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Interior defensive linemen are among those athletes whose contributions often go unnoticed ... unless something goes wrong. When a defensive end is sprung for a sack, or a linebacker racks up a huge number of tackles, it often is the result of the play of one or more interior linemen.

The Mustangs' shift from the 4-3 to the 3-4 means more of an adjustment for the Ponies' interior defensive linemen than merely sliding a couple of steps to one side or the other. In the 3-4, the nose tackle lines up directly over the center and faces the constant threat of double-teams from the opposing offensive line.

Senior-to-be Chris Parham visited with PonyFans.com to explain the different roles he and fellow nose tackles Evan Huahulu and Jesse Andrew will play in the new SMU defense, and how each will contribute in the 2009 season.

http://www.ponyfans.com/features/index.php?id=95

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Good to read that our nose guards will be ready.

Excellent story. Thanks.

3 deep at every position is a goal.

I vaguely remember some talk about Jesse Andrew previously. Originally enrolled in college in 2001, then joined the military, went to Iraq, came back a sergeant..

Beyond that, any more details? How does he look in practice?

Jesse Andrew







West Lafayette, Ind.

High School:
West Lafayette

Height / Weight:
6-4 / 269

Position:
DE

Experience:
JR-SQ
















6'4-270



Prep: A three-year letterman and two-year starter... Also lettered in track & field; Personal: Enrolled in college in the fall of 2001, but withdrew from classes following the terrorist attacks of September 11th and enlisted in the Army Infantry... Has been stationed in Germany with the 1st Armored Division and at Ft. Campbell, KY with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)... Was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, from the spring of 2003 to the summer of 2004 and then to Kirkuk, Iraq, from the fall of 2005 to the fall of 2006... Left the Army in November 2006 with the rank of Sergeant... Married to C'Koh... Son of Carol and John Andrew... Has one sister, Erin.

RGV Pony wrote:I vaguely remember some talk about Jesse Andrew previously. Originally enrolled in college in 2001, then joined the military, went to Iraq, came back a sergeant..

Beyond that, any more details? How does he look in practice?

This guy gets a shot on general principle.

I was surprised to read that Parham has been encouraged to lower his weight, and is shooting to play at 275.

As mentioned in the article, a 3-4 dictates that the NT command a double team. With most opposing G/C combinations pushing 600lbs, I'd think 300+ would be better than 275.

Too bad we don't still have Jerry Ball.

RGV Pony wrote:I was surprised to read that Parham has been encouraged to lower his weight, and is shooting to play at 275.

As mentioned in the article, a 3-4 dictates that the NT command a double team. With most opposing G/C combinations pushing 600lbs, I'd think 300+ would be better than 275.

Too bad we don't still have Jerry Ball.

I was surprised as well.

And gald to hear about Jesse Andrew. I have seen him listed on the roster and always wondered. With his size I had wondered if he will play DE or DT. How does he look in practice?? How did he choose SMU? And did he sign with anyone out of highschool? Lets get an interview with this guy.

RGV Pony wrote:I was surprised to read that Parham has been encouraged to lower his weight, and is shooting to play at 275.

I think this follows the staff's general thought that they want bigger players but fat doesn't help so get rid of it...

Another great article, thanks for the hard work fellas