Middle Tennessee State Football

Middle Tennessee suspended defensive lineman Justin Akins and linebacker Shalom Alvarez on Wednesday, as they are under investigation for animal cruelty due to a video posted on Snapchat. 

On Friday, Middle Tennessee head coach Rick Stockstill released a statement saying both players had been dismissed from the school (via John Taylor of NBC Sports):

When confronted with situations of inappropriate conduct, it is easy for a coach to simply dismiss players in trouble without taking time to study the situation. I feel it is important to consider the facts carefully, and seek input from others with information and expertise, before reaching a decision.

After reviewing the matter further, and speaking with authorities with the appropriate expertise, I have decided to dismiss Justin Akins and Shalom Alvarez from our football team. Their actions were in violation of the values and standards of our program.

I appreciate the work by the Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Services and Murfreesboro Police Department. Their expertise was invaluable in this process and will help educate our players.

"The actions captured on this video are obviously disturbing," MTSU athletic director Chris Massaro said in a university statement. "We welcome the inquiry by the Rutherford County Pet Adoption and Welfare Services.

"We have high expectations of conduct of our student-athletes. Coach Stockstill has suspended these players until the inquiry is complete and they will perform community service to the benefit of local animal welfare efforts.”

According to a Murfreesboro Police report obtained by Aldo Giovanni Amato of the Daily News Journal, Akins posted a video of Alvarez hitting a puppy at least four times on Snapchat. Police were notified of the incident April 7.

Ever since Dwight Dasher led the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders to their first ever bowl win over Southern Mississippi in 2009, this team has been face down on the floor.

This offseason was particularly rough as the Blue Raiders turned in one of the worst recruiting classes in the nation. Even worse than South Alabama, who just started playing college football.

To make matters even worse, the Blue Raiders opened the season with an ugly home loss to McNeese State, and it seemed that this program was really heading to an ugly place.

With a shocking 21-point win at Georgia Tech to now put them at 3-1 on the season, perhaps the Blue Raiders still have some gas in the tank to get back onto the national stage.

It's important to not get too out of hand over this 3-1 start. To get here, the Blue Raiders beat two of the worst teams in the FBS by defeating Memphis and Florida Atlantic.

This win over Georgia Tech is just one example of why you can't ever overlook any opponent, and the Yellow Jackets did just that.

The Blue Raiders deserve all the credit in the world for turning this season around and giving themselves suddenly something to play for.

Bowl berths are extremely important for programs like Middle Tennessee State, and now they have an excellent chance at winning six or seven games.

On a smaller scale, players getting national attention also can give a program some much needed national recognition.

Benny Cunningham did just that by rushing for 217 yards and five touchdowns in the win against Georgia Tech.

That amazing stat line will get people talking about not only Cunningham, but the program as well.

With their loss to McNeese State, the Blue Raiders needed an upset somewhere along the way to give themselves a chance at making the all important bowl game for these smaller programs.

What this win really did for the Blue Raiders was revamp a program that was struggling in recruiting and losing its small national attention that it gained in 2009.

If the Blue Raiders can get a win against a Louisiana-Monroe program that has suddenly gotten some national recognition, then the Blue Raiders can really get people talking about them.

Out of seemingly nowhere, the Blue Raiders could have gotten back some of that 2009 magic by taking down the Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Two straight bowl games have put the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders closer to the national spotlight than ever before, and they'll look to continue that rise by pulling off an upset against Purdue on Saturday.

This game should end up having a similar look to last year's contest against Minnesota at the start of the season, when the Golden Gophers established the run against a smaller Blue Raiders squad.

If the Blue Raiders want to shock the college football world, then they'll have to stop the run early and often to force Purdue to rely more on the pass.

They failed to do that against Minnesota last season, and still only lost by a touchdown.

The Blue Raiders defensive line is relatively young and inexperienced, so penetrating the much bigger Purdue offensive line will be a huge challenge.

The offensive linemen of Purdue all way upwards of 300 pounds, while the Blue Raiders defensive line does not have one guy who weighs that much.

For that reason, the linebackers will play a bigger role in contributing in stopping the run. Stephen Roberts, a redshirt sophomore linebacker, is expected to have a huge first season with the Blue Raiders and will need to be effective against the run.

It's vital that the Blue Raiders keep the score low in this game because quarterback Logan Kilgore is also inexperienced and will most likely not put up too many points.

The way the Blue Raiders will win this game is by playing scrappy, roughneck football. That starts by winning in the trenches.

To do that, they'll have to figure out a way to slow down Ralph Bolden, a guy who rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in 2009.

Bolden missed 2010 with a knee injury.

Perhaps the best thing working in the favor of the Blue Raiders is they will be facing a backup quarterback for Purdue in Caleb TerBush.

If the Blue Raiders silence the run, then the Boilermakers will have to figure out a way to beat the Blue Raiders behind the arm of an inexperienced quarterback.

The Blue Raiders were not shy about scheduling tough opponents in their non-conference schedule, so an opening win against Purdue would put them in good shape for qualifying for their third-straight bowl game.

As spring practice continues, fans are anxious to see what their Blue Raiders will bring to the field this fall. 

One area that will see a lot of new faces is the defensive line.

Coach Palermo and new defensive coordinator Steve Ellis will certainly have their work cut out for them.

They have the tough task of replacing three starters, one of them being Jamari Lattimore, the Sun-Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The other two seniors, right tackle Dwight Smith and defensive end Emanuel Perez, were valuable as well.

The three seniors led a unit that produced 22.5 sacks, 51 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hurries.

Keep in mind that these numbers came from a defense that was almost constantly on the field. Middle Tennessee was last in the conference in time of possession, often only giving the defense a minute or two before they had to be back out on the field.

While the time of possession can be remedied this season, one problem that will remain is a lack of experience.

This year’s line will only feature one senior, Sacoby Carter. As a defensive tackle, Carter had a solid ’09 campaign, but saw a significant reduction in his stats last year, producing only seven tackles.

Joining Carter on the interior, I expect Derrek Upshaw, Paramore Tapa, Jesse Kirkland and Patrick McNeal to all see the field.

