With two key members gone from last year's defensive line, the unit still looks to be strong with Ted Roof taking over as defensive coordinator and an Auburn legend coaching the line.

Auburn's defense was solid for most of 2008 before running out of gas in November. The unit allowed just 318 yards and 18 points per game. With Sen'Derrick Marks leaving for the NFL and Tez Doolittle graduating, the Tigers return several starters to a defensive line that could be the strength of the team. Back on the Plains to coach the line is Tracy Rocker. Rocker played for the Tigers in the late 80s and became the first SEC player ever to win both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Trophy in the same season. Rocker has previous coaching experience in the SEC at Arkansas for five seasons and last year at Ole Miss. Antonio Coleman (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) Under Roof and Rocker, the defensive line is expected to be more aggressive by showing both three and four-man fronts. This will allow starting defensive end Antonio Coleman plenty of chances to cause havoc in opposing offense's backfields and to add to his sacks total. Coleman flirted with leaving for the NFL after a productive junior year that saw him make first-team All-SEC with 46 tackles and six sacks. In three seasons, Coleman has 102 career tackles, 30 tackles for losses, and 14.5 sacks. He is one sack shy of 10th place on the school’s all-time list. Junior Michael Goggans will hold down the other end position. Goggans played in all 12 games last season, but managed just 27 tackles and no sacks. He finished off a fantastic spring by being named the defensive Most Valuable Player during the A-Day game after registering a sack and two tackles for a loss. Goggans should continue to improve during fall camp and looks to emerge as a steady pass rusher on the other side of Coleman. Jake Ricks was used sparingly last season as a backup, but still recorded seven tackles and came up big by recovering a fumble in the end zone against Tennessee. The senior will take over for Marks at one tackle spot. Mike Blanc (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) At the other tackle spot, junior Mike Blanc brings experience to the inside after starting six games last year. He finished the season with 27 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss. At 6-4 and 288 pounds, he uses his size to handle the run and he's also quick enough to pressure quarterbacks. The top reserves for the defensive line include junior Zach Clayton, junior Antoine Carter, and redshirt freshman Cameron Henderson. Clayton is one of the reserves that's expected to play both inside and out. He recorded 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last season playing all four spots on the defensive line. Carter will play behind Goggans after making 16 tackles with 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss last year. Expect Carter to be used often since he gives Auburn another excellent pass rusher. Phil Marion Next week: Linebackers Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Running Backs Offensive Line and Tight Ends