PROVO -- In this multi-part series, BYUCougars.com continues its preview of the 2004 season. Today's feature gives a brief overview of the defensive line and linebackers.
DEFENSIVE LINE
One position that will benefit from a wealth of talent and experience is the defensive line. With its experience, depth and talent, Defensive Coordinator Bronco Mendenhall says the line will be the strength of the defense.
"I think the defensive line will be the strength of the defense, both in experience and depth," Mendenhall says. "When you look at the players, from the starters on down, there are a number of guys who are going to contribute at some level."
Entering fall camp, John Denney, Daniel Marquardt and Brady Poppinga are the three lineman listed as starters. The trio combined for 114 tackles last season, including 20 tackles for a loss. Poppinga has been listed as a candidate for the Bronco Nagurski award, honoring the top defensive player in the country.
"The defensive line, when you look at leadership, experience and depth, that's why I would view that as the strongest position we'll have," Mendenhall says.
That depth will come from redshirt sophomore Justin Carlson-Maddux, senior Shaun Nua, sophomore Michael Marquardt and redshirt freshman Judd Anderton.
"Those guys have very little baggage," Mendenhall says. "Carlson-Maddux played between 18 and 30 plays per game last season, and Michael Marquardt had a nice spring coming off a mission. He was a nice surprise."
Sophomore Hala Paongo, junior Manaia Brown and newcomer Vince Feula will have the opportunity to add depth at nose tackle.
LINEBACKER
Normally, the thought of losing all three linebackers to graduation would be reason enough to wave a white flag. However, there is a great deal of optimism surrounding the stable of linebackers the Cougars have entering fall camp.
The Cougars will benefit from the return of three-year starter Paul Walkenhorst at outside linebacker. Walkenhorst sat out last season with an injury and is 100 percent and ready for his final season. He will be joined by redshirt freshman Cameron Jensen at middle linebacker and junior Bryant "The Silencer" Atkinson. Atkinson gained valuable experience last season, recording 14 tackles in 10 games throughout the year. He is quietly making his presence known. Jensen worked out with the scout team last season after returning from a Church mission just prior to the start of fall camp. He will enter fall camp as the first-team middle linebacker after having an outstanding spring.
"Paul has a great deal of experience, but not experience in this system," Mendenhall says. "Jensen had a nice spring and has an impressive work ethic. Atkinson played last season as a backup. So, I wouldn't say we have a great deal of experience, but I do see some talent. Depth is also an issue. There are a lot of questions, in terms of depth. We're hopeful we will have guys step up and do what needs to be done to improve our depth."
Junior college All-American Just Luettgerodt missed spring ball due to an injury, but is healthy now and expected to compete for a starting job at outside linebacker. Newcomers Richard Nehring, Gary Lovely and William Turner will also have a chance to add depth and compete for playing time. Returners Lawrence Cowan and Markell Staffieri will also look to contribute at linebacker.
Friday, Aug. 6, BYUCougars.com will round out the defemsive features with previews of the cornerback and safety positions.