Southern came in to this season knowing that it was looking at some uncertainties with the defensive line. The D-Line was the biggest concern for the Jags since it was almost starting over again from scratch. As we have come deeper into the season there are still issues due to injury, especially to some key returning starters.

Returning to the big unit is senior Lionel Howard at the left defensive end position. At 6”2’, 245 lbs., from Edgar, LA he has racked up 21 tackles (11 solo efforts as well as 10 assists) to go along with two sacks and two forced fumbles last season. Howard was out for a few games this season with a high ankle sprain he suffered in the opening quarter of the season opener. In his limited time this season, Howard has one fumble recovery but that one went for a 20 yard return for a touchdown.

Holding down the middle of the line is Joseph Selders and Isaiah Thomas. Last season Selders, the red shirt junior from Zachary, LA, had 21 tackles (9 solo and 12 assists). Among those were three tackles for a loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. In the Southern’s win over Alabama State, Selders had a career high two sacks. Meanwhile, Thomas, a transfer from the University of North Carolina and a Winston-Salem native, brings 44 tackles over two seasons of Division I experience to the Jags D-Line. Thomas started the first three games for Southern and was able to get nine tackles, but he under went minor knee surgery.

Rickey Nevers came into the season as the number one guy at the right defensive end position. Nevers is better suited to play inside at one of the tackle positions, but starting the season the Jags felt better going with the 6”3’, 260 lbs., senior from Laplace, instead of an inexperienced freshman.  Nevers saw limited action last season. In three games, Nevers had three tackles with one being for a loss. With the injuries that occurred during the season, Nevers was able to get back to an inside position at tackle. Replacing him is true freshman Wesley King. King stacks up at right defensive end being 6”1’ and 260 lbs. In his first start had four tackles; among those was his first sack.