Moorhead, Minn.-- Concordia returns a solid core of veterans on the defensive line, including returning starters Travis Almquist and Greg Mantz.

Horan's take on the defensive line: "This is as deep a defensive line as I have seen."

Travis Almquist will be the most notable of the defensive line returning players. Almquist, the team's defensive tackle was second on the team in sacks with five and had 35 tackles on the year. Joining Almquist as a returning starter along the line will be Greg Mantz. Mantz, one of the team's starting defensive ends last season, had 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. Both Almquist and Mantz will give the Cobbers a solid pass-rush tandem.

The biggest question on the line will come from Campbell's replacement in the anchor defensive end spot. One of the leading candidates for the position is senior Brody Clarke. Clarke was responsible for one of the critical plays of the 2004 season when he sacked the St. John_s quarterback for a safety in the Cobbers' dramatic 21-20 win in Collegeville. The other interior spot should be more of a wide-open race. Matt Martinson has traveled with the team for two seasons and looks ready to step up into the limelight. Joining Martinson for playing time will be Tyler Ledyard and Wayne Samson.

Others to watch for on the defensive line: Dustin Carlson, Jordan Hepp, Luke Holt, Dain Kalkbrenner, Jon Mikkelson, Adam Peterson and Joey Twigg.