By Steve Patterson

    Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock has a good set of lineman back after only losing Vernon Gholston to the NFL from the four starters up front. Returning starters include Lawrence Wilson/Cameron Heyward at the end position and Todd Denlinger/Doug Worthington at the tackle spots. Heacock plans to have two different formations this coming fall based on the personnel in the game. “We have two different looks. One is with Lawerence (Wilson) at one end and Cameron (Heyward) at the other end and we are also working in Thaddeus Gibson in there. I really wanted him to get some reps in that spot.” He explained to us.

    Coach Heacock also has a great set of backups at all four line positions including ends Thaddeus Gibson, Mark Johnson (converted from linebacker last year), and Robert Rose. At the tackle position, he has Dexter Larimore and Nader Abdallah returning after both seeing significant time in 2007.

    With all this talent returning, Coach Heacock is still looking for vast improvement from the front four on defense. “We need to get better everyday. We need to be more dominate as a defense and need to get tougher up front. We have to get a better up front and improve our turnover margin.” He said yesterday during time with the press.