Excellence is expected from Tarleton State’s defensive line.
With the depth and skill that run in that room, it’s easy to see why.
70% of the Texans’ defensive line is filled with juniors or seniors, forcing opposing offensive lines to take notice. Superiority from the veteran group is not only anticipated in 2025.
It is demanded.
“Nothing but excellence is expected. Anything less than that is mediocre,” defensive lineman Pius Njenge said. “Everybody is challenging each other to get better and always pushing each other. (Defensive Line) coach (Fred) Tate always expects the best out of you.”
The defensive line played a huge part in Tarleton State’s defensive success in 2024. The group contributed to a defense that ranked tied-third in the country in takeaways with 29, which included tying for the fifth-most interceptions in FCS(18). The Texans also were tied for eighth in the nation in fumble recoveries (11) and were second in the conference in scoring defense, allowing just 24.6 points per game.
With the accolades and personnel returning for 2025, the Texans are doing everything to strive high.
“They’re trying to build off the word ‘excellence’,” defensive line coach Fred Tate said. “That means we’re trying to do all the things right from footwork, hand placement, pad level, the whole nine yards. It’s those types of things that are going to make the defensive line successful run or pass.”
The defense up front was led by senior Brandon Tolvert, who lived in the backfield all season long in 2024. The 2024 UAC All-Conference defensive lineman finished with 11.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, and 63 total tackles, tying for third in the conference in tackles for loss and cracking the top 10 in sacks.
Tarleton State also has upperclassmen experience in Robert Rios, Vililami Wolfgramm and Tramaine Chism, who combined for 71 tackles in 2024. The Texans will also benefit from having upperclassmen transfers, including Angelo Anderson, James Turrentine and 2023 Texan Josh Griffis.
Tate and the Texans elected to bring in experienced players from the transfer portal in order to replace key pieces from last year’s team. With what has been displayed in practice thus far, there is confidence in what the group can accomplish.
“When it comes to the portal these days when you’re talking about front play, there’s a huge difference between a high school player and a player from another institution,” Tate said. “We tried to bring a wealth of experience to replace some guys from last year. Looking at everything from this point in practice, we’ve been pretty solid up front and I’m looking for us to do some good things in the upcoming season.”
Similar to any competitive position group, everyone is fighting for their in-game opportunities. While the competition is high for on-field time, each defensive lineman has embraced their role with open arms.
“This is a brotherhood, but at the same time with that brotherhood comes competition,” Tolvert said. “What the newcomers have learned is that we’re all brothers and we all come together. There’s always a reason for your role. As long as you know your role and play your role, we’ll be a championship team.”
Texan defensive lineman have molded themselves into All-Americans, Conference Player of the Years, and NFL draft picks. The players up front have been instrumental for the program’s success and has turned Tarleton State into a playoff powerhouse.
When it comes to ranking the program’s all-time defensive lines, however, the Texans believe it will be this year’s group that Texan Nation puts on top of that list.
“I think you’re going to see the best defensive line in Tarleton State history,” Tolvert said. “The fans are going to love it.”
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