Southeastern Lions Football Position Report: Defensive Line

HAMMOND, La. – The reigning Southland Conference champion Southeastern Louisiana University football team has multiple options on the defensive line heading into the 2023 season.

With several veterans returning with another year of experience combined with an influx of newcomers slated to have an immediate impact, Southeastern head coach Frank Scelfo has high hopes for his team’s front four this fall.

“We have a lot of depth on the defensive line across the board,” Scelfo commented. “At the defensive tackle position, we’ve made some great strides schematically and with the increased discipline those guys are playing with. We’ve also increased our pass rush ability, especially from the edge.”

Defensive line coach Tom Rinaldi has been pleased with his group’s progress as the season opener approaches.

“We’ve seen some huge development from our guys from the summer into fall camp,” Rinaldi said. “Kaleb Proctor is a good example as one of the guys that has made a big leap from where they were three months ago.”

Veterans Arlen Williams and Garrett Crawford represented the Lions on the preseason All-Southland Conference team released last month, while Tyrik Mitchell was named to the Senior Bowl Watch List Wednesday. Southeastern will also get a boost from the return of Rodney Sopsher, who suffered a season-ending injury in the 2022 season opener.

“Rodney has been working his tail off since he’s been cleared,” Rinaldi stated. “He’s starting to look like his old self during camp and he’s doing a nice job holding the nose guard position down for us. Rodney’s really progressed well these last two weeks.”

Rinaldi didn’t hesitate when asked about the leadership in the defensive line room.

“Our biggest leader in our room is Garrett,” Rinaldi said. “He’s been a three-year starter for us and has the knowledge and ability to play all four positions across the front. Guys in our room look up to him.”

Rinaldi also pointed out a pair of newcomers that are expected to have a positive impact this fall.

“Shemar Pearl and Javen Sanchez have both made huge strides for us since they’ve been here,” Rinaldi said. “We’re excited to get them on the field making plays for us.”

The Lions will return to the practice field Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. The week’s practice schedule culminates with the Season Ticket Pickup Party, set for 10 a.m. in conjunction with SLU’s final practice before entering game week.
Southeastern opens the 2023 season with three straight nonconference road contests, beginning with a Sept. 2 trip to Mississippi State. The game versus the Bulldogs kicks off at 3 p.m. in Starkville, Mississippi and will be televised on SEC Network and can be heard on the Southeastern Sports Radio Network (Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM, The Boss 103.7 FM/WFPR 1400 AM).

Season and single-game tickets for the 2023 home football season, which includes visits from HCU (Sept. 23), Tarleton State (Sept. 30), Lamar (Oct. 14), McNeese (Nov. 4) and Nicholls (Nov. 18) are available online at https://vivenu.com/event/2023-football-2klkar.

Southeastern Football Preseason Practice Schedule
Aug. 24 – 3:45 p.m.
Aug. 25 – 9 a.m.
Aug. 26 – 9 a.m. (Season Ticket Pickup Party – 10 a.m.)

TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets for the 2023-24 season. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.

SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow lionupfootball on Instagram.

TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.

All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.

INSIDE SOUTHEASTERN FOOTBALL WITH FRANK SCELFO
The 2023 season of Inside Southeastern Football with Frank Scelfo will debut Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. at its new home – Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux (305 CM Fagan Dr) in Hammond. Hosted by Scelfo and Allen Waddell, the hour-long radio show will air Mondays throughout the football season on Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM and The Boss 103.7 FM/WFPR 1400 AM.