This is the fifth in a series of articles previewing the 2015 football season at Missouri S&T.  The daily stories will feature one position, or a set of positions, each weekday through August 6.  The stories will be available at 11 a.m., each day.

Today's story features the Miner defensive line.

ROLLA, Mo. -- The only returning all-conference performer for the Miners heading into the 2015 season resides on the defensive line – senior tackle Josip Juric (West Des Moines, Iowa/Dowling Catholic) – but despite the number of standout performers lost over the last two seasons, the competition among the returners could keep this unit as one of the best in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Juric, who finished with 24 tackles and three sacks last season and also helped to disrupt opposing running games, is one of only two seniors – the other being tackle Steve Martin (St. Louis, Mo./Christian Brothers College HS) – along the line for a unit that has accumulated 156 quarterback sacks over the last four seasons.

"Josip is a player we're excited to have back in the fold, especially since we didn't have him in the spring due to him being in the co-op program," Fenwick said.

Returning juniors Andrew Masters (Kearney, Mo./Kearney) and Dorian Yearby (DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto), two players who have seen a good deal of action over the last two seasons, will contend for the defensive end spots along with returning sophomores Andrew Trautman (Elk Rapids, Mich./Elk Rapids), Bret Curtis (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard South) and Deandrea Stevenson.

"Masters had a really good spring and took on more of a leadership role on the defensive line during the spring," Fenwick said.  "He has really stepped up in that regard and he's a player who just works hard and isn't flashy – just makes plays and is relentless, which is what we're looking for.

"Dorian has all the talent in the world and is probably our best pass rusher," Fenwick added.  "We kept him out of spring practice as he was coming off an injury, but he's fast and quick with great hands and we're anxious to get him back on the field."

One newcomer who could have an immediate impact is Eli Thomas (Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta), a transfer from Dakota College at Bottineau who recorded 8.5 sacks last season as a freshman to earn all-conference honors as a defensive end.   Thomas could help fill the void left by the graduation of Daleroy Davey (Kansas City, Kan./Turner), who finished among the top 10 nationally with 13 sacks a year ago.

"Eli is a versatile player who we can really help our depth and competition in a couple of different spots," Fenwick said.  "He could very well work his way into the mix on the defensive line.  Kyle Bates (Kansas City, Mo./North Kansas City) was moved to defensive tackle and was a great surprise coming out the spring."

Another redshirt freshmen, Miles Arnold (Callahan, Fla./West Nassau), is also expected to contend for playing time as well.

"It is a group with inexperience – but one with talent," Fenwick said.  "We have guys who are anxious to get on the field and play, more than anything else.  We have to just turn them loose and let them get the job done."

2015 MISSOURI S&T FOOTBALL PREVIEW SERIES
July 27 – Quarterbacks
July 28 – Running Backs
July 29 – Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
July 30 – Offensive Line
July 31 – GLVC Media Day/Pre-Season Poll
August 3 – Defensive Line
August 4 – Linebackers
August 5 – Defensive Backs
August 6 – Special Teams