UNI Defensive Line Looks To Anchor 2016

It doesn't matter what you do as an opposing quarterback. They ARE coming. Did All-American seniors graduate? Sure, but that hasn't stopped them from being ranked in the top-25 in the FCS in sacks for the last three seasons. Have injuries plagued them? Yes, but the depth and the #GRIT they have pulsing through their veins finds a way through your offensive line.

They, being the UNI defensive line. The line that shows no mercy to the player in the pocket. The line that helped UNI to a No. 18 national ranking in rushing defense in 2015, and a line that will be the anchor to a young Panther defense that is hungry for action in 2016.

In the past several seasons, the Panthers have lost three All-MVFC and All-Americans on the line to graduation or the NFL. Whether it was the X-Man Xavier Williams, a current Arizona Cardinal, tearing through the opposing offense or recent graduate Isaac Ales who knew a thing or two about getting to the quarterback after he finished his career ranked No. 2 all-time at UNI in tackles for loss.

But UNI finds a way to hit the refresh button. A lot of that is attributed to head coach Mark Farley's hiring of current defensive line coach and NFL Defensive MVP Bryce Paup. Since Paup took over in 2013, UNI has finished the season ranked in the top-40 nationally in rushing defense, total defense, sacks and tackles for loss.

Paup, an All-American himself from when he played on the line for the Panthers, stresses the basics to his linemen to keep their skills growing and their minds hungry to learn. And learn they will. The Panthers return three of their four starters from the line last season, including All-American on and off the field, Karter Schult.

It doesn't matter where you put him, on the end or as a tackle, he finds the ball and quickly takes his prey. Last season Schult set UNI records for tackles for loss in a game and in a season along with finishing ranked No. 2 all-time in season sacks. He also now holds the school record for career quarterback hurries with 16, passing a familiar name in Mark Farley who had 15 from 1983-86.

Joining Schult will be Adam Reth, who started 12 games on the defensive line as a tackle. His 6-5, 271 frame made it hard for offensive line's to battle with the Manchester, Iowa native, allowing him to rack up 59 tackles.

UNI's third returning starter is a player who embodies Farley's theme of this season is Preston Woods. After recovering from a serious injury and switching from offensive line back to defensive line, Woods found his home as a defensive tackle where he started the final eight games of 2015.

These three veterans will have a pack of underclassmen and newcomers eager for playing time in 2016. UNI has 12 additional defensive linemen listed on the roster, with only three having playing experience from 2015 and seven who will don the Purple and Old Gold for the first time.

They ARE coming. To Ames, to Cheney, to Vermillion, to Youngstown, to Terre Haute, to Macomb and they will protect Cedar Falls with five home contests. They want you in the UNI-Dome. Will you be there?

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UNI Defensive Line Looks To Anchor 2016

Players Mentioned

Isaac Ales

Adam Reth

Karter Schult

Preston Woods

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