UMass fans realized that in 2004 UMass did not have a “Don Brown” type of killer defense.The main reason was graduation losses from 2003. Last year UMass lost seven of top eight defensive linemen and all three of the starting linebackers. We went into Spring 2004 with only 14 scholarship defensive players on the roster.
As the this article from the Springfield Union discusses, the UMass defensive line was both inexperienced and small. At the best of times the UMass defense averaged 220 pds from end to end. When starting DE Keron Williams went out, we played 202 pd DE Ola Sansusi against Delaware. Not a good match-up with the physical Hens. Note that Sansusi is a good pass rusher (he helped block the PAT that won the Maine game in overtime), but he is not a run-stopper.
When starting DT Jason Leonard separated his shoulder against JMU, we played a true freshman against one of the top rushing teams in the nation.
Last year UMass allowed five teams to rush for 200 yards-----and lost all five games.
This year, things are looking up.
First, we have more bodies with 15 defensive linemen on the roster. The big additions are Lehigh transfer John Hatchell 6-2 270 and Maryland transfer Patrick Powell 6-4 265. Jason Leonard has recovered from his shoulder injury and is up to 280 pds.
So the DL will probably look like this.
• Keron Williams 6-1 254 (2004 All-A10)
• John Hatchell 6-2 270
• Justin Schweighardt 6-1 265
• Patrick Powell 6-4 265
Much better don't you think?
