ERIE, Pa. - Over the course of the next two weeks, we will be showcasing a position-by-position outlook for the Mercyhurst College football team leading up to its season opener against Notre Dame College at Tullio Field on September 3. Today's featured position is the defensive line.



Highlighting the defensive line, at the end position, will be senior Dan Kruper (6-1, 232, Gibsonia, Pa./Hampton). Kruper had a career-year last season for the Lakers, finishing second in the conference in tackles for a loss with 17.5 and sixth in the conference with nine sacks. He recorded 65 total tackles last season, which placed him sixth on the team. Entering his senior season, he currently sits in the top 15 in both sacks and tackles for a loss in school history. He brings great athleticism to the line and will be expected to improve his leadership skills.

Also expected to see significant playing time at the end position will be senior Andrew Bukta (6-1, 230, Edinburg, Pa./Mohawk) and junior Brad Weisenseel (6-4, 220, Parma, Ohio/St. Edward). Bukta is a very technically sound player, but lacks experience due to injuries throughout his career. He switched to defense in 2008 and has eight tackles in 16 games on the defensive side of the ball. Weisenseel, meanwhile, brings a lot of energy and was able to get to the quarterback for 3.5 sacks last season in a limited role. He also finished with 4.5 tackles for a loss and 16 total stops.

Joining them in the defensive end rotation will be redshirt junior David Long (5-9, 221, Seville, Ohio/Cloverleaf) and redshirt freshman Matt Hyland (6-4, 210, Level Green, Pa./Penn-Trafford).

At nose guard, Dustin Galich (6-1, 248, Erie, Pa./McDowell) entering his sophomore season, leads the way. Galich played in 12 games last season as a freshman finishing with 31 total tackles. He had three tackles for a loss and two quarterback sacks during the season. He picked up his first career sack at C.W. Post and then registered a career-high eight tackles in the PSAC Championship win over Bloomsburg.

Backing up Galich at the nose guard position are senior Matt Cirell (6-1, 290, Kennerdell, Pa./Franklin), redshirt junior Serge Augustin (6-0, 223, Fairfax, Va./W.T. Woodson), and redshirt freshman Nick Kurpakus (6-3, 255, Glenshaw, Pa./Shaler Area). Cirell moves to the defensive line after starting all 13 games on the offensive line last season. Augustin recorded six tackles in seven games last season, while Kurpakus did not see any playing time last season.

2011 Camp Roster: Defensive Line

Serge Augustin (6-1, 225, Jr., Fairfax, Va. / W.T. Woodson)
Andrew Bukta (6-1, 230, R-Sr., Edinburg, Pa. / Mohawk)
Michael Carter Jr. (6-0, 250, Fr., Columbus, Ohio / Columbus Alternative)
Dan Driscoll (6-1, 235, Fr., Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Chagrin)
Dustin Galich (6-1, 248, So., Erie, Pa. / McDowell)
Jake Green (6-4, 230, Fr., Waterford, Pa. / Fort LeBoeuf)  
Curtis Hansford (6-3, 220, R-Fr., Defiance, Ohio / Tinora)
Matt Hyland (6-4, 210, R-Fr., Level Green, Pa. / Penn-Trafford)
Dan Kruper (6-1, 232, Sr., Gibsonia, Pa. / Hampton)
Nick Kurpakus (6-4, 240, R-Fr., Glenshaw, Pa. / Shaler Area)
David Long (5-9, 221, R-Jr., Seville, Ohio / Cloverleaf) 
Devon Luzell (6-1, 218, Fr., Punxsutawney, Pa. / Punxsutawney) 
Anthony Plastino (6-0, 210, R-So., Pittsburgh, Pa. / Mt. Lebanon)
Alex Testa (6-0, 255, Fr., Saltsburg, Pa. / Kiski Prep)
Brad Weisenseel (6-4, 220, Jr., Parma, Ohio / St. Edward)
Jazz Wright (6-2, 245, So., Bloomfield, Conn. / Kentucky Wesleyan)

Stay tuned tomorrow as we will focus on the quarterbacks for 2011.

Position-By-Position Outlook Schedule
Monday, August 15 - Wide Receivers
Tuesday, August 16 - Defensive Line
Wednesday, August 17 - Quarterbacks
Thursday, August 18 - Defensive Backs
Friday, August 19 - Offensive Line
Monday, August 22 - Linebackers
Tuesday, August 23 - Running Backs
Wednesday, August 24 - Special Teams
Thursday, August 25 - Tight Ends
Friday, August 26 - Coaching Staff