Western Wayne Today

Over the next five weeks, Wayne State University will continue previewing each position on its 2024 football team, with each position coach highlighting their respective units. This segment focuses on the defensive line, featuring insights from defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Tom Sims.

The Warrior defensive line returns two of its four starters from last year: defensive tackle Gus Taylor and defensive end Colby Horn. Taylor has played in 19 games over the past two seasons, making 10 starts. He has recorded 34 career tackles (16 solo, 18 assisted), including 7.5 for loss (2.5 sacks). Taylor was named to the GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team after playing in all 11 contests in 2023 and starting 10 times at defensive tackle. He also received Academic All-District honors from College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA). Last season, Taylor was second among WSU defensive linemen with 26 tackles.

Horn appeared in all 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 2023, making eight starts to earn his first collegiate letter. He registered a career-high six tackles (three solo, three assisted) against Michigan Tech, including 2.5 for loss, along with a quarterback hurry to earn WSU's Defensive Player of the Week award. Horn also received GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team honors.

Joining Horn as returnees at defensive end are redshirt juniors Aaron Mass and Danny Chaudhry, redshirt sophomore Joe Clark Jr., and redshirt freshman Jaiden Acker. Redshirt junior Jaylon Banks transferred to Wayne State in January and moved to the defensive side of the ball for spring practices. Clark is the most experienced in this group, having seen action at defensive end in all 11 contests last year, starting twice against Saginaw Valley State and Northern Michigan. The rest of the quartet have combined to appear in just two games for the Warriors.

In addition to Taylor in the middle, junior Ben Griskie and redshirt freshman Jordan Hutchinson return to the program. Mid-year transfer Mekhi Battle (younger brother of former Warrior Tiroca Battle) participated in spring ball. Griskie played in three contests in 2023.

To increase depth at defensive tackle, WSU is bringing in three transfers and six freshmen: Tani Ah-Loe, Jaylen Garrett, Jamar Hill, Aydin Johnson, Roshaun McGee, and Jordan Stefanides will enter their first collegiate fall camp next month.

A similar scenario is taking place with the defensive ends with one transfer and five freshmen: Hussein Albarkat, Jad Bazzi, Elijah Carter, Jayson Harris, and Raevon Strong join the roster.

For further information on other position previews or ticket purchases for the upcoming season:

Other Position Previews

Season Preview

Running Backs Preview

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