The Defensive Lineman

Defensive linemen – players who have been described as the warriors in the pit are the front line of the defensive team and are the first to feel the attack by the offense. Defensive linemen's reactions must be immediate because they are lined up only inches away from the offensive players who try to block them. They do not have the luxury of taking time to watch the play as it develops.

These two factors - the nearness of the blockers and the quickness of the attack cause defensive linemen the most problems. These same two factors require that defensive linemen be trained to react automatically as a play develops. Their preparation must include many hours of repetitive quick movement drills, that simulate the type of blocking they actually will face in a game.

The modern defensive lineman must have the strength to defeat the blocker in front of him, the intelligence to analyze the play run by the offense, the speed to rush the passer and pursue quick offensive backs, and the mental and physical toughness to take a pounding play after play.

Great defensive linemen possess all the traits above, plus one more: They are fiercely competitive. Any player who desires to excel as a defensive lineman must develop his competitive instincts.

A defensive lineman must be a fighter, someone who accepts the challenge of one-on-one combat. He must take pride in physically defeating the man who is lined up in front of him. He must understand that by winning these individual battles he is making a great contribution to the defensive team's success.

A good defensive lineman must be totally unselfish, willing to sacrifice his own glory to allow one of his teammates to make the play. The lineman also needs to be self-motivated. Defensive linemen seldom receive the same recognition as linebackers or defensive backs. Great defensive linemen understand the importance of their role in the defense and play with pride and dedication.