When it comes to forcing turnovers, things all start with the defensive line. Really when it comes to defense as a whole, things all start with the defensive line.
Early in fall camp, Gary Andersen more or less ripped the D-line for their play. It wasn't long after that though that Andersen started praising them for their progress made, enough so that it looked like we just might have a solid unit on our hands here.
Long-time starters Quinn Garner and Levi Koskan are gone, while Bojay Filimoeatu looks to stay at outside linebacker this season. Last season's go-to nose tackle Al Lapuaho is sliding over the defensive end, while Connor Williams returns as the lone returner of last season's two-deep at defensive end.
Travis Seefeldt was listed as the starter at nose tackle on the preseason depth chart while Havea Lasike has been right up there racking up a ton of reps in camp too. On the ends, Jordan Nielsen has gotten a solid share of reps during fall camp with the two-deep. Both he and B.J. Larsen have great size for D-ends, and if they are able to press the starters this unit can go from good to great. In Larsen's case, he was one of the guys bumped up to athletic scholarship last February, so the coaching staff clearly has quite a bit of confidence in him.
Personnel aside though, this unit needs to get serious pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. If they can help force some bad throws, the defensive backs are good enough to go up and get some balls to accomplish Aranda's goal of cranking up the turnovers. Some forced fumbles on rocking the opposing quarterback's world would be pretty nice too.
On both sides of the ball, it all starts on the lines. If this defensive line can take their game to the next level unseen by previous D-lines here under Andersen, this defense could be dominant if their play in camp is any indication.
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