UCF position preview: Interior defensive line

A position-by-position look at the Knights heading into fall camp:

DEFENSIVE LINE

What to expect

UCF returns starters Lee Hunter and Ricky Barber and backups Matthew Alexander and John Walker . Hunter was third on the team in tackles (69) and second in tackles for loss (11) behind edge rusher Tre’Mon Morris-Brash. Alexander appeared in all 13 games (two starts), providing a boost in the middle.

Barber, a two-year starter, missed several games with an undisclosed injury that limited him. His absence opened the door for Walker, a true freshman who finished with 24 tackles and 5 for loss, earning honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

After redshirting last season, Derrick LeBlanc and Andrew Rumph add depth.

On the roster

Lee Hunter, RS-Jr.
Matthew Alexander, RS-Jr.
Ricky Barber, Fifth Year
John Walker, So.
Keshaun Hudson, RS-So.
Derrick LeBlanc, RS-Fr.
Andrew Rumph, RS-Fr.

Departures

Kervins Choute (transfer to UConn)

Arrivals

Marcus Downs, Fr. (signee)

Projected depth chart

NG — Lee Hunter, John Walker, Andrew Rumph
DT — Ricky Barber, Matthew Alexander, Derrick LeBlanc

Previous: Quarterback , running back , wide receiver , tight end , offensive line.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com