2019 Rocket Football Preview: The Defensive Line

Key returners: Senior Nate Childress (32 tackles in 2018), sophomore Jamal Hines (49 tackles, 9.0 TFL), senior Willie Ross (24 tackles, 3.5 TFL), sophomore Terrance Taylor (16 tackles, 5.5 TFL).

The Rockets' defensive line returns 11 letterwinners for the 2019 season, making it the most experienced positional group on the team.

Leading the charge is Childress, a senior defensive tackle who has started 22 straight contests dating back to the 2017 season. He tallied 32 tackles last season and four pass breakups, most among Toledo's defensive lineman. A 2018 Academic All-MAC honoree, Childress graduated with his bachelor's degree last May and is currently pursuing his MBA.

"Nate has been the senior leader," defensive line coach Larry Black said. "He does an awesome job of getting the guys going and really taking charge of that group. He's really the focal point of the room."

A former graduate assistant coach, Black is in his first year as a full-time assistant on head coach Jason Candle's staff. He will have a lot to work with this upcoming season, a fact he has already come to realize during training camp.

"We're very deep," said Black. "We have guys that can play at different spots on the line and we're a really talented group. I like how these guys come and bring their hard hats to work."

In addition to Childress and the other key returners mentioned above, the Rockets welcome back junior Tyrone Chambers, plus sophomores Desjuan Johnson and Devonte' Dunn, all of whom saw significant action in 2018. Sophomore Nate Givhan tallied two sacks and a forced fumble in eight games, and was mentioned specifically by Black as a player who has stood out in training camp.

Among the returning linemen, Hines returns the most production: 49 tackles to go with nine tackles for loss and three sacks.

Black was pleased at the way the defensive line has looked at the start of training camp and the way they have all bought in to his coaching philosophy. The first-year coach has stressed a few points of emphasis for his big guys down in the trenches: playing with their hands, running to the ball, and knowing their assignments. Most importantly, though, he wants his players giving it their all when they step onto the field.

"We still have a long way to go," Black said. "But the effort has been there for these guys. That's the most important thing. If you can play with effort and outwork your opponent, you always have a shot."

Toledo opens up its 2019 season at Kentucky on Aug. 31 before hosting Murray State in the home opener on Sept. 14. For season tickets or single-game tickets, go online or call 419-530-GOLD (4653).