MIAMI (April 9, 2020) - This week we preview FIU's defensive line as we look ahead to the upcoming season. 

POSITION BREAKDOWN
Position: Defensive Line
Position Coach: Kenard Lang
Key Returner: Andrew Tarver

PLAYER TO WATCH
Andrew Tarver had his best season as a Panther last year, playing in all 13 games and making 11 starts on the defensive line. The Georgia native had the second-most tackles on the team among defensive linemen with 35, while recording a tackle-for-loss and a sack on the year. The senior will look to cap his Panther career on a high note this fall. 

QUOTES FROM TARVER
Tarver on What Bonds the Defensive Line: "I think what bonds us together as a D-line is that when we are together on the field it feels like we're all kids just wanting to ball out and have fun. We make sure we celebrate every big play on defense so the good energy spreads throughout the entire defense, and that carries with us off the field as well." 

Tarver on Goals for 2020: "As a D-line we want to be more aggressive than last season. We are focused on making sure to stop the run so we get more opportunities to pressure the QB. Once we get the opportunity to pass rush, we want to lead the nation in sacks."

QUOTES FROM COACH LANG
Lang on Andrew Tarver: "He's like a granite rock. He helps hold the heart of our defense together by plugging the middle."

Lang on Other Returnees: "We're looking to get deeper up front this year. Having guys like Chris Whittaker and Alexy Jean-Baptiste from the start, which we didn't have last year, will be a big plus for us. Noah Curtis, Kevin Oliver and Jordan Woods were also a big part of our success last fall and we expect a big year from them heading into their senior seasons." 

Lang on Areas of Emphasis in 2020: "Stop the run, be consistent and be relentless." 

Lang on Goals for 2020: "To have a dominating and disruptive front. We want to be the best in the FBS."

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIU.Football on Instagram and @FIUFootball on Twitter and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.