The 2011 Defensive Line

The three most productive defensive lineman for the Soul in 2011 have all agreed to come back for 2012. Darrell Campbell, Dustin Barno and Jefferey Fitzgerald combined for 16 sacks, 61.5 total tackles, 20 tackles for a loss and 8 forced fumbles. They comprised the front lines for a defensive unit that ranked 2nd overall in total defense.

Here's the stats for each player specifically:

Campbell - Games = 18 / Sacks = 9.0 / Tackles = 16.0 / 10.0 TFL / 2 Forced Fumbles
Fitzgerald - Games = 15 /  Sacks = 2.5 / Tackles = 27.5 / 3.5 TFL / 3 Forced Fumbles
Barno - Games = 14 / Sacks = 4.5 / Tackles = 19.0 / 7.5 TFL / 3 Forced Fumbles

Campbell experienced his best season as a pro last season after jumping around various NFL team's practice squads from 2004-2006. He entered the AFL in 2008 with the Orlando Predators where he recorded 19 tackles. 1.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery in 8 games. Campbell then signed with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens in 2008, but failed to make the team's final roster. Then he went to the CFL playing for the Montreal Alouettes who went on the win the Gray Cup. He played in 6 games for the club while recording 10 tackles and 1 sack in such limited playing time. The Alouettes released him after the season and Campbell didn't resurface until 2011 with the Philadelphia Soul. The 6'4'', 320 pound defensive lineman brings great physicality and speed to the position along with an always appreciated veteran presence. His 9 sacks tied with new teammate Bryan Robinson for 10th best in the AFL for 2011. It'll be interesting to see how Campbell performs in 2012 after coming off his best season by far. The addition of Robinson may just be the necessary push Campbell needs to up his game yet another notch this season.

Barno entered last season as a six-year AFL veteran whose been a consistent contributor wherever he's played. The 6'3", 275 pound defensive lineman played for the AFL's Colorado Crush from 2004-2008 and was part of the 2005 ArenaBowl XIX championship team. Barno, an original member of the expansion Colorado Crush, was released halfway through the 2008 season due to lack of production. The Arizona Rattlers picked him up and Barno finished the season with them. Barno signed with the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz in 2010 where he finished the season with 7.5 sacks (a career best). When the Yard Dawgz closed its doors after the 2010 season, the Philadelphia Soul picked him up for 2011. Barno's repeated success in the AFL brings a different type of veteran experience than Campbell can provide to the Soul. Barno's been around this league specifically for his entire professional career which gives him the ability to share his experiences to players old and new. It was a great move bringing back Barno this season and he shouldn't have any problems making the 2012 squad.

Fitzgerald is coming off his AFL rookie season in which the Kansas State graduate created havoc and showed immense potential. The 6'4'', 270 pound defensive lineman originally signed with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 2010 as an undrafted free agent, but only attended the team's preseason mini camp. The Soul snatched him up in 2011 where he led all Soul defensive lineman with 27.5 tackles. His 3 forced fumbles tied with fellow lineman Barno for a team high as well. Fitzgerald adds a much needed shot of youth to a defensive unit full of established veterans. He created turnovers (3 fumbles & 1 interception) and showed great fundamentals in his ability to wrap up opponents at the point of contact. Expect Fitzgerald to improve upon his impressive rookie campaign working alongside the other play-making DTs on this 2012 squad.

Unless someone comes in and really impresses this coaching staff, it's pretty much a lock that these three plus Bryan Robinson will make this team. There's just too much talent/potential for the Soul to not have all four of these guys on the final roster. This defensive unit has a chance of improving upon their 2nd ranked overall defense from 2011 and that's saying a lot about the type of players the Soul have kept/brought in for 2012.