Fourth in a series highlighting each position for the 2018 Morehead State Football program. - Quarterbacks - Receivers - Running Backs

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- It takes speed, strength and agility to be on the defensive line of a college football team. With a solid mix of veterans and fresh talent, Morehead State's defensive line should be in good shape in 2018.

"Our strength this year will be our toughness," said Adam Mueller, defensive line coach. "We have done a great job this offseason of developing toughness in all facets of the game: practice, workouts and meetings. We are making strides every day in developing a culture in the defensive line room."

The group starts with a pair of seniors up front - Jamil Butler and Nick Flores. Butler, a fifth-year member of the team from Louisville, piled up 46 tackles and six for losses in 2017. Flores is a junior college transfer from New Jersey who led the team with nine tackles behind the opponent line of scrimmage in 2017.

Beside them is a pair of redshirt juniors in Patrick Rice and Jeremiah Draper. Rice, from nearby Wittensville, had 26 total stops with 5.5 in the backfield. Draper, a native of Radcliff, Ky., posted 17 stops.

Two sophomores who could also gain more playing time this year are Chrinovic Mukulu and Hunter Burdno. The athletic Mukulu was credited with a team-best three quarterback hurries last year and played all 11 games. Burdno only saw action in five contests but did record a sack.

Freshman Dalton Lewis has made the switch from the offensive line to the defensive trenches.

Other freshmen vying for action are Daichi Castles, Wade Acey, Sam Ballman, Gabe Limings, Charlie Meech and Eddie Loos. Dante Jones, a redshirt sophomore, got into three games last year, and Jacob Wilde is also a redshirt sophomore.

"Football is a 'do your job' game. We are fortunate to have a large group of players who will be able to contribute," said Mueller. "The incoming players did a great job this fall camp and are working hard to carve out a role for themselves."

Morehead State gets the season started with an Aug. 30 game at Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. ET. Season tickets for the six home games are on sale now by clicking here (PDF).