Upshaw is a redshirt sophomore that produced well in the 11 games that he played in last year. In addition to blocking two kicks on special teams (one in the bowl game), he contributed nine tackles, 2.5 for loss and a forced fumble.

Tapa was a late signee this spring, but put up great numbers in junior college. As a sophomore, Tapa registered 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Like Tapa, Kirkland is a transfer from the California junior college ranks and turned in 32 tackles in ’09, before taking a redshirt season last year.

McNeal is another tackle that I expect to do well this year. He started hot last year, racking up three tackles against Minnesota, but an injury in the Austin Peay game led to a medical redshirt. A monster three-star recruit coming out of high school, I expect a fully a healthy McNeal to make a big impact for the Blue Raiders this year.

The defensive ends have some big shoes to fill and will be in the shadow of Jamari Lattimore.

Omar McLendon is the natural successor, playing in all 13 games last season as a backup for Lattimore and Perez. McLendon put up solid numbers, receiving nine winning grades from the coaches and registering 18 tackles. 

Joining him this season, I expect Dearco Nolan, Jimmy Staten and possibly Morris Moore to see playing time.

Nolan is a redshirt sophomore who played in 11 games last year, racking up six tackles, two for loss and a sack; also a redshirt sophomore, Staten saw action in all 13 games, picking up five tackles and six winning grades from the coaches.

Moore is an unknown, but after a redshirt his freshmen year, the 6-4, 270 pound defensive end has a lot of potential.

Another x-factor is three star recruit Alexandro Antoine. A local product of Antioch, he put up solid numbers his senior year and has the potential to suit up on Saturdays for the Blue Raiders.

Replacing talented players is never an easy task, especially when experience is lacking.

Thankfully, Palermo is a talented coach and if the players can match Steve Ellis’ intensity, the Blue Raiders will be just fine.

For any collegiate football staff, the vacation does not start after the season ends. As soon as the bowl games are over, the coaching staff hits the recruiting trail, looking for players to fill the gaps left by graduating seniors.

Even tougher, the coaches are looking to fill positions two and three years down the road. As the Blue Raiders started to look at what they had to work with for the 2011 season, it was evident that there were some holes.

The coaching staff did an excellent job analyzing areas of need, and then finding players to fit those needs. The first need obviously was a quarterback. With the departure of Dwight Dasher, the Blue Raiders have four horses in the stable that are looking to step up and lead the team.

Many people may feel that standout Logan Kilgore is a foregone conclusion to win the starting job. While his strong arm and ability to read defenses make him an early favorite, new offensive coordinator Willie Simmons has mentioned several times that healthy competition for the job is good.

After Dasher’s horrendous season, the Blue Raiders will be looking for someone to make accurate passes and smart decisions. In an interview last week, Simmons mentioned that the goal for this year was to “eliminate turnovers.”

The coaching staff is going to give the nod to the guy who they feel has the best grasp of the offense, as well as the tools to effectively attack the defense.

With several leaders on the defensive side of the ball gone, the need to sustain long drives and put points on the board is at a premium. New freshmen recruits Timmy Byerly and Shaun White, along with senior Jeff Murphy, will all get consideration leading up to the season.

Byerly and White both have good size, but are at a disadvantage when it comes to the playbook. They will only have the summer and fall camp to get familiarized with a new system, and the learning curve from high school to college is steep. They both have a lot of potential and athletic ability, but I would be surprised if we see them this first year.

Some folks have talked about utilizing Byerly’s dual-threat potential in goal-line and fourth-down situations, but I’m not sure about that. It would be an interesting wrinkle, but at 6’1”, 218 lbs, he isn’t exactly going to be able to dominate the DBs like he did in high school. Maybe we’ll see this down the road, but I would expect at least one of the two to be red-shirted before the season begins.

Jeff Murphy, on the other hand, has experience in the system but his average performance on the field has not wowed coaches or fans. He played in three games last season, starting one against Austin Peay. In those three games he completed 31-of-53 passes for 395 yards, with one score and one interception.

Logan Kilgore also played last year, starting three games against Minnesota, Memphis and Louisiana-Lafayette. In those three games he was 50-of-80 for 540 yards and three touchdowns. The downside was that he threw five interceptions, three coming in the game against Memphis.

Despite this, I feel that he has the best shot to win the starting job. He has a stronger arm than Murphy, and has shown a good ability to read defenses. His downside is the Brett Favre “gunslinger” mentality that can lead him to force passes into tight windows, often resulting in interceptions. A full year of practice and maturity will hopefully temper this and improve his decision making.

In the end, no one knows exactly what will happen, and I think we are all anxious to see how our Boys in Blue perform at the spring game.

Before the 2010 season started, it was hard not to have high expectations.

There were a lot of things that the Blue Raiders had going for them, and even the most pessimistic of fans (including myself) were looking forward to building on the previous season’s success.

Coming off their first bowl win since the move to Division I, the boys in blue had several returning starters on both sides of the ball, including an quarterback that could break a big play on any given down.

The only dark cloud in an otherwise bright offseason appeared when talented defensive coordinator Manny Diaz moved to greener pastures and took a job with the Mississippi State 'Dawgs. The expectations swelled again, however, when Rick Stockstill passed up two lucrative contracts to stay on the sidelines as the head coach of the Blue Raiders.

Everything was in place for a great season, and folks began to talk about a conference championship, AP ranking and changing conferences as if they were foregone conclusions.

Then August 27th came along...the day that Dwight Dasher was suspended indefinitely for violating the NCAA amateurism legislation. This was the beginning of an up and down season that was filled with too many downs and not enough ups.

Here’s a quick season recap: In the time it takes Chris Johnson to run 40 yards, the officials had reviewed a questionable fumble, and the bottom of the Big Ten barrel Minnesota Golden Gophers had escaped Floyd Stadium with a win. A too close win against Austin Peay led to an embarrassing loss to a Memphis team that ended up with only one win on the season.

Fans thought we had weathered the storm when we beat ULL convincingly on the road. It turned out that we were just in the eye of the storm, as even the return of Dasher could not prevent losses to Troy and Georgia Tech by a combined score of 84-27.

