LOGAN — Improving on last year’s numbers was the biggest worry for Utah State's defensive line until four linemen (Travis Seefeldt, Edmund Famimalo, Adewald Adeoye and John Taylor) were hospitalized after a car accident in late June.

Now, with Seefeldt, a nose guard expected to play a major role this year, out for the season and just one returning starter to the line, the challenge is to develop younger linemen … and to develop them quickly.

“We were forced to step up, younger guys were, mostly,” Ricky Ali’ifua said in regards to the car accident. “A lot of guys have answered that call so far. I don’t think we’ve missed a beat. It sucks to not have the guys here with us and be playing with us right now, but we know that they’re OK, and that’s the best thing.”

In 2014, the Aggies finished eighth nationally in interceptions with 19 and ninth nationally in defensive touchdowns with five. Even more impressive, Utah State averaged 3.57 sacks per game and 8.1 tackles for loss per game, both of which put the Aggies at fourth best in the nation.

“There are a lot of little things, a lot of situational things and a lot of mental things that we still have to make strides in. But we definitely have an identity,” Utah State defensive coordinator Kevin Clune said of the defense.

Returning experience

Suffering the losses of all-league players B.J. Larsen and Elvis Kamana-Matagi, the Aggies look to lone returner Jordan Nielsen to embrace the leadership role on the line.

Nielsen started all 14 games last season as the 6-foot-5, 275-pound senior recorded 53 tackles, including two sacks and seven tackles for loss. The Sky View High School alumni earned honorable mention all-Mountain West honors concluding his junior year. This year, Nielsen was tabbed with Athlon Sports First-Team All-Mountain West preseason honors.

Also returning up front is Ali’ifua (6-2, 285). The San Leandro, California, native has appeared in 27 games at Utah State and has wrapped up 46 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and six tackles for loss.

Other returners include Taylor (6-2, 275), David Moala (6-2, 300), Siua Taufa (6-1, 280) and Ian Togiai (6-3, 255).

“Ricky has really done a great job with the leadership role,” Clune commented. “David Moala wasn’t much of a contributor last year, but we’re hoping he’s going to be a big-time guy this season. The same goes for Siua Taufa. Last year he had a limited role and now we’re hoping for a lot of good things from him.”

Key additions

Because of Seefeldt's injury in the car accident and just one starting returner to the defensive line, Utah State requires younger linemen to step up.

Joining the Aggies on the field are two redshirts from last season in Adeoye (6-3, 250) and Gasetoto Schuster (6-0, 280). Along with Schuster, Utah State looks to junior Eric Berntson and sophomore Clark Jeppesen, two players who did not receive playing time last year.

“There are a lot of veterans that have shown some good leadership,” Clune said. “There are a lot of young guys who may not have had experience before that have taken huge steps. Hopefully, that’s a good combination coming into this year.”

Dark horse

Faimalo, a redshirt junior from Riverside, California, has the speed and power to fill the role of a Larsen or Kamana-Matagi.

View Comments

The 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive end put up 27 tackles at Riverside CC where he assisted his team to an appearance in the SCFA Championship in 2013. Prior to his year at Riverside, Faimalo played his freshman season at Sacramento State where he posted eight tackles.

General outlook

It’s crunch time — and the unknowns are scattered across the defensive line. However, with the development of newcomers and the refining of letter winners seen throughout fall camp, the Aggies have the instruments to heal the growing pains.

“I think we’ve stepped up really well this whole summer and this whole fall camp, but we still have a ways to go,” Ali’ifua said.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.