University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Football Positional Preview: Defensive Line
8/9/2024 4:15:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team is in its second week of training camp as the Blue Hens prepare for the upcoming 2024 campaign. As the season opener on Aug. 29 quickly approaches, Bluehens.com will be taking an in-depth look at each of the team's position groups, with this edition featuring the defensive line.
The Blue Hens bring back a lot of production on the defensive front as Keyshawn Hunter and Jack Hall both return after ranking among the team leaders in tackles last season. Hunter tied for third on the defense with 48 tackles and added 6.5 TFLs in 11 games while Hall finished with 42 tackles and was second on the team with 4.0 sacks and third with 8.0 TFLs.
"It is really good to have guys who have a lot of football under their belts," said defensive line coach Kyre Hawkins. "Guys like Jack and Keyshawn are doing a great job of being vets in the room. Stepping up to the plate every day and getting themselves better and getting the unit better; holding the standard high. I think it will be a pretty productive season for those guys."
Four other returners appeared in all 13 games in 2023 as regular members of the rotation. Dominick Brogna and Ethan Saunders finished with 22 and 19 tackles, respectively, and combined for 7.0 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. Melkart Abou-Jaoude came on strong at the end of the season and finished with 25 tackles, 5.0 TFLs and 2.0 sacks. Nick Karika made a strong impression in his first season in the Blue & Gold as he registered nine tackles and 2.0 TFLs.
Delaware has a great deal of veteran depth on the defensive line with a number of returners who look to see more playing time in 2024. James Yelbert appeared in 11 games last season, primarily on special teams, making five tackles with 0.5 sacks. Q'yaeir Price will look to make an immediate impact after transferring from Rutgers and a quartet of Blue Hens – Amin Mimouni, Pete Melle, Nate Ray and Kion Wright – will all seek an increased role after not seeing game action in 2023
"It is great to have the depth that we do," said Hawkins. "Guys who have done it already and guys who are coming along. The younger guys are doing a great job of learning from the veteran guys and taking good steps to play like them. It doesn't matter who is out there right now, it is just the D-line playing D-line."
Delaware has also brought in a trio of freshmen on the defensive line – Trace Scott, Carson Shockley, and Kaeden Singleton – who will all fight for playing time early on.
"The freshmen look great," said Hawkins. "Trace, Carson and Kaeden, they are three peas in a pod, always together. They are coming along well, developing well every single day and picking up on the playbook. I hope to see them out on the field contributing this season."
The Blue Hens open the 2024 season on Thursday, Aug. 29 against Bryant at Delaware Stadium. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now with fans able to purchase season tickets, partial plan packages, and single game tickets for all seven of Delaware's home games.
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For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
The Blue Hens bring back a lot of production on the defensive front as Keyshawn Hunter and Jack Hall both return after ranking among the team leaders in tackles last season. Hunter tied for third on the defense with 48 tackles and added 6.5 TFLs in 11 games while Hall finished with 42 tackles and was second on the team with 4.0 sacks and third with 8.0 TFLs.
"It is really good to have guys who have a lot of football under their belts," said defensive line coach Kyre Hawkins. "Guys like Jack and Keyshawn are doing a great job of being vets in the room. Stepping up to the plate every day and getting themselves better and getting the unit better; holding the standard high. I think it will be a pretty productive season for those guys."
Four other returners appeared in all 13 games in 2023 as regular members of the rotation. Dominick Brogna and Ethan Saunders finished with 22 and 19 tackles, respectively, and combined for 7.0 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. Melkart Abou-Jaoude came on strong at the end of the season and finished with 25 tackles, 5.0 TFLs and 2.0 sacks. Nick Karika made a strong impression in his first season in the Blue & Gold as he registered nine tackles and 2.0 TFLs.
Delaware has a great deal of veteran depth on the defensive line with a number of returners who look to see more playing time in 2024. James Yelbert appeared in 11 games last season, primarily on special teams, making five tackles with 0.5 sacks. Q'yaeir Price will look to make an immediate impact after transferring from Rutgers and a quartet of Blue Hens – Amin Mimouni, Pete Melle, Nate Ray and Kion Wright – will all seek an increased role after not seeing game action in 2023
"It is great to have the depth that we do," said Hawkins. "Guys who have done it already and guys who are coming along. The younger guys are doing a great job of learning from the veteran guys and taking good steps to play like them. It doesn't matter who is out there right now, it is just the D-line playing D-line."
Delaware has also brought in a trio of freshmen on the defensive line – Trace Scott, Carson Shockley, and Kaeden Singleton – who will all fight for playing time early on.
"The freshmen look great," said Hawkins. "Trace, Carson and Kaeden, they are three peas in a pod, always together. They are coming along well, developing well every single day and picking up on the playbook. I hope to see them out on the field contributing this season."
The Blue Hens open the 2024 season on Thursday, Aug. 29 against Bryant at Delaware Stadium. Tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now with fans able to purchase season tickets, partial plan packages, and single game tickets for all seven of Delaware's home games.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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