Fordham Football Report #6

Bronx, N.Y. – Today we move to the defensive side of the ball as we continue our position-by-position breakdown of the 2018 Rams with a look at the defensive line.
 
The Fordham defensive line lost three of four starters to graduation last year but it does return a number of players who saw extensive playing time last fall. The line will be young with no seniors, two juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen.
 
Here's a look at the defensive linemen in camp for the 2018 Rams:
 
Max Roberts (Jr., 6-1, 240)
• Appeared in six games, starting one at linebacker.
• Recorded ten total tackles, six solo, including one sack.
• Made four tackles, three solo, at Army West Point.

Michael Ware (Jr., 6-4, 296)
• Started all eleven games on the defensive line as a sophomore at defensive tackle.
• Recorded 21 total tackles, eight solo, including 1.5 for loss.
• Also had one forced fumble, one blocked kick and one quarterback hurry.
• Made three tackles, two solo, and had a quarterback hurry in the win over Bucknell.

Deondre Carter (So., 6-3, 230)
• Appeared in all eleven games on the defensive line as a freshman.
• Recorded 25 tackles, 12 solo.
• Also had an interception and a fumble recovery.
• Made six stops and recovered a fumble in first collegiate game at Army West Point.

Anthony Diodato (So., 6-4, 276)
• Did not see action in 2017.
 
Mike Marinelli (So., 6-3, 270)
• Appeared in ten games on the defensive line in 2017.
• Recorded six tackles, five solo, including two for loss.
• Made two solo tackles, one for loss, in win over Lehigh.

Johnny Piccinich (So., 6-4, 232)
• Did not see action in 2017.
 
Sawyer Schwarz (So., 6-2, 260)
• Did not see action in 2017.
 
Ellis Taylor (So., 6-3, 240)
• Appeared in ten games on the defensive line as a freshman, starting one at end.
• Recorded 23 total tackles, 12 solo, including 5.5 for loss and 3.0 sacks.
• Also intercepted a pass and had a quarterback hurry.
• Made six tackles, four solo, including two for loss and one sack against Holy Cross.

Alfonso Dixon IV (Fr., 6-2, 231)
• Played for head coach Christian Baldwin at Coral Glades High School in Coral Springs, Florida.
• A BCAA All-Star selection.
• An All-South Florida All-Star.
• Second Team All-Broward County.
• Coral Springs Defensive Player of the Year.
• 88 tackles, 21 sacks and five forced fumbles.
 
Luke Simon (Fr., 6-1, 245)
• Played for head coach Scott Saunders at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, N.Y.

Gavin Watson (Fr., 6-3, 276)
• Played football for head coach Mark Hendricks at Kingsway Regional High School in Woolwich Township, N.J.
• A First Team All-Conference selection.
• Named Brooks Irvine Lineman of the Year.
• Compiled 80 tackles, 12 sacks and 21 TFLs in 2017.