David McCollum’s story - UCA football: Bears gain maturity in defensive line

The interior defensive line position appears to be a strength for the defense. Unlike the end position where only three players are returning with significant experience, the tackles return four. Matthew Hornbuckle, Larry Duvall and Justin Williams all have starting experience. And Big D.J. Willis played in all 13 games. A position that had zero seniors last year, Parker Carpenter and T.J. Randall got some experience as well.

I have always thought that Justin Williams could be dominant. The first thing I noticed when looking at the roster is that he’s listed at 308(!) after being listed at 282 last season. I feel like he’s been banged up a bit during seasons (maybe a toe injury at some point?). If he can stay healthy and we get the same production for Hornbuckle, everything else may just be a bonus.

Returning

• #52 Parker Carpenter DL/DS 6-4 256 So. Olive Branch, Miss. / Olive Branch
• #57 T.J. Randall DL 6-3 268 So. Lee’s Summit, Mo. / Nebraska-Omaha
• #78 Larry Duvall DL 6-2 278 Sr. Marianna, Ark. / Marianna
• #91 Matthew Hornbuckle DL 6-2 281 Jr. Colleyville, Texas / Buffalo
• #98 D.J. Willis DL 6-0 301 So. The Colony, Texas / The Colony
• #99 Justin Williams DL 6-2 308 Sr. Galveston, Texas / Ball

Key losses:

• None!

Current Roster Additions: