2024 UC Davis Football Positional Preview: Defensive Line

One of the more experienced returning positional groups on the squad, UC Davis football’s defensive line plans on spending a significant amount of time in the opposing backfield as they set the tone for the Aggie defense all season long.

“Physicality is the number one thing that this unit is about,” said assistant coach Jerry Brady. “Getting on and off blocks and not allowing teams to run between the tackles, is where that physicality will show and what we’re best at.

“This unit is big, they’re long and they’re athletic, and they’re going to be tough to move. And while we’re trying to continue to grow in other areas, I think people when they step on the field against us, they will see and feel the physicality.”

More on the UC Davis football defensive line

The Aggie front is led by senior preseason All-American Zach Kennedy who was also ranked the 12th-best returning edge rusher in the nation by HERO Sports. Kennedy finished 2023 with 28 stops (18 solo, 10 assisted), breaking up two passes and registering four quarterback hurries. Against Montana, Kennedy blocked a kick and at Idaho State Kennedy was in the backfield all game, finishing with eight total tackles and getting three sacks.

“Zach is just a tall athletic guy for us and when you can have a tall guy like him with the length of his arms it keeps guys out of his chest and it leads to a lot of sacks for Zach,” said Brady. “He’s quick enough to get around guards and athletics enough to beat tackles on the edge, it’s a dangerous combo that helps us out big time up front.”

On the other side of the line, is edge rusher and multi-year starter senior Evan Bearden who finished with 23 total tackles (12 solo, 11 assisted), adding 1.0 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. The Aggie end also snatched an interception and had four quarterback hurries in 11 games played.

“I think for Evan it’s his explosiveness that makes him unique,” said Brady. “He continues to get bigger and stronger and this offseason he worked hard enough to become probably the strongest guy on our roster.”

Inside the Aggies will look to replace Chubba Maae, who left in the offseason, with experienced big man senior Princeton Toki. Toki started the last four games of the 2023 season at defensive tackle and has gained experience on and off the field over the past few seasons.

“Princeton brings a lot of the same things to the table that that Chuba did for us,” said Brady. “Which makes his transition to the starting role easier for us and him. I’m super excited for him and what he’s going to do for us this season.”

Depth on the defensive line is also a strength for Davis, as the position enters camp at 11 Aggies deep including Kennedy, Bearden and Toki. Senior Noa Masui, juniors Joey Carrillo, Luke Roncevich, Benjamin Newman and Clayton Lynam and sophomore Trent Carrade are joined by graduate Uilisoni Amone to make up an experienced bunch up front.

Joining the Aggie ranks this year are freshmen Jake Williams and Rayne Mayo Jr. “Mayo and Williams are two freshmen guys we got coming in that we are really excited about. I think in the long run, both could be great players for us at UC Davis.”

With one of the most experienced and talented fronts in the conference, each Saturday teams can expect to have issues trying to block and move the Aggie front as they shut the door on the ground and chase quarterbacks all season long.

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