A strong homecoming win against ULM proved to be another small hill on the season’s roller-coaster ride, as they followed it by plunging into embarrassing losses against Arkansas State and North Texas.

However, everyone knows that roller coasters save a little surprise for the ending, and sure enough that’s what the Raiders have done. Stock applied the paddles and somehow shocked a dead Blue Raider team back to life for the last three games of the season. They certainly were not pretty, but pretty does not matter...winning does, and that’s what MT did over the past three weeks. They found a way to win games and somehow sneak into a bowl game.

If you had told me after the embarrassing loss on national television to Arkansas State that we would be heading to a bowl game, I would have told you that you were completely crazy. Not even the best NFL team could win with a quarterback that throws an interception every other pass (just ask the Vikings this year) and a defense that gives up more points than a blind goalie.

Something changed though, and while Dasher will never be an NFL quarterback, he has taken better care of the ball. The defense found its rhythm behind all-conference players Jamari Lattimore, Rod Issac and Jeremy Kellem. The running attack has picked up, and all of a sudden a season that looked to be forgettable might just be salvageable.  

Will we win the bowl game? Maybe, maybe not...Miami is a solid team that has had an amazing turnaround this season. They have all kinds of momentum coming off a big win against the heavily favored (and ranked) Northern Illinois Huskies. They specialize in stopping the run, so the matchup, at least on paper, favors them.

While I obviously want us to win the game, I think how we got there is just as important, if not more so, than whether we win or lose.

When you start thinking about the future of the program, this turnaround can do wonders. First, it sends a message to the underclassmen. Instead of a dismal 3-9 or 4-8, they finish the regular season with a .500 record. They go to back-to-back bowl games for the first time in Blue Raider history.

The rising juniors and seniors have faced adversity and found a way to overcome. When faced with basically three “playoff games,” they stepped up and made the plays when they had to. Things like that stick with you as a player.

Furthermore, think about the impact this has on recruiting. Sadly, we are not Ohio State, USC or any of the SEC schools. UT had a poor season, but they will still have top-quality recruits next year. USC can be suspended for several seasons, and sure enough, kids will still go play there.

If MT has an abysmal season, it is far different. We fight tooth and nail for good recruits, and a bad season can have a lasting impact for years to come.

When a solid 3-star recruit has to make a choice between us and another school, we have to give them a reason to come here. Playing time only goes so far when the playing time comes in blowout losses. When you can throw out the words “bowl games” and “television exposure” to recruits, you can make a big difference in their decision-making process.

All in all, has it been a good year? The simple answer is no. Embarrassing losses on national television, plus losses to subpar Memphis and North Texas teams, mean that I cannot call this a good season.

However, it has NOT been a bad season. A few good players have emerged, and we finished the season on a roll and have a chance to bring home another bowl win. The ride has been bumpy at times, but like a good roller coaster, it keeps you coming back time and time again.

As great of a story as the Blue Raiders are by stringing off three straight wins to become bowl eligible, it still seems odd that they made a bowl game.

Before I go any further, I want to express that I'm not taking anything away from the players or the coaches of the Blue Raiders. They played their hearts out all season and they were lucky enough to receive a bowl invite.

With that said, we have to wonder what the bowl season has become in college football when 6-6 teams are playing in December and January.

Making the bowl season use to be a testament to how great of a season a team had, but now it seems that mediocrity is rewarded as well.

The Blue Raiders aren't the only team to single out here. There are plenty of average teams that made the bowl season.

In fact, the Blue Raiders are one of 13 teams at 6-6 that are participating in a bowl game.

Meanwhile, a team like Temple gets snubbed from the postseason at 8-4?

They defeated Connecticut, which also finished 8-4 and is going to a BCS bowl to play juggernaut Oklahoma?

Something isn't right here and if the bowl season is going to stick around, then it has to become less watered down.

In defense of the Blue Raiders, they overcame a major bump in the road when their star quarterback was suspended for the first four games. Only two of their six losses were by more than a touchdown as well.

There is a lot of intrigue with this team thanks to Dwight Dasher at quarterback, and I'm sure that had a lot to do with their invite to the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

Still, a 6-6 record is what it is—average.

It proves that the bowl season has become more about the big money than it is about rewarding the good teams with the postseason.

The problem with this season was the lack of really good teams, and maybe that's an indication that we have too many bowl games to begin with.

When we're having trouble finding enough good teams to fill up the bowl games, that means there are too many bowl games.

You may not realize it by reading this article, but I'm a huge supporter of the Blue Raiders and I'm happy they made a bowl game. However, it would mean a lot more if making the postseason took more work.

No reason to condemn the Blue Raiders for that and they will play hard in their second straight bowl game.

This is the seventh and final article of the series ranking the Sun Belt's teams position by position.

With several teams facing questions at their quarterback position, the Sun Belt's group of defensive backs would be forgiven for salivating. The prospect of several players forcing ill-advised passes may make for high interception and pass breakup totals.

Which groups are best-equipped to make those young passers pay?

1. Middle Tennessee State

The potential exists for three of MTSU's defensive backs to attain All-Sun Belt honors. Whether or not they actually do so may come down to the front seven's ability to create pressure.

Senior Jeremy Kellem is a rangy free safety who's aiming for a repeat of his first-team All-SBC season. He recorded 64 tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions. As if that wasn't enough, he forced two fumbles and blocked two kicks.

Kellem's fellow senior, 6'1", 205-pound strong safety Kevin Brown, was already established as a stiff presence in run support. His 63 tackles helped to verify that reputation last season. His other reputation, that of being an iffy coverage man, may have been shed through his four interceptions, seven pass breakups, and 11 passes defended.

Another senior, Rod Issac, will inherit the burden of covering opponents' top receivers after the graduation of Alex Suber. Issac recorded an impressive 72 tackles. His 5.5 tackles for loss were equally strong for a corner. Unfortunately, he did not record an interception. He will need to improve in this area to make quarterbacks think twice about testing him.

The other corner spot will be manned by junior college transfer Arness Ikner. Ikner  picked off six passes last season in helping Mount San Antonio (Calif.) to a national community college championship. Ikner's is as tough as they come. He will have to be since he measures only 5'9" and 167 pounds.

