By: Nolan Alexander
Over the course of preseason practices, Nolan Alexander of KSUOwls.com previews each Kennesaw State football position group.
KENNESAW, Ga. - On the biggest stage, their ability to alter a game was never more evident.
"I think that game showed if you put pressure on the quarterback, you're going to force bad throws, force the offense into things they may not want to do," said Kennesaw State defensive line coach Liam Klein. "We're at a point here where we may be able to get our d-line more active rushing the passer, creating havoc as we've become more athletic."
In Super Bowl LV, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive line arguably won the NFL's grand prize thanks to a constant agitation of Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
"We talked about that in our meeting. I brought it up to see what the guys thought. They said the game was affected by Tamp Bay's front four the most," said defensive ends coach Rico Zackery. "We talked about it from a standpoint of being a front four that can put pressure on a quarterback. Pass-rushing ability is so important to us. We work it, work it, work it."
While they're not the Bucs, but Kennesaw State's front four has the potential change the course of a game. Alabama natives Desmond Scott, Travis Bell, and Tyler Moore return to clog up the middle. Scott started all 14 games last season and totaled 20 tackles. Bell was second on the team with five sacks, and fourth with nine tackles for loss. Moore made five starts, had 19 tackles, and a pair of fumble recoveries.
"Desmond has started for us for two years. He is competitive, strong, and quick off the ball. He is actually dropped some weight from last year that has elevated his speed and quickness," said Klein.
"They both bring an intensity to the field and do a good job leading our group," said Klein on Bell and Moore. "Both of them need to continue to learn our defensive system so they can continue to become a complete player. I've been really impressed with the pass rush skills they've worked on in the off-season. Those have shown up in the reps during spring camp."
Tyler Scott, a freshman from Jackson, Ga., is pushing the elder, unrelated Scott for snaps at nose tackle.
"He's 300 pounds, twitchy, but still learning the defense. If we can get him to play and do things 100 miles an hour, he can do some really good things," said Klein.
They're joined by Kelcy Allen, Cameron Donald, Carlos Allen, and Demetric Barnes.
From the defensive end spots, Peyton Moore and Joel Parker can both evolve into sack-happy pass-rushers. In 2019, Moore recorded 24 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. Parker had 17 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and earned Big South Defensive Player of the Week Sept. 16 for his three-sack performance at Alabama State.
"Peyton has all the ability in the world. It's going to be up to him to make sure he does what he needs to do to be as successful as he possibly can this year," said Zackery. "He's probably our best pass rusher, can drop into coverage, and do it all."
"Joel is a hard worker, well-rounded, and played some meaningful snaps for us last year. I expect a lot out of him this year from a leadership standpoint," said Zackery. "He's put on about 25 pounds. Physically, he's going to look like a different human being out there, we just need him to catch up mentally."
Kerick Reese and Marquez Baxter will see time as well after showing progress in spring camp.
Kennesaw State begins the season at Fifth Third Bank Stadium against Shorter University Feb. 27. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
