Defensive Line Concern

So the Dion Armstrong saga ends before we learn whether the sophomore nose tackle would have been academically eligible this season. The general feeling was that Armstrong was considered somewhat of a long shot to play this season, and Coach Ralph Friedgen acknowledged Thursday that he was not really counting on having Armstrong available this season. His overall physical condition was yet another issue because Friedgen had said that Armstrong did not come into camp in good shape. As Friedgen said, “It’s time to move on.”

But what does this mean for a defensive line that was an issue with or without Armstrong. The starting defensive linemen will now have seven career starts under their belts as they enter the season. A lot of expectations fall to senior Travis Ivey, but others --- Jared Harrell, A.J. Francis or Derek Drummond --- will have to come through, as well.