Another loss off the bench comes in the form of Marcus Udell and his seven interceptions. Someone will also need to step up into the nickel and dime packages.

An intriguing prospect is 2009 SBC All-Freshman performer Kenneth Gilstrap. Gilstrap's a former high school track All-American in the 100 and 200 meters, so his speed goes without saying. Last season he made 20 tackles, recovered two fumbles, and even blew away the Western Kentucky defense by scoring on a 49-yard reverse.

Junior free safety Derrick Crumpton has also shown a nose for the ball by recovering three fumbles in his career. The 5'11" 190-pounder defended four passes last season and made 29 tackles. His knack for being around the play will aid his chances of taking over for Kellem next season.

Sophomore Denzell Guerra is set to caddy for Kevin Brown at strong safety. Most of his 13 tackles were on special teams but his 4.4 speed will allow him to play almost anywhere in the secondary. The coaches have rewarded his improved work habits with a spot on the two-deep chart.

2. Louisiana-Lafayette

The Ragin' Cajun defensive backs suffer from the lack of a pass rush. If they get any help at all up front, they could prove a very solid group at season's end.

The discussion must start with cornerback duo Dwight Bentley and Orkeys Auriene who are on the list for best starting pair in the conference.

Bentley, a 5'11", 173-pound junior, is the rare skinny corner who appears to relish opportunities to support the run. He racked up 58 tackles last season. Bentley has been criticized for being too focused on the backfield and not enough on his man. His tackling numbers may suffer this season but the potential exists for improvement on his three interceptions and five pass break-ups.

Auriene is a 5'10", 175-pound senior who's more of the stereotypical finesse corner. He racked up 45 tackles last season and broke up six passes. To his credit he plays with the swagger and the short memory a corner needs to forget big plays.

At strong safety, junior Lance Kelley blends size (6'3", 196) and speed (4.5 in the 40) to create a potential all-conference package. In limited time last season he recorded 32 tackles and two interceptions.

Free safety Maurice Rolle is another fierce hitter who occasionally suffers for throwing his 6'1", 192-pound body around. He tied for the team lead with three interceptions last season and made 33 tackles. Unfortunately, shoulder problems made him miss two games last year.

Reserve strong safety Le'Marcus Gibson was headed to Hawaii before injuring his knee. A 6'0", 205-pound junior, Gibson is renowned as a hitter and he'll get a chance to strike some fear into receivers while caddying for Kelley.

Lionel Stokes, a 5'10", 185-pound junior, has added 10 pounds to his frame and appears to have moved positions as well. Originally projected as a reserve corner, he's now listed as the number two free safety. He averaged almost 11 tackles per game in junior college last season and should figure prominently in nickel and dime packages.

Junior Melvin White has great size (6'3", 181) and good range. Now, he just needs some experience. He recorded only seven tackles last season in limited time.

3. Florida Atlantic

The Owls were so bad against the run last season teams had little need to pass aggressively. When they did the secondary struggled to come up with big plays. The potential, however, is still there.

Cornerback Tavious Polo was named a preseason All-Sun Belt performer this year. This was primarily based on a tremendous freshman year in 2007. Polo hauled in seven picks that year but has recorded only two since. He's bulked up 20 pounds to 175. With three seasons of experience, his coaches are dying to see his nose for the ball exhibited once more.

A good free safety can always rack up insane tackle numbers if playing behind a weak front seven. Exhibit A for that theory is FAU's Marcus Bartels.

Bartels ranked second in the Sun Belt with 112 tackles last year, despite not becoming a starter until the third game. The 5'9", 170-pound junior rolled up five tackles for loss--a tremendous testament to his instincts and range.

At strong safety, Ed Alexander started all 12 games, recording 66 tackles and five break-ups. He's a 6'1", 180-pound senior who has the experience and speed to make even more big plays. If he shows a nose for the ball, opponents may have to abandon the pass altogether.

At the opposite cornerback position, six-foot senior Tavoris Hill gets picked on quite a bit as quarterbacks avoid Polo. This results in chances to make plays that the wiry 169-pounder sometimes misses. He managed 27 tackles but only one pick in a 2009 season cut short by a broken arm.

Redshirt freshman CB Keith Reaser measures 5'10" and 165 pounds. Skinny, yes, but it's a good measure that his skills are good enough to make coaches overlook his size. He's the heir apparent to Polo next season. 2010 may serve as a tempting glimpse of coming attractions.

Junior Curtis Cross started the first game after Hill suffered his broken arm but then went down with a knee injury of his own. In 10 appearances, he carded 17 tackles.

Sophomore Brentley Harstad didn't get a ton of time in the safety rotation last season but he made the most of it, recording a team-leading two interceptions. He also recorded 19 tackles and showed instincts similar to Bartels. The 6'1" 185-pounder may slot into FAU's nickel package this season.

Sophomore Tony Rodriguez was actually the opening day starter at free safety before giving way to Bartels. He racked up 15 tackles in his limited work.

4. Florida International

FIU's group has serious upside if some touted recruits turn out as expected. If they don't the ship may spring a leak and deep-six coach Mario Cristobal's job.

There is a little experience returning led by preseason All-SBC corner Anthony Gaitor. A second-team All-Conference player last year, the 5'10", 185-pound senior picked off two passes and broke up eight others. He does not shy away from contact recording 45 tackles and even 4.5 for loss.

FIU fans will be delirious with joy if six-foot, 215-pound senior SS Ashlyn Parker can actually survive the season after seeing two straight years ended early by injury. Before going down in the opener last year, Parker had recorded seven tackles and one for loss, giving a glimpse of his destructive potential. He made 56 stops as a sophomore in 2007.

Sophomore free safety Jonathan Cyprien established himself quickly, recording 78 tackles, second-most on the team. The six-foot 205-pounder is feared against the run, making big hits and forcing two fumbles last season. The coaches would like to see more big plays in the air, however, and they hope for improvement on his one interception.

The other corner spot opposite Gaitor is still up in the air. Senior Dezeriah Johnson made four starts last year and recorded 22 tackles before getting hurt. He's 6'1" and 190 pounds, big enough to hold his own against just about any receiver in the Sun Belt.

