As the Jackson State football team opened fall camp Monday, the hope was for another Cricket Celebration Bowl appearance.
It is fitting the defense finally received validation at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day on July 16. JSU defensive lineman Jeremiah Williams and defensive back Esaias Guthrie were chosen to the preseason All-SWAC Team. A year before, there were no Tigers selected to the preseason defensive team.
In 2023, Jackson State led the SWAC in interceptions with 17. But if Jackson State is to make a run at the SWAC title in 2024, the Tigers must dominate at a position no one is hyping — the defensive line. That position group is coming off of a disappointing 2023 after the 2021 and 2022 seasons, when its play helped lead to consecutive SWAC crowns and Cricket Celebration Bowl appearances.
Here are three things to keep on eye on the Jackson State defensive line in 2024:
Jackson State football is counting on Division I veterans
Tigers coach T.C. Taylor went heavy in the transfer portal the past two seasons. Half of the 16 defensive linemen on the 2024 Jackson State roster played on Division I teams before joining the Tigers. The transfers must help with depth and the attrition that occurs during a season. Here is a look at the defensive linemen with Division I experience on the JSU roster.
Joshua Nobles, a 6-4, 225-pound junior, transferred from Western Michigan in 2023.
John Brown, a 6-1, 258-pound graduate student, played at McNeese State in 2023.
Phillip Webb, a 6-5, 265-pound senior, played for Jackson State in 2023 after transferring from LSU. He recorded 22 tackles and had three sacks.
Tyas Martin, a 6-4, 330-pound junior, who had 14 total tackles and played in 11 games. He transferred from Colorado in 2021.
Zyon Walker, a 6-1, 290-pound senior, transferred from South Alabama but did not…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jackson-state-football-needs-defensive-121439178.html
Author : The Clarion Ledger
Publish date : 2024-07-31 12:14:39
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