Football Depth Chart: Defensive Line

It’s one thing the play in a pass-heavy conference and be a team that forces teams to pass (like Texas), and there are teams in the conference that get passed on after the opponent sets up the passing game because they can do whatever they want on the ground.

Guess which category Iowa State falls under?

Last season, the Cyclones not only ranked seventh in the conference in rushing defense; they were 98th in the nation. They gave up 193.46 yards on the ground per game. In contrast, the Longhorns gave up nearly 100 yards less, which topped the conference.

Due to the lack of size on the ends coming into this season, that problem could continue into this season. Only one returning starter comes back, but at least one senior will be at each position.

The lone returner is Jake McDonough; the 6-foot-5, 290-pound senior noseguard will be the anchor for experience on the line. Senior Cleyton Laing will be next to him at defensive tackle, standing at 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds. Providing size inside should be able to force opponents to bounce around or cause trouble to bring pressure to the quarterback.

Both left end David Irving and right end Roosevelt Maggitt can’t deliver the power as starters with their size and experience. Maggitt checks in at 246 pounds and was limited during spring practice recovering from a knee injury. Irving is at 262 pounds but will be the youngest starter as a sophomore.

Of the 23 total players on the defensive line and ends, 15 of them will be freshmen or sophomores. A few seniors could see some time in the rotation. At tackle, Ben Durbin, a 6-foot-3, 272-pound Wyoming transfer from Gilbert had 28 tackles last season. On the ends, Rony Nelson had nine tackles, one sack, and recovered a fumble for the Cyclones last season.

Stats from Official NCAA Website

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Clones Confidential, follow the site on Twitter and Facebook. Read his other work on the Oregon Ducks blog, Autzen Zoo, and Watson Talk Lacrosse.