Freshmen Jose Cheeseborough (5'9", 160), Khambrel McGee (5'8", 175), and Sam Miller (5'9", 181) are getting looks at the starting spot as well. Sophomore Emmanuel Souarin (5'11", 175) could also figure in the mix if Cristobal decides he wants more size in the rotation.

Junior Chuck Grace only saw action in nine games, but still finished tenth on the team with 30 tackles. He also tied for the team lead in passes defended (eight, tied with Gaitor) and led in pass break-ups with seven. He may see extensive work in nickel and dime packages this year.

Former walk-on Kreg Brown will see action at either safety position, but should primarily caddy for Parker and work on special teams. The 5'11", 195-pound senior managed 21 tackles and broke up two passes last season.

5. North Texas

UNT's front seven seemed ineffectual at times, resulting in lots of opportunities for the secondary to make tackles. The unit was the Sun Belt's best against the pass but, like FAU, that was primarily due to the ease with which opponents ran on North Texas. There is talent, but there may not be many chances for big plays if the defensive backs don't get help.

The defense could only force 15 turnovers last season and four of those were attributed to cornerback Royce Hill. The six-foot junior picked off three passes and recovered a fumble to go with his 47 tackles. A summer injury hasn't prevented him from getting back atop the two-deep. It remains to be seen how his play will be affected.

Steven Ford, another six-foot junior, has slid ahead of fellow JUCO transfer D'Leon McCord for the spot opposite Hill. He was said to be all over the field in fall camps. The potential may exist for him to hold his own against opponents' primary receivers.

Junior free safety DaWaylon Cook was essentially an extra linebacker with the way he continually supported the run. He made 85 tackles, 69 of them solo, and recovered two fumbles. He, however, failed to pick off a pass.

Safety Ira Smith, a 5'11" senior, has the speed and agility to fill in at corner if the situation dictates. Even though he's bulked up almost 10 pounds to 192, concerns exist that he lacks optimum safety size. None of that stopped him from recording 53 tackles last year.

A pair of 6'1" corners, junior D'Leon McCord and sophomore Hilbert Jackson, should see time in the rotation behind Hill and Ford. Solid athletes, the two may only lack experience.

JUCO transfer Ryan Downing will see action at safety behind Cook. The 6'1" 195-pounder made 62 tackles and three interceptions for Butler County Community College last season.

6. Arkansas State

ASU's secondary might actually be the weak point of the defense. Since the front seven is quite solid, this is not as big an indictment as it sounds. There could be problems, however, if cornerback prospects do not pan out.

First, though, the strength lies in the safeties.

Senior free safety M.D. Jennings was having a solid season before being injured with a game to go. He made 64 tackles, broke up six passes, and recovered three fumbles, but only managed one interception.

Junior Kelcie McCray returns at strong safety after leading the team with four interceptions. The 6'2" 190-pounder may still be learning the position after being a high school quarterback. When it comes to hitting, he's capable of punching above his weight. He made 58 stops last season.

At one corner, junior college transfer Darron Edwards is considered the jewel of this season's recruiting class. He broke up 19 passes for Butler Community College (Kan.) and picked off four others. If the 5'11", 180-pound athlete can exhibit a similar nose for Sun Belt passes, he could contend for conference honors.

Senior Walter Moody could not stay healthy last season, seeing limited action in his seven appearances. He made seven tackles in those games, and making stops is considered a strength of his game. If he ever gets to show off that skill, ASU fans will be quite happy.

Sophomore corner Chaz Scales isn't a dangerous tackler, even though he made ten stops last year in spot duty. More disconcerting for the coaching staff is that he never got his hands on a pass. The 5'8", 160-pound speedster can run with just about anyone, and he needs to get in the way of some throws to stay on the field.

Jaquan Kilcrease will caddy for Jennings, and it may not be surprising to see him put large numbers on stat sheets this fall. He's a 6'2", 200-pound junior with strong hitting ability. Kilcrease showed that off last season to the tune of 29 tackles, two of them for loss.

7. Troy

Troy's pass defense was an unmitigated failure last season, allowing 286.8 yards per game, third-worst in America. This is odd because four of the six departed members of the front seven (and one departed defensive back) saw time in NFL training camps. The secondary has its issues once again, with a corner moving to safety and several unproven prospects.

Barry Valcin was recruited as a safety by schools like Baylor and LSU, both of which he committed to briefly before ending up at a junior college. He spent last season as a corner for Troy, making 51 tackles and five break-ups. Now, the 5'11", 195-pound senior is setting up shop at free safety.

Sophomore corner Bryan Willis was a bright spot from day one, leading the team with four interceptions and 12 break-ups. Of his 73 tackles, 60 were unassisted, showing a rare tackling sureness for a corner. He was named second-team All-Sun Belt last season, and could contend for first-team honors this year.

Freshman Chris Pickett appears to have beaten out the pack for the other cornerback position, but expect a lot of rotation. JUCO transfer Jimmie Anderson, sophomore KeJuan Phillips, and Cincinnati/Rutgers recruit Dionte Ponder will also see snaps. All have good quickness, but none have great size.

Senior Willard Ross will hold down strong safety after making a pair of starts last year. He's a 5'11" 195-pounder who made 26 tackles in 2009, but had little else show up on the stat sheet.

Senior Bryant McKissic, at 6'1" and 214 pounds, is the Trojans' biggest defensive back. He started the GMAC Bowl after primarily being a special teams player before. He managed 20 tackles and a pick last season, and could improve on those numbers seeing time at either safety position.

8. Western Kentucky

The Hilltopper secondary may have occasionally felt all alone on the field behind a front seven that could generate no pressure last season. This year that experience may harden the returnees, none of whom are seniors. If it doesn't several recruits have been added who can challenge for time.

The undisputed leader in the secondary is junior strong safety Mark Santoro, a six-foot, 200-pound dervish who's recorded 151 tackles in his first two seasons. He could be a good coverage man if given the opportunity, but last season, he was too busy charging the box to stop the run.

