Fort Hays State has produced one of the best run defenses in the MIAA the past two seasons, thanks to its solid play up front on the defensive line. Even with the loss of two-time All-MIAA selection Ty Brunswig, the Tigers return the majority of their starters from last year on the defensive line. Anchoring the line will be fifth-year senior Charlie Carr, who enters the season with a 28-consecutive starts streak, dating back to his redshirt-freshman season of 2006.

Carr, a native of Elk City, Okla., started all 11 games for the Tigers the past two seasons. Last year, he ranked 10th on the team in tackles with 32 (2nd among defensive linemen). Carr helped the Tigers rank second in the MIAA in rushing defense and total defense last year, trailing only national runner-up Northwest Missouri State in each category.

“Charlie is the heart and soul of our defensive line,” said head coach Kevin Verdugo. Carr came to the program in 2005 with several other 4-year seniors that moved on from the program following last year. “He is the only one from his freshman class that redshirted,” added Verdugo. Carr was part of Verdugo’s very first recruiting class at FHSU and will be the first fifth-year senior to play entirely in the Verdugo era.

The other two regular starters returning from last season are juniors Jacob Crossman (Haysville, Kan) and Garrett Nikkel (Goddard, Kan.). Nikkel led the team in sacks last year with three and tackles for losses with 6.5. He recorded a total of 26 tackles on the season. Crossman had 18 tackles in 2008 and will be on the interior this season, likely taking the nose tackle role.

Reggie St. Pierre (Miami, Fla., Sr.), a late transfer for the Tigers last year, played in the final 10 games of the season for FHSU in 2008. He finished third among defensive linemen in tackles with 27. A two-time all-conference selection at North Iowa Area Community College, St. Pierre has outstanding athletic ability, able to move very well side to side for a big man.

The Tigers have a hoard of players at defensive line that can step in and have a big impact immediately.

Macy Sexson (Weskan, Kan., Sr.) enters his fourth year with the program and has plenty of experience after playing in all 11 games for the Tigers each of the past two seasons. He recorded 16 tackles last season.

The Tigers have three talented players that redshirted last season in their first year out of high school. Those players include Aaron Burton (Great Bend, Kan.), Aaron Kelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.), and Sam Wentling (McPherson, Kan.).

The Tigers will have added depth with the addition of Brett Spresser (Gem, Kan., Jr.), who transfers in from Garden City Community College.

“That defensive line is like a small hockey team,” said Verdugo. “The second group is banging the boards over there for a shift change. Those guys fight for time over there. There’s great competition.”