Local Sports

WVU defensive line playing to strengths

MORGANTOWN -- The West Virginia University football team's defensive line has a "don't back down" mentality like no other, according to coach Andrew Jackson.

"I think I have a bunch of guys that will go in there and get in a fist fight with any O-line in the country," he said.

Entering his second season in Morgantown, Jackson has continuity on his side this spring -- a major positive as the Mountaineers continue to climb.

The defensive line returns two starters from a season ago in sixth-year standout Dante Stills and redshirt senior Taijh Alston -- a dynamic duo among those most-feared in the Big 12. The pair combined for 72 tackles last season, including 12 sacks.

Akheem Mesidor, who was out for the spring while working through an injury, was expected to return to his role on the defensive line this fall, but quickly and quietly found his way out of Morgantown. He entered the transfer portal last month and quickly garnered interest from some of college football's elite programs, but he has yet to publicly decide on a new school.

With Mesidor's departure comes a void and, so far, redshirt junior Jordan Jefferson seems to be the likely replacement. The hulking Jefferson's 6-foot-3, 310-pound frame is ideal for the prototypical nose tackle.

However, due to his size, his skill set is limited. While Jefferson is arguably the strongest player on the entire team, his lack of speed affects how the defensive line will present itself.

"We're gonna adjust the defense to the strengths of what we have," Jackson said. "If we're not gonna be moving around, doing as many things, that's fine because Jordan Jefferson is the type of guy that embraces going in there and getting double-teamed. That's exactly what we'll let him do.

"I coach guys' strengths and I try to limit their weaknesses," Jackson added. "I try to go with what they naturally have to do and I don't try to change that. I just try to make them more well-rounded. I just try to get Jordan to make some of those athletic plays, but again I'm gonna go in there and let him be the Mack truck."

Last season, Mesidor played both inside and outside on the defensive line due to his athleticism. His versatility was a luxury, one that the Mountaineers don't have this season -- at least in a player of Mesidor's caliber.

Still, the defensive line is fairly deep, with Jackson saying there are currently seven guys he trusts to play quality snaps. Outside of Mesidor, the team returns everybody who saw considerable time up front last season. The addition of Cincinnati transfer and South Charleston native Zeiqui Lawton only grew the team's options.

"There's always the flash plays from Dante and Taijh and those things, but Jordan Jefferson's coming along," Jackson said. "Zeiqui Lawton, Sean Martin, Taurus Simmons are all flashing. When I get those guys in there, there's really no change in what's going on on the field. You can't notice the second unit's in there."

A total of 12 defensive linemen currently on campus will likely be joined by a few additions this summer. Freshman Aric Burton enrolled early and is on campus, while Asani Redwood will be with the team come fall. Jackson also left the door open to adding an additional piece via the transfer portal.