North Carolina State University Athletics
Defensive Line is Doing Just Fine
9/8/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
But if the first two games of 1999 are any indication, the Pack's defensive line is in the midst of a remarkable resurrection. In victories over Texas and South Carolina, the d-line accounted for an average of 31.5 tackles per game. That figure doubles the output produced by last year's unit.
"They're playing with much more intensity, more aggressiveness and they're getting off of blocks better," said NC State coach Mike O'Cain. "Our scheme is also helping us some. We're creating some confusion in the offensive line and they're not blocking them as well."
The Wolfpack has been mixing in a new 3-4 look with its base 4-3 alignment. The constant pre-snap movement by the linebackers in the 3-4 scheme has kept offensive linemen guessing and has allowed the up front people to dive through gaps that may not have been there last season.
But it's also quite obvious that several players have made tremendous strides in the last year. "Nate Goodson has brought a better athlete in there that we haven't had," O'Cain said. Goodson was recruited as a linebacker, but the decision to move the redshirt sophomore to defensive tackle last season is now starting to pay dividends. At 267 pounds, the Roxboro native is relatively small for a defensive tackle on the division one level. But he's also a lot quicker than most of the blockers he's going up against.
Tackle Jeff Fisher doesn't have any deficiencies in the area's of size and strength. The 6-1, 286 pound junior is the strongest player on the NC State team. "Jeff has finally learned how to use his strength," said O'Cain. "Before, he wasn't as physical as he is now. Part of it is confidence and experience. He's got a better feel for the game now."
Fisher's exploits in the weight room are becoming legendary. Over the summer, he did 42 repetitions of a 225-pound bench press. Those in the know say that's the equivalent of a 575-pound press.
The added strength and athleticism on the interior of the defensive line is being complimented by improved production from the ends. Brian Jamison is coming off a monster game against South Carolina. After making six tackles, two quarterback sacks and causing four fumbles, the sophomore was honored as the ACC's defensive lineman of the week. Corey Smith, Clint Johnson and George Anderson have also played well.
With the offense a little behind schedule, the defenses overall improvement couldn't have come at a better time for the Wolfpack. "I've seen a lot of improvement carrying over from the spring to the fall," said quarterback Jamie Barnette. "I knew the defense would be a big contributor this year."
To this point, the defense has more than contributed. And the improved play of the defensive line deserves a lot of the credit.
