SPORTS ANALYSIS: Rice's defensive line is crucial for success in WAC

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by Alex Chapman

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So the fate of Rice's football team may defend on its defensive line.

While the group is fairly small compared to many major college lines, especially offensive lines such as the one they faced against Ohio State, this is a talented and experienced group.

The first-team defensive line has combined for 61 starts and 109 games played.

Leading the rush for the Owls will be strong side defensive end Ndukwe Kalu.

Kalu, a 6-4, 255-pound senior, is Rice's all-time sack leader. During his sophomore year, Kalu set a Rice single-season record with eight sacks.

Despite being double-teamed on virtually every play last season, Kalu added another seven sacks.

He begins the season with 97 career tackles in addition to his 15 sacks, an impressive total for a rush DE.

Anchoring the other end of the defensive line will be another returning starter, Andy Clifton.

Clifton started all 11 games last year. Big things are expected and needed of the 6-2, 240-pound junior this year.

With the attention of the offense on Kalu, he has an excellent chance of slipping into the backfield and wreaking havoc. Last year he had three sacks, made four tackles for losses and caused a fumble.

Filling up the middle will be nose guard Larry Thompson.

A starter the past two years, at 5-9 he is unlikely to break up too many passes, but the 255 pounds on the frame give him the solidity to stand his ground against opposing linemen. A former walk-on, the junior has increased his strength since last season.

Senior Jason Winship inherits the defensive tackle spot from Brynton Goines, who was a strong presence on the line last year.

Winship is exceptionally experienced for a newcomer to the first team. Indeed, the 6-2, 260-pound fifth-year senior has 33 games and eight starts to his credit.

The Owls hope for an aggressive performance and team leadership from Winship.

Among the reserves, defensive end Mark Lodge has drawn raves from the coaches for potential, and the redshirt freshman will share time with Arthur Terry in spelling Clifton.

The unenviable job of attempting to replace Kalu for periods of time falls at the moment to sophomore Julian Duncan.

True freshmen Judd Smith and Jeff Odom will back up Thompson at the nose.

Veteran Russell Streeter will back up Winship, but his playing time will be limited.

Look for Andrew Hughes to pick up the slack.

Linebackers

Potential is the key word at linebacker. Last year, the defense's leaders were Joe Davis and Larry Izzo, both of whom are now departed. Sophomres Rashad Reynolds and Thomas Benford have the potential to be in that position someday, but playing at that level immdiately is unrealistic. As Reynolds and Benford get better, so should the defense.

Senior Kevin Masek has the unenviable task of attempting to replace Larry Izzo. Izzo's bandit linebacker position is the glue of the defense. If Masek can read plays correctly and make the tackles, then the run defense will be be acceptable. If he can't get to the spots quickly, you can bet the opponent's running backs certainly will.

Reynolds has shown athletic ability as an inside linebacker. In his play last year, he was a strong contributor. But his diligent work in the weight room has begun to pay serious dividends. Rashad was the 1996 Joe Davis Award winner for most improved player in the spring. This could be his breakthrough year.

Benford will start for the Owls at the other inside linebacker spot. Benford has become a playmaker for the Owls. Of the 30 tackles he was involved in last season, five were for losses. Benford also had two pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Depth for the Owls at linebacker is plentiful, but not strong. At banditbacker, only sophomore Terrance Melton has any real experience. Behind Melton is true freshman and converted quarterback Clint Leschber. Listed after Leschber are two sophomore walk-ons with no real experience.

Senior and special teams leader Ryan Woods will spell Reynolds. Woods, who moved to running back in 1995, was moved back for 1996. Behind Woods is true freshman Michael Lecclier. True freshman Wesley Kubesch has attracted attention behind Benford, enough to move past

This item appeared in the Sports section of the September 13, 1996 issue.

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