As Idaho State’s fall camp rolls into action, the Journal is breaking down the Bengals’ 10 major position groups: quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties, and special teams to prepare you for the season.

It continues with the defensive line.

KEY PLAYERS LOST

There isn’t a position on Idaho State’s roster with as much turnover as the defensive line. Gone from last season are David Forester, Sage Warner, Robby Mackesey, Jordan Pili, Larry Tharpe, Jr. and Jeremiah Hazard.

Forrester, Warner and Mackesey were all key contributors as seniors.

WHO’S BACK

The star is senior Tyler Kuder, a 6-foot-3, 311-pound senior blessed with athleticism and pure, raw strength. Kuder is moving from nose guard to defensive end this season and could be a breakout star in the Big Sky.

Along with Kuder, Idaho State is slated to start senior Chris Edwards at the other defensive end spot and sophomore JonRyheem Peoples at nose guard. Those three Idaho natives are backed up by juniors Drew Sharkey and Spencer Hoff, sophomore Thomas Ryan and a bevy of talented but inexperienced true freshmen.

Which of those freshmen will play this year is still undecided. But Bengals coach Mike Kramer is high on Rasheed Williams, a defense end from powerhouse Mater Dei High School in Southern California. And Utah freshmen Treven Aloi and Robert Schwenke have both been rotating in and out of the second-team lineup.

OUTLOOK

Idaho State’s defensive line depth took a hit when junior college transfer Nikko Taylor was ruled ineligible for the 2014 season. Considering the number of D-linemen the Bengals lost from a season ago, it has to be a concern they have eight true freshmen compared to four upperclassmen on the defensive line depth chart.

Injuries to Idaho State’s starters could force ISU to use a number of young guys extensively. But it isn’t all doom and gloom. Kuder is a fantastic talent. And for the first time in his career, he has a runningmate in Peoples who’s going to make his life easier.

Peoples has the potential to be a game-changer at nose guard. He’s a next-level talent who will attract heaps of attention from opposing offenses. Kuder will operate without having to deal with double-teams on every play and that should allow him to wreak havoc. Peoples doesn’t just help Kuder, either. Idaho State’s linebackers will be able to run around unencumbered with those two inflicting damage up front.

Throw in Edwards and Sharkey and Idaho State’s D-line has the potential to get after people and make a difference.

QUOTABLE

“Just seeing him for the first two weeks, he’s already a block-eater. He takes double teams on all day. He’s really good with his hands. He’s a big guy. I think with Coach (Steve) Fifita, he’s going to be great this year and the two other years he has left with his eligibility. I think he’s going to be a beast. He’s going to be a Kuder.” — Chris Edwards on JonRyheem Peoples

“We brought in enough talent to where my spot is in jeopardy. And that makes me push even harder. So it’s a really good thing to have.” — Drew Sharkey

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Idaho State’s 2015 freshmen class may be the best group of recruits Kramer has hooked during his five years in Pocatello. The fact a number of them may play immediately along the defensive line is both encouraging and terrifying for ISU fans.

An optimist may point out that their bright future is only going to be better in a few years because they had the chance to play early in their careers. A pessimist would retort Idaho State is built to win right now and banking on young guys to perform against a vaunting schedule is a situation Kramer would have preferred to avoid.

Whatever side you’re on, though, it doesn’t matter. The circumstances aren’t going to change. A dose of luck (i.e. health) going forward would go a long way toward mitigating any lasting apprehension.