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Sun Positional Preview: Defensive Line

By Ryan Watters (@ryan2tswatters), 07/08/16, 2:45PM PDT

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Seven returners and three new faces at camp

Photo courtesy of Greystoke Photograhy

One of the strongest units last season was the defensive line.  They were big, fast and the talent was deep putting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

On September 13th last season the d-line tied a single game CJFL sack record with 13 against the VI Raiders.

This season the line will again be lethal as seven players return and 10 in total will be at main camp this weekend.

Lucas Machado

He returns for his fourth and final year of junior football and is thirsty for another shot at the Canadian Bowl.  The Winnipeg native (pictured) will lead by example on the field and off it as well.   Last season he was outstanding, drawing double teams and different blocking schemes and still managed to record seven sacks. He has a bright future still in front of him.

Kent Lawrence

He’s back for his second season with the Sun and is a menacing looking presence at 6’7 to compliment his quick feet.   Last season as a 20 year old he tallied eight tackles, two sacks and recovered a fumble.  He and Machado will give the opposition offensive lineman fits.

Conner Novak

The KSS grad returns for his third season and is poised for a breakout year.  He continues to progress on the field and in the weight room and at 250 pounds of muscle will be able to power his way through the offensive line.

Elias Rodriguez

Another KSS grad who showed flashes of athleticism and sheer power last season.  Now entering his third year at 250 pounds, his workload will be that much more as the coaching staff will give him opportunities to succeed.

James Harney

One of the most exciting signees of National Signing Day.  The Squamish native spent the last two seasons at Bishop’s University following an outstanding BC high school career at Notre Dame in Vancouver.  He will add sheer power to an already powerful defensive line.

Cory McCoy

As a true rookie last season McCoy began to use his 6’4, 233 pound frame to his advantage.  The coaching staff liked his progression so much that the RSS grad was added to the Canadian Bowl roster giving him valuable experience coming into this season.

Rueben Marin

Just 18 years young last season the Maple Ridge native was inserted into a number of games gaining the experience necessary to be an impact player in 2016.  Marin has tremendous power and leverage able to put offensive lineman back on their heels.  As he grows into his 6’2, 248 pound body, he will become a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball.

Hayden Hamilton

The progression of the true rookie was extremely impressive last season.   At 6’2, 225 pounds the Lord Tweedsmuir grad tallied a pair of sacks showing his quickness off the line.  Getting the experience of the Canadian Bowl last season it has fueled his fire to get back to the national championship game and improve in his sophomore season.

Gavin Kulscar

A star on the line for Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw last season, Kulscar will be a rookie for the Sun in 2016 and has a tremendous upside.  He’s big and fast and has the tools to develop into one of the best in the CJFL.

Nicholas Tran

A KSS grad that will compete for a roster spot this season.  At 6’2, 202 pounds Tran is quick off his feet to add to his talents that can make him a dominating force for years to come on the Sun defensive line.