ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – One of the bigger question marks heading into the 2019 UCF football season is along the defensive line.
Rising senior defensive end Brendon Hayes is the lone returner among the regular starters on the defensive front. Defensive end Titus Davis and defensive tackles A.J. Wooten and Joey Connors both graduated. Add in the decision by Trysten Hill to declare early for the NFL Draft and there will be plenty of new faces staring down opposing offensive lines next season.
Hayes was a Second Team All-American Athletic Conference selection in 2018. He played in all 13 games and started every game but the season-opener. Hayes recorded 44 total tackles, including three sacks for 20 yards.
Hayes will be relied upon for leadership among a position group that is short on experience and upperclassmen. Hayes is the only senior currently listed as a defensive lineman. Of the 14 defensive linemen on the roster, nine are freshmen or sophomores.
"To watch a kid grow, as a coach, that's fun," defensive line coach Shane Burnham said. "To see the light bulb go on, whether it's technique, a certain block, it's good. They're eager. It's been fun.
Rising sophomore Mason Cholewa saw action in 10 games last season. He’ll be among those in contention to take over one of the inside positions on the line. Kenny Turnier saw action in 11 games last season at defensive end, but has moved inside to the tackle spot this spring.
The early leader at the other defensive end spot is likely Randy Charlton. The rising sophomore started his first collegiate game as a true freshman at UConn last season, before setting into an important backup role. Charlton saw lots of action last season. He contributed 21 tackles, three tackles for-loss and a sack while playing in all 13 games.
"I enjoy coming to my meeting room," Burnham said. "I'm excited. It's going to be a stressful summer, in a good way though. It's going to be fun in June and July to get time with them. They want to learn."
2019 Returnees / 2018 Stats:
Randy Charlton (So.) / 21 tackles - 3.0 TFL - 1.0 sack - 3 QBH
Mason Cholewa (r-So.) / 8 tackles - 0.5 TFL - 3 QBH
Brendon Hayes (r-Sr.) / 44 tackles - 11.0 TFL - 3.0 sacks - 6 QBH - 1 FR
Anthony Montalvo (r-So.) / 4 tackles - 1.0 TFL - 1.0 sack
Kenny Turnier (r-Jr.) / 7 tackles - 2.0 TFL - 2.0 sacks
Tyrese Black (r-Fr.)
Davonchae Bryant (r-Fr.)
Austin Camden (r-So.)
Dedrick Canady (r-Jr.)
Dedrion Bacote-Sweat (r-Jr.)
Ike Walker (r-Fr.)
Landon Woodson (r-Fr.)