Countdown to Kickoff: Defensive Line Preview

POCATELLO, Idaho- Idaho State football coach Mike Kramer wants his defense to have the trait of variability and adaptability. In practice, the defense will give the quarterbacks a feel for what they will really face in the games. The defense will align in a 3-4 set but have the ability to morph into a 4-3.

Here is a preview of the defensive line.

Defensive Line
The defensive line will be anchored by senior Jordan Monga at nose tackle. The Bengal senior earned honorable mention all conference honors and his leadership qualities on and off the field have been vital for the team.

“He might be slight but he has already proven that he is a resolute, no quit never give up type of player which is perfect for us at the nose tackle,” Kramer said. “We want him to be able to move latterly and to be able to pursue at the extreme. One of the natures of his personality he is already one of the best leaders on this team.”

Monga will be backed by David Forester and Austin Schnizler.

James Bergren is slated to start at left tackle. On the right side at tackle Jake Rouser is slated to start with freshman Washington State transfer Austin Graves as the backup.

“Jake Rouser went through spring as a starter,” Kramer said. “We will rotate him with Austin Graves a freshman transfer from Washington State who got better with every repetition during the spring.”

Kramer has announced that Andrew Benavides and Isaiah Walker have retired from football but will remain on scholarship and on the roster as they work towards the completion of their degree. Senior Brad Shedd will miss the 2011 season due to a knee injury.

The football team is also done with two-a-day work outs as Kramer said he has been pleased with the reps his team has taken in practice. Practices will be at 2:30 p.m. until school starts, except for the scrimmages.

The team scrimmages on Tuesday and Saturday at 4 p.m. There will be no video shot but it is open to watch.
On August 25, Idaho State fans will have an opportunity to meet their favorite Bengal student-athletes and coaches. From 5-7 p.m. at Holt Arena, the athletic department will host the second annual Holt Hoorah.

The event is free to the public. At 5:15 p.m. on the field there will be a ribbon cutting with ISU Credit Union to celebrate the new turf being installed.

There will be free food and drinks just outside Holt Arena and each ISU athletic team will be present conducting contests and playing games with fans. There will be drawings for commemorative autographed footballs, and many other prizes to be given away as well!
Season and single game tickets are on sale now at the Holt Arena Ticket Office. Fans can purchase tickets at the ticket office or call, 208-282-FANS or by logging onto isubengals.com. Idaho State opens the season Sept. 3 at Washington State and the home opener is Sept. 10 against Western State College at 4 p.m.

Tickets for the game are half off and if fans become a fan of the Idaho State Athletics Facebook page they can print a coupon voucher off for a $6 ticket. It is one voucher per individual. ICCU will also be giving shirts to the first 5,000 people into the game.