CSU Football Preview - Defensive Line

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The defensive line again looks strong for CSU as they enter the 2008 football season with one of their more veteran groups, led by 2008 Big South Preseason All-Conference selection Jake Killeen (Sr., 6-4, 240).

Killeen earned second-team all-conference honors last year in his first year with the Bucs. In 2007, he had 37 tackles, finishing with season-high seven-tackle performances in the final two games of the season. He finished the year tied for second on the team with 6.5 tackles-for-loss and also led the team with 4.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries.

Another 2007 all-conference selection will join the defensive line in Ryan Ard (Sr., 6-0, 230), who moves across the ball after being selected as an all-conference tight end. Anchoring the middle of the line will be Justin Witzmann (Sr., 5-11, 280), who played all 11 games after transferring to CSU. He had 30 tackles and had two tackles-for-loss in the middle of the line.

Juniors Dorein Perkins (6-3, 235) and Chris Parris (6-3, 235) will also vie for starting positions and are expected to see considerable time along the line. Perkins was named the most improved defensive lineman for the 2008 spring practice, while Parris saw action in all but one game last year, tallying a pair of tackles-for-loss.