{"id":117409,"date":"2024-06-19T14:30:56","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T21:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herosports.com\/?p=117409"},"modified":"2024-06-19T14:39:36","modified_gmt":"2024-06-19T21:39:36","slug":"fcs-football-top-returning-2024-defensive-linemen-bzbz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herosports.com\/fcs-football-top-returning-2024-defensive-linemen-bzbz\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 50 Returning FCS Defensive Linemen In 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we hit the preview portion of the 2024 FCS<\/a> offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of what players and teams they should keep an eye on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the top returning defensive linemen in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, pro potential, and the author\u2019s opinion\/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Best defensive ends are below the interior DL rankings<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Returning Interior DL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

25. Darryn Kindles, Davidson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. Eriq George, Tennessee State<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. Michael Otty, Bryant<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. Matthew Brown, Eastern Washington<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Sam Buerkle, Fordham<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. James Ash, Florida A&M<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Eddie Bierals, Saint Francis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Kyle Philbin, Brown<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Matt Herron, Weber State<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Jarod DePriest, South Dakota State<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Izaiah Henderson, Maine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Carson Primrose, Rhode Island (transfer from Sacred Heart)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Rylen Sua-Filo, Southern Utah<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. David Rowe, Idaho State<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Dallas Afalava, Idaho<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Westley Neal Jr., Rhode Island<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Brandon Maina, Wofford<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Nick Gaes, South Dakota<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Josiah Green, Dartmouth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Edward Bobino III, Stephen F. Austin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Jaden Taylor, North Carolina Central<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Caleb Williams, Lamar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 5-foot-11 and 290-pounder was tough to move for opposing offensive lines. Starting all 11 games last year, Williams was productive from his interior spot. He totaled 57 tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and three pass deflections, earning Second Team All-Southland Conference honors. He was PFF\u2019s No. 5-graded FCS interior defender, and Williams\u2019 run defense grade on PFF ranked No. 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Eli Mostaert, North Dakota State<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mostaert is a three-time All-MVFC selection dating back to the 2021 spring season. In the 2021 fall, he tallied 44 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. After missing most of the 2022 season due to injury, Mostaert made his presence felt again last fall. The 6-foot-3, 287-pounder had 37 stops and four TFLs. PFF graded him as the No. 7 overall FCS interior defender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Marlon Taylor, Chattanooga<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taylor is a force on the interior and a prospect on the NFL radar for next year. At 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds, he is a two-time All-SoCon selection. Taylor recorded 24 tackles and 4.5 TFLs in 2022. Last fall, he had 30 tackles, nine TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. The run-stuffer had the 10th-best PFF rush-defense grade among FCS interior linemen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best defensive ends are below<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Top 25 Returners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n