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Over the last few seasons, Utah State has built a consistently great defense. The linebackers on these teams have gained the attention and credit for these defenses, to some extent deservedly so, but it all starts up front. If the Aggies don't find young guys to step up, this defensive line might not be able to carry the load for this defense.
Senior defensive end Jordan Nielsen returns to start in 2015. Nielsen earned Honorable Mention All-Mountain West Conference in 2014 after starting all 14 games for Utah State. Nielsen recorded 53 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks in his junior season. At 6-foot-5, Nielsen has tremendous size and length coming off the edge. This length, combined with Nielsen's quick moves off the edge, will allow him to make a lot of plays in the backfield and tip a lot of thrown balls.
Junior Ricky Ali'ifua has the edge to start opposite of Nielsen. Ali'ifua has big shoes to fill replacing the departed BJ Larsen, currently still with the Buffalo Bills. Ali'ifua saw action in all 14 games last season, recording 22 tackles and two tackles for loss. Head coach Matt Wells recently had high praise for Ali'ifua, referring to him as a "beast." Ali'ifua is a physical presence up front and explodes off the ball and is great at holding his ground to eat up blocks.
Senior John Taylor, the only Aggie involved in a car crash in June who will be ready for the Aggies' opening game, will see a lot of time on the field, rotating with Nielsen. Taylor had just eight tackles and half a sack while playing in all 14 games last year. Taylor is a strong player who is able to use his size to create great leverage against blockers.
Junior Siua Taufa is looking to build on a solid 2014 season. Taufa recorded 14 tackles, two and a half tackles for loss, and a sack, while starting one game and getting time in 12 others. Taufa is a strong defensive end with great instructs. He has the moves to get to the quarterback but also shows great discipline against the run.
Ian Togiai has been moved from outside linebacker to defensive end for his sophomore season. Togiai saw action, mostly on special teams, in 13 games last season. Togiai has the frame and athleticism to make the move and add the bulk needed to play up front. Taylor, Taufa and possibly even Togiai will be leaned on heavily to provide the depth needed up front to keep the defensive line fresh throughout the game.
The Aggies lost a huge piece inside at nose guard when the car accident knocked out senior Travis Seefeldt for what could be the entire season. Senior David Moala will have to step up big time as he and Seefeldt were expected to be dominant forces in the middle.
Moala was a late addition in 2014, transferring to Utah State from Cerritos Community College in late August and missing the majority of fall camp. Moala took awhile to get up to speed with Utah State's system, both physically and mentally, but once he did he become quite a force in the middle. Moala saw his minutes improve significantly over the course of the season and finished 2014 with eight tackles and half a sack. Moala is a strong nose guard who has great quickness for his size and does a great job at taking on blocks to disrupt plays. In the wake of Seefeldt's loss, Moala with be expected to lead and anchor this defensive line.
To provide depth up front, the Aggies are going to be looking for redshirt freshman Gasetoto Schuster and sophomore Clark Jeppesen to step up during fall camp. Schuster fits well into the Aggies' scheme. Schuster is coming off a redshirt season that will hopefully have developed him to be physically able to be a strong presence in the middle. Jeppesen has done well early in fall camp, splitting second-string reps with Schuster after making the switch to nose guard from defensive end. Jeppesen is tall for a nose guard, 6-foot-4, but has shown an abilitity to use his size well and create leverage.
Projected starters: senior Jordan Nielsen (DE), senior David Moala (NG), junior Ricky Ali'ifua (DE)
Second string: senior John Taylor (DE), RS freshman Gasetoto Schuster (NG), junior Siua Taufa (DE)
Up next: Offensive line Parker Robertson is a graduate of Utah State University, a freelance contributor, and an avid fan of sports. Follow him on Twitter @ParkerRob78 Email: ParkerRobertson18@gmail.com