Sophomore Kareem Peterson has charged into the starting free safety spot. The 5'11" 175-pounder appeared in only eight games, but found time in those games to record 57 tackles, 46 of them solo. On a team where only six players recorded interceptions (and none more than one), it should be no surprise that Peterson had none himself.

A slightly undersized 5'9", 163-pound sophomore, Jamal Forrest started all but one game at corner last season. He broke up four passes, made 32 tackles, and was one of the illustrious six with picks. He can run with anyone but bigger receivers have given him fits.

Former receiver Derrius Brooks has played his way into a starting cornerback spot. He's run track for Western in the past so his speed is undeniable. Coach Willie Taggart has praised his changes in mentality and technique and the 5'10" junior has to go out and justify his coach's reviews.

Junior Ryan Beard has had his career interrupted by both disciplinary problems and injuries. All of which have contributed to him losing his starting free safety position. He appears to have all the tools to excel but staying on the field has got to be paramount.

Santoro's caddy will be redshirt freshman Kiante Young, a 5'11" 205-pounder from Gainesville, Georgia. Young's known as a major hitter and is expected to see time somewhere.

9. Louisiana-Monroe

The Warhawks' defensive backs are an inexperienced group in need of extra depth thanks to the 3-3-5 base defense they play. The new personnel will have to hit the ground running or else they'll suffer some long days against the likes of Arkansas and Auburn.

Strong safety Darius Prelow, a six-foot, 210-pound junior, managed to break up 12 passes and make 62 tackles last season. His goal for this season is to turn some of those break-ups into interceptions. He's dangerous in run support as well.

Corner Nate Brown was able to break up six passes himself, and pick off two, in his 12 starts. Of his 40 tackles, three of them were for loss. He's unafraid to throw down against any ball carrier coming his way, in spite of his 5'9", 180-pound frame.

The other corner position is set to be manned by sophomore Robert Nelson. He saw limited defensive work last year but made some special teams plays, including a blocked PAT against Kentucky. The 5'10" 159-pounder recorded six tackles in his eight games.

At free safety, 5'9", 186-pound sophomore Khairi Usher will step in despite only having three tackles to his credit in nine appearances. He's considered a good blend of speed and physicality and he will get tested early and often.

The rover-style H position was capably manned by 64-tackle man James Truxillo last season and now senior Alex Ibe will take over. Ibe's athletic enough to play any of the safety spots. His 6'2", 215-pound frame would qualify him to play linebacker at many SBC schools. Last year, he made 23 tackles, two for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Skinny redshirt freshman Otis Peterson (5'11", 165) will see action as a reserve corner after moving over from receiver. He's got speed and height but his tackling ability will need to be proven.

Freshmen Roland Veal and Isaiah Newsome are expected to see work at safety.

With more teams seeming to need their running games to bail out inexperienced quarterbacks this season, it may not be open season on the Sun Belt's defensive backs. If these units can compete, more teams may be forced to ponder offensive changes.

Scott Henry covers the MTSU Blue Raiders on his radio show 4 Quarters, airing on WMTS 88.3 FM in Murfreesboro and streaming live at wmts.org. Podcasts may be found at Starr*Rated.

You can also find the show on Facebook and follow Scott's ramblings on Twitter.

This is the fifth in a series of articles ranking the Sun Belt Conference’s football teams position-by-position.

The Sun Belt Conference is a league that is sometimes defined by its members’ spread offenses and the record-setting feats of the quarterbacks who run them. For that reason, it may not come as any surprise that the Sun Belt Conference does not boast a tremendous amount of defensive line talent.

SBC offenses may be in for more success this fall if the defenses opposite them cannot generate more pressure up front. Here, we rank the defensive lines most likely to do just that.

1. Middle Tennessee State

MTSU head coach Rick Stockstill named the defensive front seven as his biggest area of concern entering fall practice. It’s telling that the same line that “keeps [him] awake at night” could also be the best one in the Sun Belt.

After losing two solid linemen in Brandon Perry and the co-SBC Defensive Player of the Year, Chris McCoy, the Raiders do have some holes to fill.

The returnees are led by senior end Jamari Lattimore, who recorded 47 tackles (10 for loss) and 5.5 sacks playing next to Perry and opposite McCoy. How the 2009 All-SBC second-teamer produces while being the center of blockers’ attention will be a closely watched factor this season.

Senior tackle Dwight Smith is the other returning starter, beginning his third season in that position. Smith’s production declined from his sophomore year, dropping from 30 tackles to 22, and offseason injuries kept him out of spring practice.

Injuries also derailed the offseason preparations of tackles SaCoby Carter and Gary Tucker, interfering with their ability to stake claims on the other inside starting position.

Ends Jarrett Crittenton and Phillip Tinsley struggled with injuries as well, and may have cleared the way for senior Emmanuel Perez to take over McCoy’s end position. Perez recorded 31 tackles (five for loss) and 2.5 sacks in 2009.

Sophomores Omar McClendon and Kendall Dangerfield may see the field before Crittenton and Tinsley do. The Raiders have several bodies for depth, but most of them are unproven.

2. Arkansas State

Like MTSU, the Red Wolves lose a former Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year from last year’s line in Alex Carrington. Also like MTSU, ASU is led by a returning All-Sun Belt second team performer.

Senior tackle Bryan Hall (6’2”, 290 pounds) returns after a season in which he recorded nine tackles for loss among his 31 stops. He’s a third-year starter who has earned enough respect from the conference’s opposing coaches that he was named preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Unlike MTSU, ASU returns only the one starter.

Junior Dorvus Woods projects to join Hall on the inside. Despite being undersized for the position at 265 pounds, he was second among last season’s interior linemen with 4.5 tackles for loss among his 23 tackles.

While Woods’ quick first step allows him to provide inside pass rush, 5’11” 305-pound fireplug Greg McCall will provide an anchor against the run. McCall, a junior, has recorded 17 tackles (three for loss) in 21 career appearances.

Juniors Justin Robertson and Jeremy Gibson are expected to man the end positions.

