BC Defensive Line Preview

Over the past few years, BC’s defense has been one of the best in the country. The top unit on that recently has been the defensive line. Last year was no different, with the line producing a second team All-American in Harold Landry. Landry was not alone in excelling on the defensive line, as the line as a unit was awarded the MVP of the Quick Lane Bowl.  With most of the talent coming back, the defensive line should be one of the best in the country. 

Harold Landry 
2016 Stats: 51 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 22 TFL, 4 pass breakups, 1 INT, 7 forced fumbles 

2017 Preview: It will be tough for Landry to match his production from last season.  He lead the country in both sacks and forced fumbles even though he barely played in the first 2 games of the season due to injury.  Landry is a force in the passing game, and is quick enough to just run by offensive tackles.  He has improved on holding his ground against the run, and being able to shoot gaps when asked.  The key for him this season is to not get frustrated when he goes up against double team on almost every single play.  Landry being able to take on a double team should open up opportunities for his teammates. 

Zach Allen 
2016 Stats: 36 tackles, 10 TFL, 6 sacks, 4 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries 

2017 Preview: Zach Allen quietly had a great 2016 season.  Allen is a prototypical 3-4 defensive end playing in a 4-3 scheme.  BC did show flashes of the 3-4, especially against Georgia Tech last season, which Allen excelled in.  He does a great job holding off defenders and being able to play 2 gaps against the run, while being quick enough to rush the passer.  With BC having 3 good defensive ends on the roster, he might play some defensive tackle especially in passing situations. Look for his stats to increase this season as the offensive lines attention shifts to Landry.   

Wyatt Ray 
2016 Stats: 27 tackles, 7 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble 

2017 Preview: For most teams in the country, Ray would be starting this season.  However, with Allen and Landry in front of him, Ray will be use as a rotational player.  He should get looks at both defensive end and defensive tackle, as the Eagles are thinner at tackle.  Ray is probably the best defensive end at stopping the run and can get after the quarterback. He put up good numbers last season, and should improve on those marks. 


Ray Smith 
2016 Stats: 24 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 

2017 Preview: Smith started 9 games last season out of the 10 he played in, while missing 3 games for a concussion.  While BC uses a 4-3, Smith was used in a nose guard role. He almost always lined up in the A guy, or with an inside shade on the guard.  Here, he did an excellent job of taking on double teams, and not allowing offensive lineman to get onto the linebackers.  An area for him to improve is in the passing game, so he can stay out on the field for all 3 downs. 


Noa Meritt 
2016 Stats: 9 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 forced fumble 

2017 Preview:  Meritt is one of the guys this Eagles defense needs to step up this season.  With Landry and Allen on the outside, opposing offenses will try to attack the middle of the defense.  Merritt, who was used primarily as a backup last season, will be forced into a starting role.  While he does not have to put up high tackle or sack stats, he must clog the middle of the field and stop the run. 



Others to watch: Kevin Cohee, Tanner Karafa, Jack Kenny, 

Overall: BC has an excellent defensive line this season, one of the tops in the ACC.  Their defensive ends will be able to get after the quarterback, allowing BC to blitz less than they have in the past.  This unit also does well against the rush, with the defensive lineman doing a good job taking on double teams.  A major area of concern however, is the depth along the line, particularly at the tackle position.  When playing teams that go up-tempo such as Clemson, BC will need the backups to be able to play well and give the starters a rest.