Aug. 10, 2011
DAVIS, Calif. - With football preseason camp underway, UC Davis is preparing for the 2011 schedule and the final year in the Great West Conference. In anticipation of the season opener at Arizona State, the Aggies will have a position-by-position preview leading up to the Sept. 1 kickoff. Today the defensive line is featured.
The defensive line returns a mix of youth and veterans looking for breakout seasons as UC Davis aims for continued improvement in attacking opposing offenses. The Aggies allowed 167.8 rushing yards per game last year, ranking fourth in the Great West. UC Davis made up for the inconsistencies on run defense by posting 24 takeaways, 15 of which came from fumbles. The Aggies ranked first in the Great West in fumbles recovered and tied for 14th in the nation at the end of the season.
Last year UC Davis graduated All-Great West first-team member Eric Sobotka, who led the Aggies with 5.0 sacks on the season. Despite the key loss, the defensive line will be one of the most experienced units with four upperclassmen ready to start.
"We have a lot of blue collar guys that you need to go to battle with," said defensive coordinator Mark Johnson. "Our returners have played a ton for us and have really developed themselves. We're expecting great things from our veterans and we have some young guys that have popped up and impressed us."
The coaching staff is looking for strong contributions from a trio of returning defensive ends. Seniors Victor Lee (6-0, 235) and Tommy Grillo (6-1, 245) along with junior Bobby Erskine (6-3, 245) all have experience as starters and are likely to develop a rotation at defensive end.
Erskine has been named one of four captains on the 2011 squad. After 35 tackles, 1.0 sack and 2.5 tackles for loss in just eight games last season, coaches believe that he has just scratched the surface and is primed for a career year. Erskine's high motor and passion on the field make him the perfect choice to represent the defensive line as a captain.
Lee is known as the defense's energy guy. His consistency and excitement compliment Grillo, who coaches refer to as a quiet technician. The two seniors collectively tallied 42 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in 2010.
While the top three defensive ends have been established, the fourth spot is open for someone to step into during fall practices. One player that could assume that role in Marques Barron (6-2, 248), a redshirt freshman from Merced, who turned some heads last season and continued his progression in the spring. Redshirt freshman Jacob Waas (6-4, 230) and sophomore Brent Bettencourt (6-6, 250) will also factor into the mix as both players show signs of development.
At defensive tackle, additional veteran leadership will be provided by senior Brock Galvin (6-3, 260) and junior Andrew Benjamin (6-1, 270). Benjamin is the lone All-Great West player returning to the defensive line, having received honorable mention accolades last season. Galvin finished with 39 tackles in 2010, along with 1.0 tackle for loss and one fumble recovery. Benjamin recorded 32 tackles, 1.0 sack and 3.5 tackles for loss during his sophomore season.
Senior Jacob Maxson (6-2, 280) looks to be third on the defensive tackle chart. Maxson played in eight games last season and posted a sack and 2.0 tackles for loss, but was severely limited by injury. During a healthy 2009 season, Maxson was named All-Great West honorable mention after 36 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a team-best 7.5 tackles for loss. Sophomores Khalid Jones (6-1, 265) and Anthony Kaspar (6-2, 255) should also see time at defensive tackle. Jones played in all 11 games last season and contributed with 11 tackles, a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Sophomore Nick King (6-3, 245) has been moved inside from a year ago, after playing nine games at defensive end last season. King had a solid spring and has potential to climb the depth chart during fall practices. The Aggies also brought in two freshmen, Walter Earnest (6-1, 245) and Andrew Hunter (6-2, 260), who will look to fit in to an experienced defensive line.
Assistant coaches Jason Fisk and Dallas Sartz return for their second season directing the defensive line. The 2012 unit figures to be one of the most improved for UC Davis, while still playing fast and hard, similar to last year. The arsenal of experienced weapons that return to the defensive line will be vital for UC Davis, as the Aggies plan to put their young talent to the test in other positions.
Season tickets are on sale and available through the campus Ticket Office at (530) 752-1915 or by visiting ucdavisaggies.com.
Position-By-Position Preview Schedule:
Offensive Line - Monday, Aug. 8
Defensive Line - Wednesday, Aug. 10
Quarterbacks - Friday, Aug. 12
Linebackers - Monday, Aug. 15
Wide Receivers - Wednesday, Aug. 17
Defensive Backs - Friday, Aug. 19
Running Backs - Monday, Aug. 22
Tight Ends - Wednesday, Aug. 24
Special Teams - Friday, Aug. 26
