Emporia State defensive line coach Spence Nowinsky might have the easiest job on the ESU coaching staff.
Everywhere you look on the ESU practice field, you see youth and inexperience, but the defensive line is the one area where the Hornets have experience.
Eight players started at least four games in 2007 and the ESU defensive line features five seniors, two juniors and two sophomores.
“With the d-line we’re older now, the most experience on the team and we’re taking it up on our shoulders to lead the team,” senior A.J. Brinkman said. “We kind of take it upon ourselves to be the ones that get the defense in shape and ready to go.”
The defensive line also has the most depth of any position. Four of the five seniors — Brinkman, Kaden Adams, Angelo Webb and Matt McClain — have been regulars in the defensive line rotation and senior Bryan Tarkington will figure into the rotation this season after transferring from Washington State.
Brinkman was an honorable mention All-MIAA on the defensive line and moves exclusively to the defensive line after splitting time at linebacker last season.
Junior Keith Maples, who’s listed at 346 pounds, returns and has slimmed down to under 300 pounds. Sophomores Casey Finalyson and Daniel Webb both had 25 tackles last year.
The depth has provided plenty of competition.
“I see a different attitude with everyone,” Daniel Webb said. “We’re working a lot harder, helping each other out, teaching each other. I like it because there’s a lot more experience here and instead of Nowinski spending time with every one, each player can just learn off each other and teach each other.”
The only player without experience that should figure into the rotation is redshirt freshman Matt Rosenhamer. Rosenhamer was one of the scout team’s top players last year and he will likely start at defensive end.
“I figured out fast: Do what you’re supposed to do, play your (butt) off and you’re going to get a chance no matter what,” Rosenhamer said.
Nowinsky plans to give plenty of guys a chance on the defensive line, as he plans to use a three-play rotation to keep his linemen fresh.
“I have the luxury of playing a lot of guys,” he said. “We rotate guys in and out and I play a lot of guys, and I told the defensive line I’m going to play as many guys as I feel comfortable with playing... I played 11 guys last year and I felt comfortable with 11 guys. This year right now I feel great about nine right now. Now are all nine going to play first game? I don’t know, but I sure think so today.”