Thomas Jefferson defensive line shows its strength

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 8, 2017 | 11:00 PM

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There is more than 1,000 pounds of brute force across Thomas Jefferson's defensive line.

The average height and weight of the four players on the Jaguars' front is 6-foot-3, 254 pounds.

“With three returning starters, we expect the defensive line to be the strength of our team,” coach Bill Cherpak said. “They need to dominate the line of scrimmage on run defense, and put pressure on the quarterback in pass situations.”

Not only is the TJ defensive line massive and athletic, the players have an abundance of experience, starting with 6-3, 295-pound senior tackle Devin Danielson, a fourth-year starter and a Pitt recruit.

Senior end Noah Palmer (6-4, 225), also a Pitt recruit, is a two-year starter and and junior tackle Dom Serapiglia (6-1, 280) is a third-year starter. Serapiglia began his career on offense as a freshman long snapper and secured the starting berth at center last season.

Big things are expected from Danielson, Palmer and Serapiglia this season, as well as from another stalwart on the line in senior two-year starter Logan Burnsworth (6-3, 215), at defensive end.

“The expectations for the defensive line this year couldn't be any higher,” said Pat Oster, who coaches the Jaguars' offensive and defensive linemen. “With returning starters like Devin Danielson, Logan Burnsworth and Noah Palmer, the team is counting on (players on the) line to be the leaders of the defense.

“The defensive line's focus this year is to push themselves to get better every practice, and to play as physically as possible on Friday nights.”

Burnsworth, who led the TJ defense in its season opener against Uniontown with five unassisted tackles and one blocked pass, believes the TJ linemen will make their presence felt throughout each game and into the WPIAL playoffs.

“Our expectations are to cause havoc for the opposing lines on every snap, and be the most disruptive group on the field,” he said.

Providing additional firepower in reserve roles are sophomore tackles Mike Huber (6-1, 265) and Logan Danielson (6-1, 230), and junior ends Gabe Dominick (5-10, 175) and Sean Barrett (6-2, 195).

“Dom Serapiglia, Mike Huber and Logan Danielson are new to defensive tackle but continue to get better with every practice, and all (three) rotate,” Oster said. “Gabe Dominick and Sean Barrett help provide depth at defensive end.”

Thomas Jefferson socked visiting Uniontown, 55-7, in its first game as the Red Raiders were held to 28 yards rushing on 33 attempts.

“Our goal every game,” Palmer said, “is to dominate the line of scrimmage, eat up blocks so our backers can make easy tackles and always to get a good pass rush to sack the quarterback.”

The D-line is flanked by a new set of linebackers with senior Sean Bell and junior Jack Mich on the inside, and junior Max Shaw and sophomore James Martinis on the outside.

Shaw sparked the linebacking corps against Uniontown with four unassisted tackles and one interception.

The Jaguars secondary is manned by a trio of seniors with Garret Fairman at safety, and Nick Urbanowicz and Jared Collington at cornerback; along with Dan Deabner, a sophomore safety.

Fairman, who started at linebacker last year, has switched to the “quarterback” position in the TJ defensive scheme.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson