ASU Football: 2018 defensive line is built for success

ASU football has faced many overwhelming concerns about its defense in recent years, but that is not the case for the 2018 defensive line.

The program is bound to have a year of many firsts, the obvious being the hire of Herm Edwards to be head coach and what kind of impact he will have.

In addition, Danny Gonzales, ASU’s new defensive coordinator, came from San Diego State and transplanted his 3-3-5 scheme right away. Three defensive linemen will be on the field along with three linebackers and five defensive backs with the exception of special situations.

“I’ve never installed this scheme with as much talent as we have on the D-line,” Gonzales said. “We have guys that are big, but they are really athletic and can move.”

This year’s defensive line has a completely new look with several fresh faces. Each player destined to see playing time this season can make an immediate impact.

“We’re deep,” Gonzales said. “It’s the deepest position we have. Those guys are going to play, 7 or 8 of ‘em.”

In ASU’s first game of the season, the defense gave up just two rushing yards to the UTSA Roadrunners. The full rotation of defensive linemen combined for 7.5 tackles for a loss with 5.5 sacks included.

“It’s going to be like musical chairs,” Gonzales joked. “People are going to be tired of seeing those guys running in and out of the game.”

After the loss of Tashon Smallwood and JoJo Wicker up front, the Sun Devil defensive line had some big shoes to fill. Now, there are some new big men in Tempe as well as the guys that have waited their turn to become starters.

More from Devils in Detail

Redshirt senior Renell Wren is one of those players that worked his way up to be a starter for the Sun Devils this season. After rotating in and out in all 13 of ASU’s games last year, Wren already has the experience and fundamentals solidified.

“If Renell plays up to his ability and matures the way I think he has, he can be dominant,” Gonzales said. “He can be one of the best nose guards in the country.”

Wren, listed at 6-6, 297 pounds, was named a defensive captain for the Sun Devils just before the beginning of the season. He sees the title as a reason for him to be out on the field as much as he possibly can.

“Just for them to agree all in one for me to be one of the captains is a blessing,” Wren said about receiving the honor. “I thank Coach Herm, I thank my teammates for trusting in me. It’s words and actions. It’s not just saying things, but leaning more in a physical standpoint.”

Sophomore Shannon Forman joins Wren on the interior. Forman is a disruptive force that gets into the opposing backfield consistently.

He found his way into eight games as a true freshman last year. Along with his obvious size and athleticism, Forman plays intelligent football.

On UTSA’s first possession in Week 1, Forman instinctively dropped into coverage in a passing situation. He not only intercepted the pass, but all 304 pounds of him rumbled 25 yards for a touchdown.

“That guy has the biggest heart, and he really cares that we do well,” defensive line coach Shaun Nua said. “He really cares that he does well. Sometimes he’s too hard on himself and that’s why he’s very reliable and we can count on him.”

Nua is another new coach for ASU Football that was brought in over the offseason. He provides veteran leadership after coaching the defensive line at the Naval Academy the past six seasons.

“It’s my job to make sure that I have a good lesson plan ready to teach them so that way they can play fast,” Nua said. “It’s all on my shoulders when it comes to scheme and them learning on where to line up and where to go.”

Darius Slade, a redshirt junior, is getting the chance to make his mark. After transferring from Ohio State and sitting out a season due to NCAA transfer rules, Slade became eligible for the 2018 season.

“I knew I wanted to play in the Pac-12,” Slade said. “I wanted to do my best to show off my pass rushing skills. Arizona State was the first opportunity for me.”

The 6-5, 257-pounder immediately added strength and versatility to the defensive line core. In his first game as a Sun Devil, Slade practically bench-pressed the UTSA running back into the quarterback to knock the ball loose. And Slade even scooped up the fumble recovery.

“He’s worked his tail off,” Gonzales said. “He’s super athletic., he’s a big kid. When we first came here and where identifying guys, he wasn’t one at the top of the list and he’s worked his way all the way up there.”

While ASU has the luxury of depth on the defensive line, it is still crucial that each guy can do his assignment and be productive on every play.

Gonzales explained that when it’s crunch time, the best players go in. The three that played the best throughout a game will get the nod in those critical situation

Next. ASU Football: Devils face tough test in No. 15 Michigan State. dark

The road only gets tougher for the Sun Devils as the 2018 season carries on. However, ASU Football has established consistency on the defensive front this year that may prove to be the best in the conference.

Home/ASU Football