MOORHEAD, Minn. (8/25/06)--If there was one position on the 2007 Cobber squad that had a wild flair to it, it would be the defensive line. Led by bookends Dustin Carlson and Clinton Strother, the front four will be the spark that fuels the CC defensive machine.

Carlson returns to the starting lineup after being diagnosed with testicular cancer three games into the 2006 season. Now healthy and amped with a new appreciation for being able to play the game, look for Carlson to take over the role as the line’s leading playmaker. In his three games last year he had 4.0 tackles for a loss, which ranked fourth on the team, and provided 1.0 sacks. He will soften the blow left by the graduation of Aztec Bowl participant Tyler Ledyard.

Strother will line up on the other side of the line from Carlson and offer the best pure speed rusher the Cobbers have. He has produced three sacks in each of his first two seasons and his in-shape appearance at the start of the 2007 season could spell trouble for many an opposing offensive tackle.

Finding two players to plug up the middle of the line will be a key for defensive coordinator Scott Lucier. Both the nose guard and defensive tackle position will feature brand new starters.

Heading into training camp, sophomore Ryan McKay (Brainerd, Minn.) looks to be the front-runner for the nose guard spot. He recorded stats in seven games last year and finished with seven total tackles and a single tackle for a loss. Replacing Ledyard at defensive tackle will be junior Mike Christensen (Buffalo, Minn.). Christesen saw action in six games and had 2.5 tackles for a loss. Both players will have to grow up in a hurry as CC will face tough offensive competition in the first four games of the season.

Reloading the defensive line: Jon Mikkelson, Jon Hanson, Justin Hensch, Travis Aufderheide

Bet You Didn’t Know: Despite only playing three games in 2006, junior defensive end Dustin Carlson finished fourth on the team in tackles for a loss (4.0).

If the Cobber defensive line was:
A Country Song:

“Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks
A Classic Reggae Song:

“Stir It Up” by Bob Marley and the Whalers
A Dave Matthews Band song:

“Busted Stuff”