Keenan Sykes: I think Keenan will be that anchor of the Dline. He played extensively last year and with that experience, a good showing at the Spring Game, and continued work over the summer, I expect Keenan to lead the attack.
Loni Fa: Loni is a mystery. He was expected to anchor the Dline last year and there was high expectations from Loni. So, maybe this will be his year. Maybe he a Keenan will hold the line on the run game and stuff RBs at the line of scrimmage.
Bryson Bridges: Bryson was given some credit for his showing in the Spring Game. He has some size, and should be on the field to gain experience and relieve the starters on one side of the ball. It would be great if he makes a case to be the started. Except I hope that he is no Nate Falo. Nate just was not big enough to make an impact as a D-lineman yet he got a massive amount of playing time and no effectiveness. I think this will not be the case with Bryson.
Owen Roberts: Owen had all the credentials coming out of HS. LA City Lineman Of The Year, All Section, and I think All CIF at the D1 level. I'm surprised that Owen hasn't caused more of a splash. Hopefully, he can also be a serviceable relief player on the Dline and help keep the starters fresh. Who knows given a chance he also may start making a case to be a starter.
Nico Aimonetti: I've been waiting for Nico to make an impact for 3 years now. I know last year he had an injury that kept him out for the year, but this kid has the size and maybe the strength to reek havoc on the Dline. Maybe he just has to develop a mean streak. Nico has the ability to occupy one or two O-linemen. I hope I don't have to wait for something that won't happen, and Nico comes to the forefront of the D-linemen.
Travis Miller: My opinion on Travis is that he hasn't been given a chance to show what he can do. I saw a little of him when the Spartans played in Fresno two years ago. He showed that he could penetrate the line of scrimmage. He has quickness, he has the size and strength to take on the big O-linemen. A tandem of Travis and Nico would put the Spartans on par with the like of USC and SEC teams in terms of size. Again, it may be that Travis need to develop a mean streak. I would love to see Travis and Nico destroy an opponents run game, and keep the Oline off of Frank Ginda, and Christian Tago so that the LBs can roam free and make big hits. It would be great if they could just make the rotation and keep everyone fresh.
Trevor Bloom: Trevor seems to be the start of RC taking the Spartan Dline to the next level in terms of size. Trevor comes from a winning program, and he was part of the Cathedral Catholic CIF championship team. It only remain to be seen that these young men have the ability, the strength, the mean streak to become the future. I don't expect Trevor to make a big impact this year, but who knows? We could be surprised, and wouldn't that be awesome.
Joseph Melo (JJ): Joseph is from a Hollister High team that won the CIF championship two years ago. I am told that this kid can cause havoc. However, that was in HS. Can he "bring it" at the D1 level. I don't expect much form Joseph this year, but if any of the new comers can make an immediate impact this is the guy. I think the coaches see him at either DT or DE. He has the size, strength, and mean streak, but does he have the speed. If he puts all together there may be hope for this year's Spartan Dline.
Terrell Townsend: Terrell is another young man that has the ability make an immediate impact. He has the size and strength right now to break into the starting lineup. If he has speed and a mean steak to match, then it will be a good year for the Spartan Dline. Terrell is another player who the coaching staff think and go either DT or De. I expect that is not now, in the very near future Terrell will be making his name and ability known to opposing O-linemen.
In summary, I have a measure of optimism for this year's Dline. I the new DC can make them work in tandem with the LBs, hopefully the Spartan D can consistently stop the run game. God knows how frustrating it has been to the opposition shred the Spartan D to pieces. I think this could be the beginning of the end for weak Spartan D. The DB, S, and LB positions are adequate it's time for the Dlne to step up.
GO SPARTANS!!!
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