ACU Football Preview: Defensive Line

ABILENE – The front line for ACU is the most experienced group on the ACU defensive side and will be led by All-Southland defensive tackle Quent Titre. He'll have plenty of company this fall, with a slew of players in the mix to see playing time. 
 
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
 
Returners 
 
Dre Jones | Manchester, Ga. 

A redshirt sophomore, Jones came away with five tackles in the shortened season last fall, recording a tackle in each game he played while adding a quarterback hurry against SFA.  
 
"Dre is a guy that continues to make strides, and he really knows his role and how he fits within our scheme. He's very explosive and his technique is going to continue to rise, so we are really excited about him." – assistant coach Travis Britz
 
William Morgan | Forney, Texas

Morgan's standout performance in 2020 came against Angelo State, when he recorded four solo tackles and assisted on three more. He added 2.5 TFL and a quarterback hurry for his sophomore campaign and will undoubtedly be looking for more this fall.  
 
"We are expecting great things out of Will. He's very intelligent, quick to understand the game, and understands his assignments and role. He is going to be huge piece for us as we move forward." – assistant coach Travis Britz
 
Jack Schultz | Granada Hills, Calif. 

A redshirt junior, Schultz recorded a tackle in each game before his 2020 season was cut short due to an injury. A healthy Schultz is sure to provide the Wildcats more depth at the position and has been in the mix throughout the entirety of fall camp. 
 
"This guy is coming off an injury last season, but he is full-go and going to help our team. Jack is explosive, his effort is relentless, and we know that we can count on him." – assistant coach Travis Britz
 
Quent Titre | Missouri City, Texas

An All-Conference selection for the Purple and White in 2020, Titre racked up 27 tackles (2 TFL) last fall while wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks all season long. Titre's career night came in a 20-17 road victory over Mercer, when he racked up eight tackles. 
 
"Quent is the definition of physicality and mentality for us, and his athleticism and technique are incredible. His practice habits are the best of anyone on the team, and he brings a vital asset to not only our position, but our entire defense." – assistant coach Travis Britz 
 
Newcomers 
 
Landon Eades | Boerne, Texas

• Signing Day video
• two-time All-District selection 
• All-State selection 
• broke school for sacks in a game in state quarterfinals

 
"He's young, but he is progressing in his technique every day. We have to keep getting him to work at learning our defense and how we play in our schemes, but Landon has all the tools to be successful. We like what we have in him, especially once he gets some game experience and that natural growth." – assistant coach Travis Britz
 
Isaiah Pedack | Dallas 

• Signing Day video
• played for 2018 State Champions at Highland Park
• All-District selection
• Biggest Heart Scholarship winner

 
"Isaiah has done well throughout the summer and all through fall camp. He's been very attentive, asked lots of questions and picked up our defense well. He has been a good student of the game, and he will continue to learn the trades of the position." – assistant coach Travis Britz 
 
DEFENSIVE ENDS
 
Returners
 
Garviea Freeny | Corona, Calif.

Freeny has become a regular on the ACU front line, picking up 14 tackles for the Wildcats last fall to follow up a 21-tackle season in 2019. 
 
"He understands our defense, plays with great technique, understands what we ask of our defensive ends, and he is simply unafraid to do the dirty work up front." – assistant coach Cody Scribner 
 
Damion Hart | Cibolo, Texas

After seeing action in five games for ACU last fall, Hart has taken a step forward and looks to become a difference-maker with an increased role. 
 
"Damion was somewhat of a specialist for us last year as a pass rush, situational guy, but he has changed his body and done a great job of getting stronger. He has become a guy we know we can depend on more." – assistant coach Cody Scribner
 
Kadron Johnson | Lewisville, Texas

Johnson recorded nine tackles for the 2020 season, including four in his season debut against Army. He also recovered a fumble in a 20-17 victory over Mercer. 
 
"Kadron worked more into the rotation as the season progressed last year, and he's very heavy-handed and physical. He has played a lot of different positions and has increased his already impressive athleticism." – assistant coach Cody Scribner
 
Osaretin Obadeyi | Mesquite, Texas 

Obadeyi came out of his shell a bit for ACU last fall, picking up 11 tackles, including a TFL, against Angelo State. 
 
"He played a lot more last year than the previous year, and he continues to improve. Osaretin has played against various forms of offense, but we are pleased with the growth and maturity we have seen from him." – assistant coach Cody Scribner
 
Jordan Paup | Central City, Neb. 

One of the most consistent players on the Wildcat D-line last year, the redshirt freshman came away with 27 tackles, four TFL and 2.5 sacks. The Nebraska transfer scooped up a fumble against SFA before forcing another one with a big a week later against Mercer. 
 
"Jordan brings a lot of athleticism, has great power, and his weight room numbers are off the charts. He's a very instinctual player who can locate the football well and will make a lot of plays for us." – assistant coach Cody Scribner 
 
Newcomers
 
Tyrin Bradley | Lubbock, Texas 

• Signing Day video
• former three-star recruit by 247Sports
• played quarterback in high school 

 
"Tyrin is a super explosive guy with lots of upside who is very mature for his age. He wants to be great and continues to improve daily. He has a very high ceiling that we are very excited t to see develop." – assistant coach Cody Scribner
 
Colby Warkentin | Bakersfield, Calif. 

• Spent one year at Fresno State under head coach Jeff Tedford
• Centennial High School's Student-Athlete of the Year
• All-Conference selection in high school

 
"Colby is a guy with a long wingspan who has played multiple roles and schemes. He's still learning our defense, but he's coming along well and he has gotten better every day." – assistant coach Cody Scribner
 
Other ACU Football Previews
Linebackers – August 18
Defensive Backs – August 19