D Line Out to Make a Name for Themselves
THE DAWGS, the Hounds, the Highland Sting ... nicknames that have become synonymous with the Claymores and their uncompromising and hard hitting defensive lines that have been a feature of the Scots teams down through the seasons.Fear not Claymores fans, despite the departure of fan favourite line coach Jim Tomsula - who moved on to a coordinator role in Berlin - this season promises to be no different if the first two days of training camp are anything to go by.
Having spent only 48 hours in Dunedin, the Claymores as yet 'un-named' defensive line has already started turning heads.
At first glance, the D-Line corps features speed, power and attitude with big names such as NICK EASON, CEDRIC SCOTT and ALAN HARPER, all of whom were fourth round draft selections in the NFL.
Ironically, Scott and Eason were both selected 114th overall in their respected drafts-2001 and 2003, while Harper was selected 121st overall in the fourth round. Each will have their work cut out for them as they compete against eight other talented defensive lineman for a spot on the limited roster.
Veteran defensive line coach and the man who will lead the front this season, DENAULD BROWN, has nothing but good things to say about his men upfront for this upcoming season.
"I can tell we have a bunch of guys that want to be out here," Brown emphasised. "The guys here want to work hard, they recognize the opportunity that has been give to them and they are taking advantage of it.
"We will have a combined practice on Saturday in which I'll be able to get a better feel for the guys. But for right now, I can't complain about the amount of effort they are putting out."
A notable player on the Claymores line is defensive end GAVIN WALLS. Walls, who is listed at 6-2 and 230 pounds, will be a player to keep an eye on in the next couple of weeks. So far, he has earned praise from his coaches and teammates alike despite his apparent lack of size.
"Gavin is an under-sized guy, but we saw film on him in college and he is a very active player," Brown said. "He's definitely showing some promising signs out here on the field. Obviously he is a lot smaller, but there have been guys in the NFL that that were under-sized and they have gone on to have great careers. I think Gavin will be fine."
Veteran defensive end ROBERT FLICKINGER, also known as 'Flick', gives his own scouting report on Walls.
"He has speed and he's a fighter, which makes up for a lot," Flick said. "Boy, is he going to give guys some fits. You think you got him figured out and you think you k now how fast he is, and then he'll just round around you anyway.
"He's deceiving with his strength along with the rest of the defensive line we have out here. I think we have some great natural pass rushers this year. They have great speed and natural talent.
"We have some big guys, but I've seen bigger. But man, do these guys sure play bigger. They have great get-off, speed and strength. This is going to be a great team to watch this year and I'm really excited."
While excited for the forthcoming season, Flickinger is ready to turn the page as he reminisces on his long run with former Claymore defensive line coach, Jim Tomsula.
"Obviously coming back this year to the Claymores, it was a bit different," Flick explained. "Coach Tomsula was a great coach and friend. I'm sure he is going to do a great job coaching the defensive line over in Berlin. He always has. But I tell you what, Coach Brown is a good coach and I'm impressed with what I've seen so far. I think he is going to take this D-Line a long way."
Walls doesn't let his size become an issue. He feels that he can be just as effective as any other defensive lineman that is 60 pounds heavier.
"I can get physical just like them," Walls exclaimed. "I just have to be physical in other ways. I use my speed unlike the bigger guys who can just go in and bull-rush. I respect the bigger guys, but I am who I am. We are just trying to get one another better everyday."
Coach Brown and the rest of the defensive lineman are ready to get 'their hit on' Saturday as they join the Rhein Fire for a combined scrimmage.
Report from Ryan Moore
SUGGEST A NAME FOR THE DEFENSIVE LINE
THE Claymores hard-hitting defensive line are looking for a new moniker. Give us your suggestions and we'll put the best ideas to our D men in the trenches.
05 Mar, 04 | 6:56 pm