Defensive line is bottom line for FAMU's defense

By Heath A. Smith, DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

So far this season, Florida A&M's defense has shown marked improved from last year, particularly against the run.

Depth on the defensive line may be one of the key contributing factors to the defense's overall improved play.

"Our rotation is great," said FAMU football coach Rubin Carter. "We have about six to eight defensive linemen that actually play during a game. The gap is much more narrow than when I first arrived here. The idea in training camp is to develop two units."

Redshirt-sophomore defensive tackle Lymon Reed has been one of the reasons FAMU has more depth on the defensive line this season.

Reed saw spot duty last season and started the season behind redshirt-sophomore Demetris Lane. When Lane broke his finger in camp and then re-broke just before the start of season, Reed was pushed into a starting role.

Reed has responded with 15 total tackles this season 1.5 sacks and five tackles for loss, which ties him for the team lead with linebacker Dannel Shepard.

"Lymon has really come on strong," Carter said. "He was a good player in high school and went to the Naval Academy first. He decided to come back closer to his family in the state of Florida.

"We've had the opportunity to work with him the past two years and he's shown that he's able to make a contribution to the defense."

Reed has made it hard for Carter to take him out the starting lineup, especially with his pass-rushing skills and ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

"He has excellent quickness off the ball," Carter said. "He is an excellent pass rusher and uses his hands extremely well. He is getting better against the run.

"I love that (tackles for loss). You want to play on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage."

Reed said his play this season is just a product of hard offseason work.

"I worked hard over the summer," Reed said. "I kind of expected I would have success, I just knew I would have to take advantage of the opportunity when I got the chance."