The 6’5”, 250-pound Gibson started only one game last season, but received enough snaps to record six tackles for loss and three sacks. Gibson has the ability to disrupt the backfield and force some turnovers, as evidenced by his 2007 freshman performance, in which he recovered two fumbles and forced one.

Robertson lacks Gibson’s exceptional size, measuring 6’2” and 250 pounds; he also lacks Gibson’s experience with only eight games to his credit since transferring from Jackson State.

Compared to most of the reserve options, however, Robertson’s a grizzled veteran. Junior college transfer Brandon Joiner and 6’5” sophomore Tim Starson appear set as the reserve ends. Starson recorded three tackles (one for loss) in nine appearances.

Joiner’s Juco teammate Blake Chavis is expected to make an impact at some point during the season as well. Originally a Texas A&M recruit, Chavis helped Navarro (Tex.) College to a No. 3 national ranking in 2009.

3. Louisiana-Lafayette

When ULL forced turnovers last season, they did well. The Ragin’ Cajuns were 6-2 last season when they forced two or more turnovers but 0-4 when forcing one or none.

Unlike most of the conference, they return experience on the defensive line and it’s going to take continued improvement from everyone involved for the defense to ascend to the top of the conference.

Their defense only recorded 16 sacks last season and 11 of them were from players who have now graduated. With that in mind, it appears that the tackles may be the strength of the line.

The Cajuns can go four deep at tackle, and three of them have starting experience. The one who doesn’t, senior Jordan Topp, is expected to beat seniors Jermaine Rogers and Sharrick Moore for a starting position this fall. Topp recorded 23 tackles and recovered three fumbles in his reserve role.

Junior Derreck Dean racked up 33 tackles and forced two fumbles. He may need to better those numbers for the defense to stop runners like North Texas’s Lance Dunbar and Monroe’s Frank Goodin.

Rogers and Moore provide depth that few teams in the league can match. Moore started the first seven games last season before missing two with a shoulder injury. Of his eight tackles, three were for loss.

Rogers recorded 19 tackles in his 12 games.

The end position seems a bit shakier: senior Terrell Richardson returns to his right end position, but he recorded only 19 tackles with no sacks. Richardson’s 6’5” frame allowed him to bat down a couple of passes last season but the coaches prefer that he drag down some passers as well.

Junior Nate Douglas missed the 2009 season through injury but if he can capture his 2008 form, he’ll be a disruptive force at the other end spot. Douglas recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss that season, despite not starting any games.

Junior college transfer Bernard Smith was signed to provide pass-rushing speed off the end. Junior Tyrell Gaddies will also figure heavily in a reserve role following his 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season.

Junior college transfer Chris Tucker has been able to get major reps at end in fall practice while Gaddies, Smith, and Douglas nurse injuries.

4. Florida Atlantic

The Owls’ defense was among the nation’s worst last season, especially against the run. So how does their line rank this highly?

Potential, mainly.

Junior end Kevin Cyrille could be the engine to make the entire FAU defense go. He’s got the size (6’4”, 275) to be a reasonable run stopper and also made 11.5 tackles for loss last season. His three sacks don’t sound like much but they were a quarter of the entire team’s total for last season.

Another quarter of the 12 sacks came from senior tackle Dino Cox. He gives a solid interior pass rush and has bulked up 40 pounds from last season (to 280) to aid against the run. Like Cyrille, he showed an ability to crash the backfield and force negative plays, making five tackles for loss in 2009.

The other tackle spot appears to be held down by junior Jarvis Givens. The 305-pounder from Miami was frustrated by injuries last season and coming out of this spring’s practices but has apparently rebounded well this fall.

Right end appears to be a rotation between squatty 6’1” senior Daniel Joseph and the taller 6’4” junior Jamere Johnson. The two combined for 37 tackles last season, with 6.5 for loss. Both are considered quick linemen with pass rush potential that the Owls so desperately need.

Sophomore tackle Jimmy Jean will be a featured performer off the bench. His 290-pound build and mauling style made him a recruiting target for Louisville and several of FAU’s Sun Belt opponents. He can give FAU one more rock against opponents’ run game.

True freshman Cory Henry is not expected to redshirt. On a Howard Schnellenberger team, that’s a tremendous accomplishment. Recruited by the likes of Syracuse, Kentucky, and West Virginia, the 6’3” prospect could make an instant impact in FAU’s new, more aggressive defensive scheme.

5. North Texas

The Mean Green return five players with starting experience, but that experience wasn’t terribly pleasant for the line last season. The UNT defense was the conference’s leader against the pass last season but mainly because they surrendered almost 200 rushing yards per game.

Improvement against the run will need to start with the tackles: seniors Kelvin Jackson and Shavod Atkinson started 12 games between them last season but only started one of those games together—the two 300-pounders were both limited by injuries in 2009.

Atkinson racked up 33 tackles, 3.5 for loss. Jackson finished the season with 16 tackles.

Another side effect of opponents’ running success was a lack of pass rush opportunities. The Mean Green rolled up only 13 sacks and almost half of those came from junior end Brandon Akpunku.

Among Akpunku’s 47 tackles were 11.5 for loss and he also added six sacks. Despite being built more like a safety (6’1”, 226), Akpunku has had success beating tackles with his speed off the edge.

The even smaller K.C. Obi (6’2”, 214) is expected to take over on the opposite end. The sophomore struggled in four midseason starts, frequently being erased from plays by bigger, stronger blockers. He had 26 tackles, four for loss, but the coaches hope he can use his speed to penetrate the backfield more often.

Sophomore Tevinn Cantly started the last four games at tackle and is expected to make a contribution both inside and outside. However, he’s currently dealing with an unknown knee ailment, even being sent for an MRI last week.

Senior John Weber, like Cantly, has been moved between end and tackle. The 6’3” 288-pounder is considered to have a quick burst off the ball and may provide an interior push on passing downs.

Brandon McCoy, who’s pushed his way onto the two-deep roster, is an unusual kind of sophomore walk-on. The 24-year-old Iraq veteran, nicknamed “Sarge,” has garnered praise for his nonstop motor, and may make an interesting impact this season.

6. Troy

The Trojans’ entire front seven is in flux—the line was forced to replace all four starters, three of whom were All-Sun Belt selections. They’ll have to rely on athleticism to trump their inexperience.

