April 29, 2010
Photo Gallery - Defensive Linemen
Bronx, N.Y. - Throughout the spring practice season, we will attempt to post a positional breakdown of the Rams during the 2010 spring season as they work their way to the 2010 Spring Game, slated for Saturday, May 1st at 11:00 AM. Today we look at the defensive line thanks to this write-up from Frank Rizzo, who spent the past four years playing on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Rams.
The first four installments of the Fordham football spring preview focused on the offense. Now it's time to turn our attention to the other side of the ball, starting with the defensive line.
After watching the offensive portion of the Rams have an explosion of scoring and yards behind Xavier Martin, Darryl Whiting, and John Skelton, the defense looks to have a strong year after a struggling last season. Luckily, unlike coming into last season, the defensive line returns two starters and many more players with significant playing time from this past season. Jordan Bledsoe, Andy Okonkwo, Thomas Lloyd, and Pat McGee look to provide strong leadership and a productive season for the 2010 defense. Despite loosing three-year starter and middle-of-the-trench stall-worth Darzell Wright and three of the top ten tacklers, in James Crockett, Ryan Darcey, and Isiejah Allen, from 2009 the defense has great potential to be a shut down defense. For the first time in recent years the d-line returns a top ten tackler in Jordan Bledsoe, who made a triumphant return to the defensive line this season.
The defensive line helped Fordham rank 17th in the NCAA FCS in sacks last fall, recording 2.55 per game, and 20th in tackles for loss, averaging 7.18 per contest.
Here's a look at the trench-goers competing this spring:
Derrick Bell-Harris (Jr., 6'2", 266): Derrick has had an up and down first two years as a Ram and had moved without question every-time… In 2008 he did not see any varsity action but played defense with the JV… Spent the spring of 2009 on the offensive side of the ball providing depth to the tackle position… Mid-training camp 2009 he was moved back to defense to provide depth at the debilitating nose tackle spot… In 2009 he saw his first varsity action in two games (Bryant and Cornell) while spending most of his time with the JV… Looks to push for time this season.
Jordan Bledsoe (Sr., 6'3", 275): Bledsoe is the undisputed leader of the defensive line… His long awaited return to the defensive line was a strong one… After being recruited as a d-lineman he was moved to offense spending 2007 on the o-line appearing in six games missing five with a hand injury and 2008 appearing in all 11 games starting seven, he moved last spring to the d-line to fill the void of graduation… In 2009 he came out with a bang starting all 11 games this past season… In 11 games he registered 23 unassisted tackles and 16 assisted ones, totaling 39 and finishing tenth on the team. He also registered nine tackles-for-loss for a loss of 47, 4.5 of which were sacks for a loss of 26 yards… Looks to have a tremendous senior campaign with Coach Dawson's revamped defense.
Carmine Galati (So., 6'3", 215): Did not see varsity action as a freshman in 2009... Appeared with the junior varsity, making one tackle for loss in the Columbia game... A graduate of Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida, where he lettered in football for coach Joe Kinnan... The Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year in 2008... Named to the PAL Bowl All-Star Team.
Tim Deering #95 (So, 6'2", 240): A walk-on this past season who contributed greatly on the look team... Looks to push for time at d-tackle... Has some raw talent and should push the starters to play harder... Provides good depth and work-ethic.
Alex Locker #99 (So, 6'5", 220): Alex finished a strong freshmen campaign with three tackles while appearing in eight games... Is a big physical defensive end with a lot potential to make an impact... Looks to finish the spring a be a strong contributor in 2010.
Thomas Lloyd (Jr., 6'0", 284):
A talented space consuming nose tackle... Lots of raw talent in his game but progressing very quickly… In 2008 he saw varsity action in five games, recording three total tackles… In 2009 his playing time greatly increased. Appearing in nine games, he started five of them... Despite not playing by C/D he recorded 17 tackles, and one forced fumble, increasing his career total to 20... Look for Thomas to continue to garner more and more playing time as he progresses.
Anthony Lubischer (So., 6'0", 231): A young defensive end that is making the transition from linebacker to defensive end in 2010... A talented young player that with practice will make an impact... The speed he possesses from linebacker will help him progress quicker... Saw action in four games last season and will push for time this season... Also appeared with the junior varsity... Made five tackles in a JV win over Wagner... A graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey, where he lettered in football for head coach Frank Edgerly... Ranked as 92nd best inside linebacker in the country by ESPN Recruiting... Named First Team All-State (non-public)... Also named First Team All-Liberty Division and First Team All-County.
Rodney Mann (Jr., 6'2", 257): Physically one the strongest d-linemen on the team... In 2008 he appeared in 2 Varsity games (Columbia and Marist) while primarily serving on the JV team... In 2009 he sat out with an injury... Is having a productive spring and looks to provide depth and push for time in the fall... A graduate of Midwood High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he lettered in football... Played with the New York State squad in the 2008 Governor's Bowl... also participated in the 2008 Outback Steakhouse Bowl.
Patrick McGee (Jr., 6'5", 250): The prototypical defensive end a team looks for... Has the strength and size to compete with big offensive tackles but also the speed to track down a running back... His talent is still a little raw, but the flashes seen show great potential... In 2008 saw only JV action, but in 2009 saw action in eight games... A graduate of Seton Hall Prep where he lettered in football and track... Attended Canterbury School in 2007-08 where he was a member of the football, basketball and track teams... A First Team All-Conference selection at Canterbury in 2007... Member of the 2007 New England Prep championship team.
Andy Okonkwo (Jr., 6'2", 236): A nonstop motor of a defensive end… One of the most experience defensive linemen on the roster appearing in ten games in 2008 registering 12 tackles… In 2009 he appeared in 11 games starting eight and recorded 27 tackles, one of which was a sack… Is slated to continue starting and looks to have a strong junior campaign... Appeared in ten games as a freshman in 2008... Finished the year with 12 total tackles, three solo, including 2.5 for loss and one pass break up... Had three assisted tackles in season-opening win over Rhode Island.
Matthew Sconiers (So., 6'4", 229): As a freshmen appeared in six games registering seven tackles... Missed a couple games from injury but still had a successful freshmen campaign and is pushing for lots of time in 2010... Is slated to play at either defensive end... Made three tackles, two solo, in wins over Bryant and Bucknell... Registered a sack in the Columbia game... A graduate of Clear Lake High School in Houston, Texas, where he lettered in football for head coach Troy Aduddell... Selected as a 24-5A All-District defensive end.
