CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Rushing the passer is a big emphasis for Southeast Missouri's defensive line, the tone-setter of the Redhawks defense.
 
Of SEMO's 14 sacks a year ago, only two came from defensive linemen so Defensive Coordinator Ricky Coon expects much more production in that area this season.
 
"We have to do a better job of rushing the passer," said Coon. "We weren't able to affect the quarterback like we needed two. Our defense goes as our defensive line goes. If our defensive line plays well, then our defense plays well."
 
Coon, in addition to his role as defensive coordinator, is back coaching the defensive line. He last worked as the Redhawks defensive line coach in 2018.
 
"It's great getting back to being hands-on with a position group. I came up as a defensive line coach so it's awesome being back in it every day with these guys," commented Coon.
 
Four returnees, including Steven Lewis, Jaylon Stone, Nasim Cairo and Sam Keeper are in the mix for the starting jobs on SEMO's defensive line.
 
Lewis, the veteran leader of the group, started all 11 games and tied for eighth on the team with 32 tackles last season. He is a graduate student working on his certificate in Trauma/Resiliency Studies and started 35 of the 41 games he has played since joining the Redhawks in 2020.
 
"Steven is a great leader and he's like an extra coach out there," said Coon. "He holds the defensive line accountable. We constantly rely on him to do what he's supposed to do and do it well."
 
Stone saw action in four games at nose tackle before redshirting as a true freshman a year ago.
 
"Jaylon is still young and hasn't had a lot of game experience. He has been a lot more consistent, and we are expecting him to be a big-time contributor," added Coon.
 
Cairo appeared in eight games and made two starts accumulating 13 tackles and three quarterback hurries along the way.
 
Keeper was limited to four contests and two starts due to a knee injury. He finished with 10 tackles and one quarterback hurry.
 
"Nasim, too, will have a chance to be a week one starter. He's done a good job of getting his body weight up and maintaining it. Sam is a quality player and we need him to stay healthy," quoted Coon.
 
Jehchys Brown, Servhant Counsellor, Michael Bradley, Caleb Webb and Ja'Mian Golden also return from last season.
 
Brown and Counsellor reshirted, while Bradley played one game and Webb participated in two contests. Golden did not see action.
 
"Jehchys is probably that fifth guy in the rotation," said Coon. "He has all the physical tools and we're trying to get him to be more consistent." 
 
Freshmen Ashton Jones and Timothy Maxson complete the Redhawks defensive linemen.
 
Jones attended St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where he tallied 35 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks and one fumble recovery as a senior.
 
Maxson was a First-Team All-District 9 4A selection at De La Salle High School in New Orleans, Louisiana.