FLORENCE, Ala. (August 2, 2024) – It's officially game month for the University of North Alabama football program, as the Lions are now 22 days from the season opener. On Thursday night, the Lions practiced in full pads for the first time this fall at Braly Stadium.
For the month of August leading up to opening week, RoarLions.com will release breakdowns of every position. Today's spotlight is on the defensive line.
UNA has 18 defensive linemen listed on the 2024 roster, anchored by returning starters
Kam'ron Green,
Tyrik Daniels,
Kaleb Brown and Phil Steele Freshman All-American
Jyheam Ingram. This quartet combined for 106 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
"We're really excited with this group," said UNA defensive line coach
Thomas Johnston. "We've got some depth this year that will help us play fast for four quarters — overtime — we'll be ready for whatever comes our way."
The Lions lost a key member of this group this offseason in graduated senior
Philip Ossai, who earned all-conference honors and received a mini camp invite from the Atlanta Falcons in April.
Seven lettermen return at this position for the Lions, including sophomore
Avery Howard who emerged in the final five games of last season. Another player that Johnston highlighted was redshirt sophomore
Garrick Ponder, who missed last season with injury but has excelled in fall camp with the front seven.
A handful of newcomers are expected to contribute right away, including Florida Atlantic transfer
Marlon Krakue as a defensive end. Krakue lettered four seasons at FAU and totaled 33 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss. Johnston also highlighted the youth on the roster and how they are adapting to the standard.
"The young guys are coming up," Johnston said. "They are starting to roll. They see what I'm looking for and the standard we are pushing for and are setting."
UNA opens the 2024 season at the FCS Kickoff on Week 0 against Southeast Missouri at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN at 6 p.m. and will be the first primetime college football game on ESPN this season.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
