University of Richmond Athletics
Camp Notebook #2: Defensive Line
08/06/2024 | Football
Similar to their offensive counterparts, the 2024 Richmond defensive line is a well-established unit. This year's group includes just two true freshmen and a senior transfer who previously played lacrosse at another school, resulting in a unit full of familiar faces.
Last season, the Spiders' defense tied for first in defensive touchdowns (5), tied for fourth in takeaways (26), fourth in third down defense (0.29), and tied for sixth in sacks (39) in the country — all of which categories the Spiders were first or second in the Coastal Athletic Association in, thanks in part to Richmond's front four.
In 2023, defensive line coach Rob Noel, in his first year with Richmond, saw notable success with tackles Matei Fitz, Aidan Murray, and Carsen Stocklinski. This experienced trio combined for 89 tackles and 17 sacks, contributing to Richmond's run defense, which finished 19th overall and second in the CAA with 112.7 rushing yards allowed per game. Although Murray has since graduated, TJ Baldwin and Elijah McMillan can expect to work into the rotation at tackles behind veterans Fitz and Stocklinski. This year, Noel also takes on the role of defensive run game coordinator, a testament to Richmond's success in stifling opponents' ground game.Â
Lining up on the outside, Chris Ellis' defensive ends have been a consistent and dominant force for Richmond since he joined the program in 2022. In 2023, Ellis guided Marlem Louis and Jeremiah Grant to All-CAA honors, with Louis also receiving Second-Team All-CAA recognition from Phil Steele. Louis, Camden Byrd, Grant, and Zander Barnett collectively notched 103 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 152 tackle yards. With Louis transferring to FBS San Diego State and Barnett graduating, new roles need to be filled. Defensive coaches, under the guidance of Justin Wood, have transitioned Donovan Hoilette from linebacker to defensive end, where he is expected to make significant contributions.
Camden Byrd made strides in 2023, securing 14 tackles and his first career sack in the upset over #22 Rhode Island. In the same game, Grant, a seasoned leader on the Spiders' d-line, recorded three sacks—the most by a single player since November 6, 2021. Redshirt junior Thaos Figaro and redshirt freshman Jamar Hodges will also be looking for an increased role backing up the d-ends in 2024.
The defensive end position welcomes freshman Daniel Sellers, while fellow first-year player Braxton Lassiter joins as the newest defensive tackle. Redshirt sophomore Norwid Desir, who has battled injuries, is looking forward to his first on-field action this fall. Additionally, defensive end Colin Freer, a transfer from Princeton who played lacrosse for three seasons for the Tigers, has joined the Spiders' roster.
2024 Richmond Spiders Defensive Line
#2 Jeremiah Grant (R-Sr., 6-2, 245)
#5 Matei Fitz (R-Jr., 6-2, 280)
#8 Donovan Hoilette (R-Jr., 6-4, 208)
#32 Jamar Hodges (R-Fr., 6-3, 230)
#33 Thaos Figaro (R-Jr., 6-2, 231)
#44 Carsen Stocklinski (R-Jr., 6-4, 290)Â
#47 Daniel Sellers (Fr., 6-3, 220)
#90 Braxton Lassiter (Fr., 6-5, 250)
#91 Elijah McMillan (R-Jr., 6-3, 273)
#92 Zion Bryson (R-So., 6-2, 245)
#93 TJ Baldwin (R-Fr., 6-1, 290)
#95 Colin Freer (Sr., 6-2, 210)
#96 Camden Byrd (R-So., 6-3, 225)
#98 Norwid Desir (R-So., 6-4, 270)
Last season, the Spiders' defense tied for first in defensive touchdowns (5), tied for fourth in takeaways (26), fourth in third down defense (0.29), and tied for sixth in sacks (39) in the country — all of which categories the Spiders were first or second in the Coastal Athletic Association in, thanks in part to Richmond's front four.
In 2023, defensive line coach Rob Noel, in his first year with Richmond, saw notable success with tackles Matei Fitz, Aidan Murray, and Carsen Stocklinski. This experienced trio combined for 89 tackles and 17 sacks, contributing to Richmond's run defense, which finished 19th overall and second in the CAA with 112.7 rushing yards allowed per game. Although Murray has since graduated, TJ Baldwin and Elijah McMillan can expect to work into the rotation at tackles behind veterans Fitz and Stocklinski. This year, Noel also takes on the role of defensive run game coordinator, a testament to Richmond's success in stifling opponents' ground game.Â
Lining up on the outside, Chris Ellis' defensive ends have been a consistent and dominant force for Richmond since he joined the program in 2022. In 2023, Ellis guided Marlem Louis and Jeremiah Grant to All-CAA honors, with Louis also receiving Second-Team All-CAA recognition from Phil Steele. Louis, Camden Byrd, Grant, and Zander Barnett collectively notched 103 tackles, 17.5 sacks and 152 tackle yards. With Louis transferring to FBS San Diego State and Barnett graduating, new roles need to be filled. Defensive coaches, under the guidance of Justin Wood, have transitioned Donovan Hoilette from linebacker to defensive end, where he is expected to make significant contributions.
Camden Byrd made strides in 2023, securing 14 tackles and his first career sack in the upset over #22 Rhode Island. In the same game, Grant, a seasoned leader on the Spiders' d-line, recorded three sacks—the most by a single player since November 6, 2021. Redshirt junior Thaos Figaro and redshirt freshman Jamar Hodges will also be looking for an increased role backing up the d-ends in 2024.
The defensive end position welcomes freshman Daniel Sellers, while fellow first-year player Braxton Lassiter joins as the newest defensive tackle. Redshirt sophomore Norwid Desir, who has battled injuries, is looking forward to his first on-field action this fall. Additionally, defensive end Colin Freer, a transfer from Princeton who played lacrosse for three seasons for the Tigers, has joined the Spiders' roster.
2024 Richmond Spiders Defensive Line
#2 Jeremiah Grant (R-Sr., 6-2, 245)
#5 Matei Fitz (R-Jr., 6-2, 280)
#8 Donovan Hoilette (R-Jr., 6-4, 208)
#32 Jamar Hodges (R-Fr., 6-3, 230)
#33 Thaos Figaro (R-Jr., 6-2, 231)
#44 Carsen Stocklinski (R-Jr., 6-4, 290)Â
#47 Daniel Sellers (Fr., 6-3, 220)
#90 Braxton Lassiter (Fr., 6-5, 250)
#91 Elijah McMillan (R-Jr., 6-3, 273)
#92 Zion Bryson (R-So., 6-2, 245)
#93 TJ Baldwin (R-Fr., 6-1, 290)
#95 Colin Freer (Sr., 6-2, 210)
#96 Camden Byrd (R-So., 6-3, 225)
#98 Norwid Desir (R-So., 6-4, 270)
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