USU Football: Aranda gets defensive about his line

Utah State's newest defensive coordinator didn't even pretend to mince his words.

"This spring is crucial for the development of the defensive line."

Definitely an important directive, but also very true.

There isn't a lot of experience on the defensive line outside of potential All-WAC tackle Al Lapuaho. Connor Williams and Travis Seefeldt are starting next to Lapuaho. Neither have started before in an Aggie uniform. Plus, former Sky View star Eric Bernston, a return missionary, has made his way onto the two-deep.

That means, the line has to gain experience and quickly. That means the line has to gel, and gel quickly. Havea Lasike has experience, but he's out right now with an injury at nose tackle. Aranda expects him back before the end of the spring.

"The growth of the line could be the key to the spring," Aranda said.

Bojay Filimoeatu has switched positions, and is now an outside linebacker, his original position when he committed to the Aggies. That takes another weapon away from the defensive line. It should be interesting to see how things all come together in the next month.

Tony Jones