DNJ excerpt:
Rhodes, a starter for five games in 2014, is one of five players returning on the defensive line who started at least one game a year ago.
Fellow defensive end Alexandro Antoine, who is missing all of spring practice after tearing his ACL in November of 2014, started four games. Defensive tackles Shaquille Huff and Pat McNeil, who combined to start 23 of a possible 24 games a year ago, return as well, along with fellow tackle Jimal McBride, who started one game in McNeil's absence.
Those returners, along with with contributors like end Chris Hale and tackle Raynard Felton, have the potential to turn the position into a big strength of the team's defense in 2015.
"We've got a lot of guys returning and those guys are beginning to understand the game," defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix said. "They're really improving."
However, the defensive line's depth did take a hit earlier this spring when Jahmal Jones, listed at No. 1 on the team's depth chart at left end starting spring practice, tore his ACL in the second week of workouts.
Jones' injury, coupled with Antoine's absence, have vaulted Hale to the top of the depth chart. The junior has answered the bell.
"Chris Hale has had a really good first two weeks of practice," MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said. "I'm pleased with where we are up front."
The group came away with four sacks during the first scrimmage of the year last week, while holding the team's offense to just 3.2 yards per carry on 50 rushes.
MTSU allowed 4.3 yards per rush last season and gave up 182.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked ninth in Conference USA.
"We're bigger and we're stronger," Nix said. "That's a testament to our offseason program. Those guys put in the time to be better and it's starting to show."
Experienced MTSU defensive line eager to set tone
Rhodes, a starter for five games in 2014, is one of five players returning on the defensive line who started at least one game a year ago.
Fellow defensive end Alexandro Antoine, who is missing all of spring practice after tearing his ACL in November of 2014, started four games. Defensive tackles Shaquille Huff and Pat McNeil, who combined to start 23 of a possible 24 games a year ago, return as well, along with fellow tackle Jimal McBride, who started one game in McNeil's absence.
Those returners, along with with contributors like end Chris Hale and tackle Raynard Felton, have the potential to turn the position into a big strength of the team's defense in 2015.
"We've got a lot of guys returning and those guys are beginning to understand the game," defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix said. "They're really improving."
However, the defensive line's depth did take a hit earlier this spring when Jahmal Jones, listed at No. 1 on the team's depth chart at left end starting spring practice, tore his ACL in the second week of workouts.
Jones' injury, coupled with Antoine's absence, have vaulted Hale to the top of the depth chart. The junior has answered the bell.
"Chris Hale has had a really good first two weeks of practice," MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said. "I'm pleased with where we are up front."
The group came away with four sacks during the first scrimmage of the year last week, while holding the team's offense to just 3.2 yards per carry on 50 rushes.
MTSU allowed 4.3 yards per rush last season and gave up 182.6 rushing yards per game, which ranked ninth in Conference USA.
"We're bigger and we're stronger," Nix said. "That's a testament to our offseason program. Those guys put in the time to be better and it's starting to show."
Experienced MTSU defensive line eager to set tone
