New Faces Asked To Step Up on the Defensive Line
8/5/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2004
Those closely associated with the Frog football program acknowledge that the biggest question mark entering the 2004 season is the defensive line. Gone are all-conference performers in Bo Schobel, Chad Pugh and Robert Pollard, with Schobel and Pollard getting a chance to take their abilities to the next level. In addition, the Frogs will be without the lone returning starter with eligibility remaining in Brandon Johnson, who missed all of the spring after undergoing knee surgery. While the names along the line may be unfamiliar, the cupboard is certainly not bare. In fact, the D-Line, while young and relatively inexperienced, should feature more speed than last year's unit. Competition during the fall two-a-days figures to be fierce as starting jobs are still up for grabs. Look for junior Ranorris Ray to assume more of a leadership role this season. Ray is listed as the starter at right end, but could also slide into a tackle position, depending on the makeup of the rest of the line. Ray brings a great attitude and a competitive nature to the line on every play. Sophomores Terence James and Jamison Newby are listed as the starting nose tackle and left end respectively. Both got their feet wet a year ago, showed potential and now are looking for breakout seasons. A trio of junior transfers figure to be major contributors as well. Jared Kesler, a transfer from Dartmouth, was the surprise of the spring and is the projected starter at the defensive tackle position entering the fall. Highly-touted Zarnell Fitch will push James for the nose tackle duties once he gains a better grasp of the defense. Chris Hayes is a great talent at defensive end who got better as the spring went on. Fifth-year senior Andrew Calovich has been in the program the longest and provides a steadying influence for the younger players. Junior Jeremy Breedlove gained some experience last season and brings a good work ethic to the table. Sophomores Jared Retkofsky and Jarrarcea Williams provide depth at the tackle positions, while redshirt freshmen Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz add depth on the edge. All four have potential, with Blake, who has excellent speed, a candidate to be an impact player as he gains a better understanding of the position. Junior college transfer Jesse Hejny and freshmen Giles Montgomery and Cody Moore will join the squad in the fall. Montgomery could also be tried at tight end.
