VIDEO: Dan Redding interview
Carson-Newman's defensive line is a tale of two positions. Defensive end seems to be fairly stout, while defensive tackle will break in two brand new starters. On one end of the line is a preseason All-American, 2012 SAC defensive freshman of the year and two-time all-conference selection in Javaris Neal. On the other side is AFCA Good Works team nominee William Alderman.
Neal rumbled for a 41-yard interception return against Newberry (11/23) for a touchdown and also picked off a pass against Mars Hill (10/5). Neal was third in the league in tackles among defensive linemen. He was sixth in the league overall in sacks.
"Javaris continues to improve on his step and punch," Redding said. "He's a great leader and is becoming a better leader. He had a lot of nagging injuries last year, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do when he's fully healthy."
He had a career best nine tackles against Brevard (9/21). Neal turned in season best 2.5 tackle for loss-performances against Brevard and Wingate (11/16) in the regular season and Newberry in the playoffs. He also took down the opposing quarterback 1.5 times in the Brevard and Newberry games.
Neal produced a team high nine quarterback hurries, recovered two fumbles and forced another.
Meanwhile, Alderman led Carson-Newman with 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He also picked off a pass, forced and recovered a fumble and made four QB hurries.
"He's got a great motor," Redding said. "He and Javaris give us all the speed we could ever hope for coming off the edge."
The interior line is comprised of David Way, Johnson Jamison and Frank Mutter among the returnees. Combined, the trio has one start.
Way led the way last year with 21 tackles, Mutter followed suit with 10 while Jamison was sidelined for the year. Together they work to replace Jamar Neal and Michael Surgbally, who had the longest consecutive start streak among C-N defenders when he graduated in May.
"Way has all the physical abilities you'd want in a guy," Redding said. "He has all the size, strength and speed. He just needs to work on his consistency. There are times where he will do things that we've never had anyone do better. But there are also times where he needs to be more consistent."
Freshmen Austin Parmer and Eric Hilton could also factor in prominently on the line.
Carson-Newman football's position previews conclude Sunday with C-N's linebackers with Mike Clowney.
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