DAVIS, Calif. – In the fifth installment of the season preview series, assistant coach Jerry Brady breaks down the defensive line.

The Aggies return three starters on the line and a total of five that made at least one start in 2022. The guys upfront helped the Ags rank second in the Big Sky in red zone defense and third in the conference in scoring defense.



"Whenever you have all three of your starters coming back it can lead the charge for everybody else," Coach Brady said. "I think everyone respects those guys and learns from those three while continuing to make a mark themselves."

The cog in the middle of the UCD defensive line is Chubba Maae. The junior made eight starts at nose tackle and was a third-team All-Big Sky selection. In his first season at Davis, Maae was tabbed the Big Sky Co-Freshman of the Year en route to earning second-team honors.

"This is his first full offseason since he has been here," Coach Brady explained. "You can see the level of explosiveness and speed. He has continued to get better and is taking his training to another level."

Last year he registered 12 total tackles that included two tackles for loss and a sack. On the road at No. 4 Montana State, Maae posted a season-high five total tackles. The week before against No. 12 Weber State, he had three tackles and a sack.

Zach Kennedy broke out last season and in doing so, was named first-team all-Big Sky and a HERO Sports Sophomore All-American. The Sammamish, Wash. native led the team with four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss. Kennedy was named the team's Bo Eason Award winner, which is given annually to the most improved defensive player.

"Seeing Zach after the season, he has grown in his mental development, football IQ, and leadership of the team," Coach Brady said. "It is good to see him back and helping bring up the younger guys."

A position change proved to be ideal for Evan Bearden. The former tight end played in all 11 games on the line in 2022. The Sonora native totaled 15 tackles and his season culminated with six of those and a hurry at Causeway rival Sacramento State.

"He came to us from tight end and has grown over the offseason," Coach Brady said. "He has worked hard this offseason and will be a completely different player this year."

The Ags also return a group that gained valuable experience in 2022 in Joey Carrillo, Noa Masui, Uilisoni Amone, Princeton Toki, Josiah Suani, Ben Newman, and Justin Martz.
 
"These guys bring quality leadership and ability," said Coach Brady. "They bring intensity and bunch of things to our room."

The lone newcomer to join the group is Trent Carrade from Marin Catholic High School.

"Trent comes from a great program at Marin Catholic," Coach Brady said. "He knew how to play when he stepped in. He is explosive, he is strong, he is athletic, and continues to get better every day."

Coach Brady credits the addition of Tevis Bartlett to the coaching staff in the development of the defensive linemen. The former Washington Husky linebacker came to Davis from the University of Texas, where he was a graduate assistant.

"He has been a godsend for me," said Coach Brady. "He has been helping with the edge guys and has changed the room. He brings a good vibe and knows how to coach and play. He has a lot of experience and knowledge he has learned from a lot of good coaches."

UC Davis will open the 2023 season on the road at Texas A&M – Commerce. The season-opener is slated for Thursday, Aug. 31, in Commerce, Texas. Football season tickets, single game tickets, group tickets and mini-plans are now on sale. Click HERE or call the UC Davis Ticket Office at 530-752-2471 for more information.