University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Michael Riccio
Football Position Previews: Defensive Line
8/21/2026 4:50:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware football team is preparing for the 2026 season which kicks off at home against Merrimack on Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. Throughout fall camp, positional previews will be posted online to spotlight the different units that make up the 2026 Fightin' Blue Hens.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Defensive Line Coach Kyre Hawkins leads the room in his third season with the Hens.
"I do feel like the depth is coming along really well," Hawkins said. "I feel confident in our older guys who are bringing the younger guys along. They are a great group of guys and leaders. The old guys lead by example and lead vocally. Then the young guys also push those guys, if an older guy is having a day where he needs a little energy, a little battery, those younger guys are right there to pick them up. We're just trying to stack consistent days on consistent days. That's been the big thing we've talked about, is finishing and results."
The defensive line room is loaded with veterans, housing 10 juniors, seniors, and fifth years.
On the edge, Noah Matthews leads the returners. The fifth year Delaware native has appeared in 39 career games entering the year, including all 13 in his first season in Newark last year. This preseason, Matthews has been named to the CUSA Watchlist, Shriners Children 1000 Watchlist, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, Athlon Sports All-CUSA Second Team, and Phil Steele All-CUSA Third Team.
Other defensive end returners include Brandon Gorham, Yamdry Hernandez, Q'yaeir Price, Nate Ray, and Kaeden Singleton. Price (16 games), Singleton (13 games), Gorham (12 games), and Ray (five games) all have collegiate playing experience entering the season.
Joining the ends this season are a pair of FBS transfers in former Penn State Nittany Lion Sam Siafa (Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown West) and UAB Blazer James Steel (Swedesboro, N.J. / Caravel Academy).
On the interior, Dominick Brogna and Trace Scott III lead the way. Brogna has appeared in 38 games entering the season, while Scott III broke out last year en route to playing in all 13 games.
The other defensive tackle returner is Carson Shockley who is looking to make his collegiate debut.
New to the DT room this season are Troy transfer Dylan Mann (Atlanta, Ga. / North Cobb) and Lenoir-Rhyne transfer Quincy Smith (Atlanta, Ga. / Shiloh), as well as freshmen Christian Corbin (Newport News, Va. / Warwick) and Noah Frazier (Spring Hill, Fla. / Cheshire Academy).
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Defensive Line Coach Kyre Hawkins leads the room in his third season with the Hens.
"I do feel like the depth is coming along really well," Hawkins said. "I feel confident in our older guys who are bringing the younger guys along. They are a great group of guys and leaders. The old guys lead by example and lead vocally. Then the young guys also push those guys, if an older guy is having a day where he needs a little energy, a little battery, those younger guys are right there to pick them up. We're just trying to stack consistent days on consistent days. That's been the big thing we've talked about, is finishing and results."
The defensive line room is loaded with veterans, housing 10 juniors, seniors, and fifth years.
On the edge, Noah Matthews leads the returners. The fifth year Delaware native has appeared in 39 career games entering the year, including all 13 in his first season in Newark last year. This preseason, Matthews has been named to the CUSA Watchlist, Shriners Children 1000 Watchlist, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, Athlon Sports All-CUSA Second Team, and Phil Steele All-CUSA Third Team.
Other defensive end returners include Brandon Gorham, Yamdry Hernandez, Q'yaeir Price, Nate Ray, and Kaeden Singleton. Price (16 games), Singleton (13 games), Gorham (12 games), and Ray (five games) all have collegiate playing experience entering the season.
Joining the ends this season are a pair of FBS transfers in former Penn State Nittany Lion Sam Siafa (Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown West) and UAB Blazer James Steel (Swedesboro, N.J. / Caravel Academy).
On the interior, Dominick Brogna and Trace Scott III lead the way. Brogna has appeared in 38 games entering the season, while Scott III broke out last year en route to playing in all 13 games.
The other defensive tackle returner is Carson Shockley who is looking to make his collegiate debut.
New to the DT room this season are Troy transfer Dylan Mann (Atlanta, Ga. / North Cobb) and Lenoir-Rhyne transfer Quincy Smith (Atlanta, Ga. / Shiloh), as well as freshmen Christian Corbin (Newport News, Va. / Warwick) and Noah Frazier (Spring Hill, Fla. / Cheshire Academy).
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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