HawaiiAthletics.com Preview: Defensive Line

HawaiiAthletics.com continues their position-by-position previews with a look at the defensive line.

The loss of Veikune, a two-time all-WAC player and second-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, is big one. Junior Elliott Purcell is a top contender to fill the open position, while seniors Cameron Allen-Jones and Victor Clore will be vying for extended playing time. In effort to bring more speed to the line, the Warriors moved freshman Paipai Falemalu from linebacker. Falemalu, one of the most heralded recruits of the 2008, class redshirted last year.

The inside tackle positions are topped by Vaughn Meatoga, Tuika Tufaga and Rocky Savaiigaea. Meatoga started two games as a redshirt freshman last year, Tufaga saw significant action in 2008 and Savaiigaea looks to have a healthy 2009 after battling injury.

“Our defense is centered around a five-man zone dog pass rush,” Miranda said. “I look back on the success we had last year on defense and when we did have success it was with a four-man pass rush, so we want to repeat that again. I’ve been seeing Tufaga step up, I’m seeing good things from Rocky. He hasn’t played in a long time but he's making steady improvements."