Grizzly Football Preview – Defensive End

Now that I've covered the Grizzlies offensive line for the upcoming season, I move the focus to the defensive line in part 4 of our position-by-position preview.

The defensive end should excel at rushing the passer and hold ground against the running game. Because defensive end is such a high-energy postion, its not
 uncommon to see a rotation of 5 or even 6 players get into a game.

That said, the Griz have a group of ends who have great potential, but are also question marks:

Bobby Alt, Sr.
Ryan Fetherston, Sr.
Josh Harris, Jr.
Garrett Riggio, Jr.
Clay Pierson, So.
Trevor Rehm, So.
Derek Crittenden, Fr.
Zack Wagenmann, Fr.

RETURNING STARTERS: 1

PLAYER TO WATCH: Ryan Fetherston

SLEEPER: Josh Harris

FUTURE STAR: Clay Pierson

As I previously stated, this is a unit with tantalizing potential. Returning starter Bobby Alt is rock solid.

Ryan Fetherston started the final four games of the season, replacing the injured Severin Campbell. Fetherston has shown an ability to excel in pass rush situations, but he will be asked to take on a much larger role this season.

The key to the group could be Josh Harris, who missed all of last season after suffering an injury in fall camp. Had he not been injured, Harris might well have started.

It's hard to believe that when Clay Pierson first arrived on campus, he was a safety. He made the move to end last year, though, and brings a tremendous amount of athleticism to the position.

Beyond those four, Zack Wagenmann, Trevor Rehm and Garrett Riggio could see playing time with a strong pre-season performance, while Derek Crittenden may redshirt this year.