This is the third story of a seven-part series breaking down position groups on Bowling Green State University’s roster entering the 2024 season.
BOWLING GREEN — Bowling Green State University football coach Scot Loeffler won’t have any problems with knowing what to expect from his defensive line.
He’s been watching a vast majority of them excel for multiple seasons.
An experienced group in the trenches, including several fifth-year seniors in Fremont native Dontrez Brown, Anthony Hawkins, and Jordan Porter, will look to continue a solid stretch for the Falcons. Of the 14 defensive linemen listed on the roster, 11 are back from last season, and of the 15 sacks registered by that unit a year ago, 13 are by returning players.
Here is a look at the state of BGSU’s defensive line.
2023 in review
BGSU’s defensive linemen helped the Falcons finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference and tied for 31st in the FBS with 33 sacks last season. That came after BGSU tied a program record with 38 sacks in 2022, due in large part to current Green Bay Packers’ lineman Karl Brooks tallying 10. Porter (three sacks in 2023), Dierre Kelly (2.5), Hawkins (two), and Brown (two) each had at least two sacks, while Chace Davis and Ali Saad both had 1.5. Twenty of BGSU’s sacks came in the final five weeks of the regular season. The Falcons finished fourth in the MAC in rushing defense (146.2 yards per game), and a handful of BGSU’s 11 forced fumbles were from linemen as well.
Position coach
Cornell Brown, who won a Super Bowl in 2001 while playing with the Baltimore Ravens, took over as BGSU’s defensive line coach in February. Brown spent three seasons (2013 to 2015) working with Loeffler at Virginia Tech, and he has 19 years of coaching experience overall. Brown was a two-time All-American defensive end at Virginia Tech in the mid-1990s and was elected to the school’s sports hall of fame in 2007.
Probable starters
Brown, Hawkins, Saad, and Porter. Brown started all 13 games last year and has appeared in all 43 of BGSU’s games the past four years, while Hawkins has 32 starts in 42 games with the Falcons. Saad started every game a year ago and has played in 29 with BGSU, and Porter has made an appearance in every game the last four years as well.
Davis (12 games last year), Kelly (36 games the last three years), and Evan Branch-Haynes (13 games last year) should be in the mix as well.
Most intriguing newcomers
Bringing someone like Cornell Brown to the coaching staff, especially with his experience and expertise, could take the group to another level. With so many players back, it will be interesting to see if any of the three freshmen defensive linemen (Martreece Dillard, Joe Shimko, and Malik Moses) can find their way into the rotation.
Storyline to watch
Can any of the players elevate their game to a Brooks-like level? BGSU got plenty of consistency across the board from its defensive line, and everyone contributed. But when it came to sacks, the heavy hitters in 2023 were former linebackers Cashius Howell (9.5 sacks) and Darren Anders (4.5).
What to expect this fall
With talented and experienced linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties also highlighting BGSU’s defense, the line should also be able to do its part and get to the quarterback. Each level worked well together last season as the Falcons forced an FBS-leading 28 turnovers to go along with their 33 sacks, so the players up front should be plenty motivated to help the defense take another step in the right direction.
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