Senior Mario Addison appears to be the best candidate to lead the unit. In a reserve and special teams role, Addison accounted for 32 tackles, 6 for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Sophomore Jonathan Massaquoi, brother of Cleveland Browns receiver Mohamed, may be one of the smallest defensive ends in the Sun Belt (6’2”, 227), but he’s known for a tremendous burst into the backfield.

Likewise, the tackle position appears to be in relatively undersized hands. Senior Riley Flowers (280 pounds), senior Emanuel Dudley (286 ponds), and sophomore Tony Davis (a mere 242 pounds) will be rotating through the inside of the line.

Depth was thinned out with the dismissal of two linemen in May and another being suspended for the season, so Larry Blakeney’s club has to rely on players like junior Brandon Boudreaux and a group of freshmen at end.

At tackle, the reserve options are also a bit green, with redshirt freshman Aaron Williams and true freshman Tommy Stephens as main options along with LSU transfer Sidell Corley.

7. Louisiana-Monroe

The Warhawks might have placed a spot or two higher if not for the dire news surrounding end Troy Evans. A spring practice back injury has the coaching staff worried that he’ll miss the entire season.

Evans’ production will be hard to replace, as he recorded 32 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 2009.

On the most recent depth chart, Evans’ place on the weak side has been filled by converted tight end Keavon Milton. The 6’4” 260-pounder hasn’t played defense in three years, since his high school career. He was expected to simply provide depth but has worked his way up to the top spot.

The opposite end position is filled by 270-pound junior Ken Dorsey. Dorsey broke his leg as a freshman in 2007, which has slowed his development ever since. With only six games of experience, the coaches are a lot more excited about his potential than his production to this point. Dorsey’s size and quickness are considered optimal for Monroe’s 3-3-5 defense.

At nose guard, 5’10” fireplug Aaron Moore made one start last season, against Arizona State. He was expected to get the full-time job this year, but once again, the Warhawk staff threw a curve and named sixth-year senior Bryan Glenn as the starter.

Glenn is another player with limited game experience, despite his five seasons of college and junior college football. He’s made 10 appearances and only three tackles in his career.

In comparison, Moore has made 24 appearances and recorded 16 tackles in his three seasons in Monroe.

Off the bench, 224-pound pass rush specialist Jordan Landry will rotate with Milton. Another converted tight end, redshirt freshman Emmanuel Jeffries, may see pass rush opportunities on the other side.

For an additional option in the middle, the coaches can turn to 273-pound senior Quantez Hunter. The former Grambling and JUCO transfer is expected to provide some inside pass rush.

8. Western Kentucky

The Hilltoppers are switching from a 3-4 defense, which couldn’t stop anyone last season, to a 4-3 system. How the players can adapt to the new system will be an important factor in the team’s efforts to end its 20-game losing streak.

Junior end Jared Clendenin is expected to be the chief beneficiary of the system change. The 258-pounder made 40 tackles last season but could only card one sack out of the 3-4 alignment. Coach Willie Taggart’s staff is anxious to see if he has the pass rush skills to make the defense more dangerous.

Sophomore Quanterus Smith has the potential to be a disruptive force on the left side. At 6’5” and 240 pounds, he presents difficulties for quarterbacks attempting to throw over the top. He made 12 tackles last season, primarily as a linebacker.

Sophomore tackles James Hervey and Cole Tischer lack the prototypical bulk for the inside, as neither top 270 pounds.

Tischer started 11 of the 12 games last season at end but has only produced nine tackles.

Hervey made only five tackles himself, but 2.5 were for loss and he added a sack to boot.

Another sophomore, 276-pound Kenny Martin, started as an end before starting the season’s final eight games on the nose. He failed to record a sack and had only one tackle for loss. He’ll need to become more disruptive to keep earning playing time.

Sophomore Korentheus Bailey is the biggest body on the line, at 297 pounds. His 12 tackles included three for loss and he may contribute the interior thrust that Martin has (thus far) failed to provide.

Ends Galation King and Bo Adebayo are expected to be factors as well. Adebayo has tackle size (6’4”, 270) and end quickness. He provided 14 tackles, four for loss, and 2.5 sacks last season.

Redshirt freshman King would have been more at home in the 3-4 but he could still contribute as a run stopper at end in the 4-3.

9. Florida International

FIU returns many part-time players from a defense that struggled to find any effective combinations in 2009. The Golden Panthers allowed almost 500 total yards per game last season, second-worst in the nation.

The defensive line is not without potential.

Sophomore Tourek Williams may have the star quality to anchor FIU’s line. The 6’4”, 255-pound Miami product made 28 tackles and five stops for loss as a reserve last season. However, he may have made his greatest impact on special teams, blocking two kicks.

Converted running back James Jones is considered a potential pass-rushing specialist, in large part because the coaches are unsure if his 230-pound frame can hold the point against rampaging run blockers. He made three starts last season but could only manage seven tackles.

Senior Jarvis Wilson may end up with the starting position ahead of Jones, as he was much more productive in his playing time. The converted linebacker recorded 35 tackles with 4.5 for loss, almost in spite of his 235-pound build.

The tackles, for the most part, are oddly built for their positions.

Sophomores Kasey Smith, Joshua Forney, and Andre Pound, along with senior Thatcher Starling, are all 6’3” or 6’4”, a bit tall to be able to gain consistent leverage against guards and centers. Pound is the heaviest at 285 pounds.

Smith is considered a solid run-stopper but spent very little time in the opposing backfield. Starling had no such problem, managing three sacks and 4.5 stops for loss among his 24 tackles.

There’s not a lot in the way of experienced talent on the Sun Belt’s defensive lines, but each team has some reason to be intrigued with the young players that will be dueling in the trenches this season.

Scott Henry covers the MTSU Blue Raiders on his radio show 4 Quarters, airing Thursdays at 10 AM Central on WMTS 88.3 FM in Murfreesboro and streaming live at wmts.org. Podcasts may be found at Starr*Rated.

You can also find the show on Facebook and follow Scott's ramblings on Twitter.