Plenty of options in the trenches

Defensive line coach Lewis Powell begins going over his starters up front, one by one. Before long, he’s named nearly half of the 14 players he oversees in fall camp.

Sure, generally only three defensive linemen will see the field at a time as the Rainbow Warriors operate in a new 3-4 base scheme. But Powell and defensive coordinator Kevin Clune are that confident in the depth of talent and experience at their command in the trenches.

It starts with three seniors — right end Beau Yap, nose tackle Moses Samia and utilityman Marcus Malepeai — but doesn’t end there. Sophomore Kennedy Tulimasealii should be entrenched at left end now and in seasons to come.

There were four freshmen in fall camp. Some, such as Tui Unga and Ka‘au Gifford, have shown considerable promise. Other reserves, such as backup nose tackle Calen Friel and junior college transfer Luke Shawley, are considered "starters" who can come in at a moment’s notice without a significant drop-off in play.

"All those (experienced) guys are leading these (younger) guys the right way," Powell said.

Yap, a Mountain West second-teamer as a junior, led the Rainbow Warriors with 5.5 sacks and was named the team’s defensive MVP in 2013. The Kamehameha product is the proven leader of the group.

Much of the depth advantage hinges on the Radford alumnus, Malepeai. He can ably play any position on the defensive line, and thus may move around when other starters get a breather.

The quiet Samia, out of Saint Louis School, is the team’s rock in the middle.

"We always know we can count on Mo," Powell said.

Senior Niko Uti and junior Haani Tulimaiau are walk-ons, but were in the practice mix and could see game time.

"I feel that this is the deepest D-line I’ve worked with in 20 years," Clune said. "And I had some good ones. We had a D-line where we had four pros (at Utah 2001-02, prior to stints at Utah State and UH). But this D-line, I feel, is deeper than that one."

Powell thinks the 6-foot-5 Unga and the 6-foot-4 Gifford are a big part of the team’s future, but can also make an impact now.

"They’re going to contribute and play right away," he said. "I think they’re going to be really good. Those are two guys who are going to make sure we stay solid in the next couple of years, especially after Beau Yap, Moses and Marcus leave."