Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletic Communications


NORFOLK, Va. – The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of not just all collegiate spring sports seasons, but also all off-season practices and team workouts for the time being. That includes spring football practice and intrasquad scrimmages.

In lieu of reports from spring practice, NSUSpartans.com will instead give a breakdown of each position grouping for Spartan football in the coming months. This week begins the analysis of the defense with a look at the defensive line.

Like much of the team last year, the defensive line improved dramatically as the season progressed. The Spartans tallied just three sacks in their first six games, all coming from third-team All-MEAC end Chris Myers, a Middle Tennessee transfer.

The last six games were an entirely different story. NSU posted 23 sacks in the final six games of the year, leading the Spartans to a 4-2 record in that span. That included an eight-sack game in the win at North Carolina Central, which ties for the most sacks in a game for a Spartan team in the Division I era. NSU also allowed fewer than 100 rushing yards in three of those six games, including a season-low 59 yards in the finale against MEAC co-champion South Carolina State.

"I think it was a confidence thing," defensive line coach Justin Williamson said. "Even with the 1-5 start last year, they never lost confidence in their abilities. Once we started making more plays and winning games, they saw that as a unit, they could be a major factor in every game."

Three starters and five lettermen altogether return from last year's line, including both ends in Myers and De'Shaan Dixon. Myers was a revelation in his first year with the Spartans. The 6-6 Tennessee native tied for the MEAC lead with nine sacks among his 10 tackles for loss.

"We knew coming in that Chris had a lot of potential, and he exceeded our expectations," Williamson said. "He really holds the edge well."

Dixon flourished in his first season as a full-time starter. Like Myers, Dixon also was named to the All-MEAC third team. The 6-5 Chesapeake native led all of NSU's defensive linemen with 61 total tackles, which included 7.0 for loss and 4.5 sacks.

"I saw De'Shaan take a big step forward last year, especially toward the end," Williams said. "He didn't play much high school football but he has honed his technique and is one of the leaders of our group. I expect him to have a huge year."

Myers and Dixon give NSU somewhat of a rarity in the MEAC – two 6-5-plus athletic ends.

"I find it hard for other teams to really handle them," Williamson said. "They cause mismatches throughout the league."

Another player who took a big step forward last year was nose guard Tavien Blackwell. A reserve his first two years, Blackwell held down the starting spot at nose last season, amassing 32 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. Williamson likes the mean streak that Blackwell plays with.

"Tavien is another player who has put in serious work and come into his own," Williamson said. "He showed flashes before but made great strides last year. He's really become very disciplined and bought into what we've taught."

NSU did lose one starter from last year's foursome in Kyron Speller (37 tackles, 4.5 TFLs). But junior college transfer Remy Feltes split time with Speller last year and appears ready for a bigger role. The native of Germany played in all 12 games and made 17 tackles, including a sack, in 2019.

"Remy didn't have a lot of experience playing football, but we knew he had potential," Williamson said. "Once he understood the game better, he really improved. I love to coach him. He's much more suited to make a big impact this year."

Among other returners to the roster, sophomore D.J. Djonkam has the most experience. He played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman last season and made 10 tackles. He is likely to see more time this year at end.

"D.J. got his feet wet last year. He loves to be coached. He takes everything we tell him and puts it onto the field," Williamson said. "He has also beefed up some and can also work inside if we need him to. He's strong enough to hold the point of attack."

Adding depth to the interior of the line will be a pair of redshirt freshmen in Anthony Blume and Mac Petit.

"Both guys have a ton of potential," Williamson said. "They're still learning the technical aspects and adjusting to the speed of the game, but it's time for them to be thrown into the fire."

Another redshirt freshman who has been added to the defensive line is Sage Beuchert-Irvine. He is a converted linebacker who will look to make an impact at defensive end.

"Sage has put on some weight and really showed some flashes during our winter workouts," Williamson said. "I would have loved to have had spring ball for him to get some reps, but I know he's been working hard on his own as well."

NSU also added one lineman in its recruiting class of 2020 in Levontae Jacobs. A Salisbury, North Carolina product, Jacobs earned All-North Piedmont Conference honors after tallying 60 tackles and six sacks as a senior.

"Levontae has good 'twitch' and a nice frame to develop," Williamson said. "I see a guy playing hard and physical on film. I can't wait to get him in camp so he can get the mental and physical reps he needs. He's a coachable guy."

Williamson is eager to get his group back to campus and continue the momentum they began to build last year.

"I have a very prideful group that has matured as a unit," Williamson said. "I know they'll come out with a chip on their shoulder, play hard and be a big part of our success."