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Gino Leone
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Written By
Gino Leone
Contributor
YSU enters 2026 with championship aspirations after finishing with an 8-5 record last season. In order to be a true contender in the FCS, establishing depth along the defensive line is crucial for success.
With Ryan Riemedio taking over as the defensive coordinator, expectations for the entire defense have changed. A former head coach with a background rooted in all three levels of the defense, Riemedio understands the intricacies of each position group on defense and brings with him a proven track record of success.
Riemedio has dipped into the defensive line barrel before, coaching an elite front line in 2019 that held teams to around 96 rushing yards per game. A new-look 3-4 scheme will take time to adjust too, but the Penguins appear to have a defensive front that could rank among the best in the MVFC next season.
With the beliefs of Riemedio and returning defensive line coach Ray Hunter meshing together, excitement is brewing over the potential of YSU’s defensive line.
Jordan Pritchard-Sewell might be one of the better defensive linemen YSU has had under Doug Phillips. The transfer from Holy Cross has a ridiculous get off that keeps opposing offensive linemen off-balance while at the same time flexing a deep bag of pass rushing moves. Pritchard-Sewell started the spring game and performed well against Third Team All-American left tackle Desmeal Leigh. I would expect him to get the starting nod come week one.
Despite seeing limited action due to a season-ending injury, Jolly played at a high level in three starts last fall. At times, Jolly looked like YSU’s best defensive tackle and created penetration that enabled his teammates to make tackles. In a 3-4 scheme, it will be fascinating to see where Riemedio puts Jolly. The talent is undeniable though from the former Grand Valley State transfer.
At the other defensive end slot I have Ebony Curry Jr. He started and played in eight games last season, racking up 16 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. After being thrown into the fire as a redshirt freshman in 2024, Curry showcased notable improvement. The biggest question for him heading into 2026 is health, as he dealt with injuries that held him out of several games.
Overall, this is a talented starting lineup that has tremendous upside. It wouldn’t be surprising if YSU pushes into the next tier of the FCS in terms of rush defense and disruption (sacks, TFLs) next season.
The depth of this unit is proven with the second team lineup. Connor Johannesen took a major step in his development last season, totaling 22 tackles, six TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and two QB Hurries. His length at 6-4 will allow YSU to maximize his pass rushing and run stopping attributes and I wouldn’t be surprised if Johannesen pushes for a starting role.
Temple transfer Conlan Greene started the spring game at defensive end in Riemedio’s 3-4 scheme, but fell down the lineup as the game progressed. It appears that he and Johannesen are fighting with each other for reps. Greene has a massive frame which complements his knack for stopping the run. He is another player that could compete for first team reps.
Devaughn Perkins rounds out this projected second team lineup after earning a start in the spring game and entering year three of his development in the program. Perkins appeared in six games as a reserve on the defensive line and is hoping to follow the footsteps of fellow teammates – Curry and Johannesen – who both took significant strides as sophomores.
Ajayi Ajaga emerged as a solid rotational piece off the edge in 2025, registering nine tackles, one TFL, and one QB Hurry. With the portal additions of Jordan Pritchard-Sewell and Conlan Greene, Ajaga will have to fight for second team reps.
Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Bilal Tucker was on the second team during the spring game and seems to have bulked up more, making him a dark horse in the defensive line race. He saw action against Robert Morris and Yale last fall and is a member of YSU’s star-studded 2025 recruiting class.
D’Shawn Kirby is another redshirt freshman with a projected high ceiling, playing in four games and recording one tackle a season ago. Kirby attended East Liverpool High School, totaling 88 tackles, 30 TFLs, 11 sacks, and nine QB Hurries in 2024. He made his presence known in limited action and earned second team reps during the spring, but his year one to two progression will determine where he lands in the rotation.
Andrew Jackson-Dunaway came on late last season, turning out an impressive performance against NDSU and playing well the final five games of the campaign. The Miamisburg product missed the spring with an injury.
