As we hit the preview portion of the 2024 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of what players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning defensive linemen in 2024.
These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, pro potential, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
Best defensive ends are below the interior DL rankings
Best Returning Interior DL
25. Darryn Kindles, Davidson
24. Eriq George, Tennessee State
23. Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State
22. Michael Otty, Bryant
21. Matthew Brown, Eastern Washington
20. Sam Buerkle, Fordham
19. James Ash, Florida A&M
18. Eddie Bierals, Saint Francis
17. Kyle Philbin, Brown
16. Matt Herron, Weber State
15. Jarod DePriest, South Dakota State
14. Izaiah Henderson, Maine
13. Carson Primrose, Rhode Island (transfer from Sacred Heart)
12. Rylen Sua-Filo, Southern Utah
11. David Rowe, Idaho State
10. Dallas Afalava, Idaho
9. Westley Neal Jr., Rhode Island
8. Brandon Maina, Wofford
7. Nick Gaes, South Dakota
6. Josiah Green, Dartmouth
5. Edward Bobino III, Stephen F. Austin
4. Jaden Taylor, North Carolina Central
3. Caleb Williams, Lamar
The 5-foot-11 and 290-pounder was tough to move for opposing offensive lines. Starting all 11 games last year, Williams was productive from his interior spot. He totaled 57 tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, and three pass deflections, earning Second Team All-Southland Conference honors. He was PFF’s No. 5-graded FCS interior defender, and Williams’ run defense grade on PFF ranked No. 2.
2. Eli Mostaert, North Dakota State
Mostaert is a three-time All-MVFC selection dating back to the 2021 spring season. In the 2021 fall, he tallied 44 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. After missing most of the 2022 season due to injury, Mostaert made his presence felt again last fall. The 6-foot-3, 287-pounder had 37 stops and four TFLs. PFF graded him as the No. 7 overall FCS interior defender.
1. Marlon Taylor, Chattanooga
Taylor is a force on the interior and a prospect on the NFL radar for next year. At 6-foot-2 and 322 pounds, he is a two-time All-SoCon selection. Taylor recorded 24 tackles and 4.5 TFLs in 2022. Last fall, he had 30 tackles, nine TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. The run-stuffer had the 10th-best PFF rush-defense grade among FCS interior linemen.
Best defensive ends are below
Best Returning Edge Defenders
25. Dion Crews-Harris, Towson
24. Dorien Starnes, VMI
23. Kobe McClendon, Lindenwood
22. Marcus Howard, Northern Colorado
21. Jeremiah Grant, Richmond
20. Treqwan Thomas, Alabama State
19. Keyshawn James-Newby, Idaho
18. Jonathan Hammond, William & Mary (transfer from Davidson)
17. David Hoage, Northern Colorado
16. Luke Clark, Furman
15. Justin Townsend, Columbia
14. Brayden Wilson, Weber State
13. Matt Jaworski, Fordham
12. Zach Kennedy, UC Davis
11. Dylan Ruiz, New Hampshire
10. Daniel Rickert, Tennessee Tech
9. Finn Claypool, Drake
8. Malachi Bailey, Alcorn State
7. Dylan Hendricks, North Dakota State
6. Josiah Silver, New Hampshire
5. Elijah Williams, Morgan State
4. Brody Grebe, Montana State
3. Ckelby Givens, Southern
Last year, the 6-foot-2 and 230-pounder racked up 61 tackles, 21 TFLs, seven sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. His 1.9 TFLs per game ranked No. 3 in the FCS. Givens graded out on PFF as the No. 6 FCS edge defender. He earned All-SWAC First Team honors and was named an FCS Football Central Third Team All-American.
2. Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly
Ponder enjoyed a breakout season last year. The 6-foot-3 and 245-pounder tallied 52 tackles, 13 TFLs, 10 sacks, and 17 QB hurries. His PFF pass-rush grade ranked No. 3 among FCS edge defenders. Ponder earned First Team All-Big Sky honors and was named to two All-American teams. Ponder is firmly on the NFL radar, as is the player below.
1. David Walker, Central Arkansas
Walker has been dominant in his two years at UCA after transferring from Division II Southern Arkansas University. In 2022, he totaled 66 tackles, 22 TFLs, and 12 sacks, finishing third in the Buck Buchanan Award voting, earning ASUN Defensive Player of the Year honors, and being named to six All-American teams. Last fall, the 6-foot-2 and 260-pounder totaled 57 tackles, 18 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks. He graded out as PFF’s No. 9 overall FCS edge defender. Walker earned three more All-American accolades and was named the UAC’s Defensive Player of the Year.
