CEDAR CITY, Utah - As Southern Utah gears up for the 2024 campaign, the defensive line emerges as a key component in the team's strategy, boasting a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. This year's lineup offers depth and potential, with players eager to make their mark in the upcoming campaign.

Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"Our coaching staff is excited about our Defensive Line this fall. The returning players had great offseasons in the weight room, and we've added several new faces who will contribute this season. We are talented enough to stop the run and rush the passer. We will match up well on the Defensive front with other teams in the UAC conference." 

Interior Players

Payton Payne

A senior leader from Suffolk, Virginia, Payne brings a wealth of experience and a formidable presence to the interior line. With 30 career tackles for the Thunderbirds, Payne's consistency and leadership were acknowledged with a third-team All-WAC selection in 2022 and a preseason All-UAC nod in 2023. Last season, he participated in 10 games, adding stability and maturity to the defensive front.

Rylen Sua-Filo 

Junior Rylen Sua-Filo from Orem, Utah, is a pivotal player on the defensive interior. His impressive performance last season, tallying 28 tackles, including two sacks and five tackles for loss, highlighted his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Sua-Filo led the team with seven quarterback hurries, showcasing his agility and pressure on the line. His efforts were crucial in limiting opponents to just 106 rushing yards per game. Sua-Filo earned a spot on the 2024 Preseason All-UAC team and the Phil Steele Preseason All-UAC first team. 

Joe Tongamoa

Hailing from San Mateo, California, redshirt junior Joe Tongamoa continues to battle for a more significant role. He appeared in eight games last season, recording six tackles and one sack. His persistence and work ethic are evident as he strives to increase his impact on the field.

Julian Amituanai 

A redshirt sophomore from San Jose, California, Amituanai saw limited action last season, making three game appearances. He has been dedicated to improving his game this offseason, aiming to become a more prominent contributor in the defensive rotation.

Breken Bowen and Vertonio Weatherton

Bowen and Weatherton have been in the program and are looking to crack the lineup this season. Bowen, a redshirt sophomore from Heber City, Utah, did not see action last year but has worked hard this offseason to pursue playing time. Weatherton, a sophomore from Bellflower, California, brings a ton of size and physicality to the table as he pushes to grab a spot in the defensive tackle rotation. 

Parker Andrus and Jayden Wells

Newcomers Andrus and Wells signed with the T-Birds this spring and have been showing why they belong in practice and the weight room. Wells came to Cedar City from Northbend, Washington, where he was a four-year letterman. He was named to the 2023 All-King County team and earned the distinction of All-Conference Lineman of the Year. On top of that, he was recognized with the distinguished 2023 U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fi Award. Meanwhile, Andrus was a four-year letter winner at Crimson Cliffs High School in St. George, Utah. Earning the Region Nine Defensive MVP and First Team All-State, Andrus helped lead the Mustangs to a state title last season before signing to play in Cedar City. 

Defensive Ends

Walker Harris

Senior Walker Harris, a transfer from the University of Sioux Falls, brings experience and leadership to the defensive end position. At Sioux Falls, he consistently recorded double-digit tackles and was a reliable playmaker, with notable stats, including 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Harris is expected to provide veteran savvy and production to the Thunderbirds' pass rush.

Josh Lopez

Lopez, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, returns to the field for the Thunderbirds, having appeared in ten games last season. Lopez recorded 15 total tackles in the 2023 campaign, including two tackles for a loss. Lopez gave Thunderbird fans one of the season's top moments last year, returning a fumble for a late touchdown to complete a 20-point comeback over Tarleton State on the road. 

Anisi Purcell

Purcell, a redshirt sophomore from West Bountiful, Utah, had a breakout season in 2023, participating in all 11 games. He recorded 26 tackles, including nine for loss, and contributed four sacks. His ability to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays was complemented by five quarterback hits, indicating his potential as a pass-rushing threat.

Sione Westover 

Sophomore Sione Westover from Lehi, Utah, is another player looking to earn more playing time. In 2023, he appeared in eight games, notching two tackles. Westover has been working diligently to increase his presence on the field and contribute more significantly to the team's success.

Lando Brown

A standout transfer from El Camino Community College, Lando Brown brings a remarkable resume to Southern Utah. Brown was a Preseason All-American at El Camino and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. His impressive stats include 70 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and a school-record 17 sacks in his sophomore season. Brown's arrival bolsters the defensive line with a proven pass rusher capable of making an immediate impact.

Viliami Tausinga and Henry Harper

Tausinga, a redshirt junior from Glendale, Utah, played in four games last season, recording two tackles. Harper meanwhile notched one tackle in the limited action he saw a year ago. Tausinga and Harper are looking to get more time in the rotation this season after working hard in spring.

The 2024 season promises a deep and talented defensive line for Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds have a formidable front with experienced players and a dynamic edge-rushing presence. This position group enhances the team's ability to pressure quarterbacks and control the line of scrimmage.

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