Be sure to check back this afternoon for a video feature with defensive line coach Kevin Lewis.

Additionally, a written preview discussing the team's defensive line is available below.

Season ticket information is available by clicking here, or by calling the Tribe Ticket office at 757-221-3340.

DEFENSIVE LINE
One of W&M's greatest strengths for much of the last decade has been its defensive line, which has consistently produced outstanding units with elite players. Last year's team continued to solidify that tradition of success under the direction of first-year position coach Kevin Lewis and produced a pair of NFL free agent signees – Mike Reilly (Cleveland Browns) and Jasper Coleman (Houston Texans). The challenge of replacing two NFL-caliber players is even more imposing when coupled with the graduation of four-year starter Steve Sinnott. However, Lewis expects the question marks surrounding his unit will be answered as a talented new crop of players maximize the opportunity to embrace an increased role.

Led by senior all-conference candidate defensive tackle Tyler Claytor, the interior line appears to be the unit's strength this season. A returning starter, Claytor (6-3, 280) possesses great size, athleticism, quickness and change of direction. Additionally, he plays with a high motor, is strong against the run and has the ability to rush opposing quarterbacks. Although the Snellville, Ga., native was hampered by injury last season, he finished the year strong and totaled 5.0 sacks in the final six games.

Lining up next to Claytor will be one of the league's best young players in Isaiah Stephens, who last season became W&M's first true freshman defensive lineman to start since 2001. Expected to become a full-time starter this fall, Stephens has great size (6-2, 324) and strength and is especially effective against the run. Additionally, the Smyrna, Del., native is athletic and has good change of direction mobility for his size. After improving his conditioning and technique during the offseason, he should improve upon a solid true freshman season in which he totaled 42 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 6.0 TFL and a fumble recovery.

Stepping into starting roles at defensive end will be junior Peyton Gryder and sophomore Xavier Roscoe. Gryder (6-3, 255) is an experienced veteran who has seen action in 23 games during the past two seasons and finished last fall with 3.0 sacks, 6.0 TFL and a forced fumble. Very effective against the run, the Midlothian, Va., native is an extremely hard worker who is physical and plays with a high motor.

After appearing in 11 games as a reserve during his redshirt freshman season last fall, Roscoe (6-3, 235) enters preseason camp as a starter and one of the defense's most talented playmakers. In addition to being a very athletic end with good length, he plays with a smooth style and can change direction well, which enables him to excel at rushing the passer.

Providing depth at defensive end will be a trio of talented players in sophomore Matt Ahola, redshirt freshman Spencer Kleinrichert and senior Braxton Hicks. Although Ahola (6-2, 253) has limited game experience, he is a physical end who plays with good technique and competes with a high motor. After redshirting as a linebacker last season, Kleinrichert (6-3, 230) will move to defensive end this fall. The Edgewater, Md., native has good strength and burst, which coupled with his competitive nature and consistent play, should enable him to excel with the transition. Hicks (6-4, 250) will add a veteran presence to the group, as he has appeared in 23 games during his career. The Charlotte, N.C., native is athletic with good length and possesses playmaking ability which should enable him to have success rushing the quarterback.

A seasoned quartet of players will vie for reps as reserve defensive tackles, as juniors Chris Donald, Grey Congo, VJ Davey and senior Spencer Bopp all return to the mix. After suffering a season-ending injury in the 2014 season opener at Virginia Tech, Donald (6-3, 260) looks to regain a significant role this fall with a healthy return. A talented, athletic, versatile player, he can line up at either tackle or end and has good strength. Congo (6-2, 275) has played sparingly during his career but is a strong tackle who has worked hard to improve his consistency and footwork. A potential playmaker, Davey (6-3, 283) saw action in seven games as a reserve last season and has good strength and quickness. One of the group's leaders, Bopp (6-3, 280) has good strength and is physical at the point of attack.