Levi Erickson left a huge hole to fill on the defensive line, but Southern Utah defensive coordinator Cole Wilson is convinced the Thunderbirds have a nice mix of youth and experience to make up for his loss.
Erickson was the T-Birds' top tackler on the defensive line with 44 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and 5 1/2 sacks, but the T-Birds return starters Jimmy Judd, Austin Curtis and Aaron Fernandez.
"We were able to get a lot of reps up front, and they were very productive during the spring," he said. "We're also much more disciplined and experienced than we were last year."
Along with the three returning starters, Miguel Paramo and Chad Westwood also earned valuable playing experience.
Judd and Curtis compiled 36 and 35 tackles, respectively, last season. Judd added eight tackles for loss and two sacks.
"Jimmy Judd had his best spring, and he's really improved," Wilson said of the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder who graduated from Copper Hills High.
"He's a guy who has two years of starts under his belt, and I feel good about his leadership ability and what he'll do for our front."
Curtis (5-11, 275) started all 11 games at nose guard, while Fernandez, after missing the first three games, played in the final eight and finished with nine stops.
"Austin Curtis and Aaron Fernandez really give us a solid interior presence," Wilson said. "They both had some good starts last year. They're very physical and play with a lot of passion. We can win with great effort from those guys."
Paramo, who played in six games last year and tallied five stops will most likely get the start this season.
"Miguel is another who had a good spring," Wilson said. "(He's) a tough player who will make things happen on the defensive side."
Sophomore Chad Westwood and true freshman Trevor Cook will see considerable time as back-ups.
"Westwood and Cook have a chance to move up and compete for starting positions," Wilson said.
Also listed on the depth chart are six freshmen and sophomores, particularly Scott Larsen and Siua Tuakalau and freshman Daniel Tuilagi.
"We also feel good about our young guys," Wilson said. "There's a lot of athletic ability there, and I think we'll see them contributing soon."
Defensively, the T-Birds allowed 25.1 points per game while yielding 353.7 yards of total offense allowed.
Southern Utah opens the season Sept. 1 at Montana.
SOUTHERN UTAH DEFENSIVE LINE
2006 STARTERS:Levi Erickson led the defensive line with 44 stops; Jimmy Judd, Austin Curtis and Aaron Fernandez.
ANTICIPATED 2007 STARTERS: Judd, Curtis, Fernandez and Miguel Paramo.
OTHER SUU DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:
So., Scott Larsen: Tallied 10 tackles and forced a fumble last year.
Fr., Trevor Cook: A true freshman from American Fork. Could see considerable time.
Fr., Suia Tuakalau: Could see time at back-up nose guard.
So., Chad Westwood: Had nine tackles in seven games last year.
OUTLOOK: With three returning starters, the T-Birds have a good mix of youth and experience. The d-line's ability to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback will be key for the T-Birds.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com