three of the starters will return in 2009, so this is young group. Looks like more talent and more speed than in the past. This will be an exciting group to watch.