Gardner-Webb's move to a 3-4 defensive scheme in 2013 paid major dividends, with the Runnin' Bulldogs clamping down to finish No. 5 nationally in total defense and setting a new Big South Conference single-season record by allowing just 296.8 yards per game.

Leading the charge was a ferocious defensive line. Position coach Isaac Mooring molded his group very well and saw all three starters earn first-team All-Big South Conference honors in November. Two of those starters – nose guard O.J. Mau and end Shaquille Riddick – were named to FCS All-America teams, and Riddick finished fifth in voting for the 2013 Buck Buchanan Award.

Mau (6-2, 308, Jr.) headlines the group returning for Mooring in 2014 and was the lynchpin for Gardner-Webb's overall improvement – providing a difficult obstacle in the middle for opposing teams to block. The Masefau, American Samoa, native was named to the 2014 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List in July and is a consensus preseason FCS All-America selection heading into his second season as a starter.

Mau finished his sophomore season with 54 total tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks – adding four pressures and a fumble recover in establishing himself as the premier nose guard in the subdivision. He was at his best against top-ranked competition, combining for 15 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in wins over No. 8 Wofford and No. 12 Charleston Southern.

Mau's power and explosion overshadow a unique level of quickness for a man his size. That combination will work well for he and the Runnin' Bulldogs going forward.

Gardner-Webb must replace each of its starting defensive ends from last season and veteran Tyler Hough-Jenkins (6-4, 274, RSr.) proved last November that he is more than capable of stepping into one of those spots – and doing so with a high level of ability as he enters his final season in great physical condition.

Hough-Jenkins made only one start last season, taking an injured Riddick's post in the season finale at Presbyterian. He responded with two tackles, a tackle for loss and a pair of key quarterback pressures in another dominant defensive performance for the Runnin' Bulldogs. Of his 13 total tackles, Hough-Jenkins had 11 of those during the final five games of the season. He played a key role off the bench in the win over No. 12 Charleston Southern as well.

Converted linebacker Jebrai Regan (6-2, 245, Jr.) will take over for Riddick at rush end this season and was one of the most highly lauded defenders during spring drills – both from teammates and the coaching staff. Regan made the move to defensive end late last season after seeing primary action on special teams. Regan had 10 quarterback sacks as a senior for Woodstock (Ga.) High and is expected to be an effective pass rusher as a full-time end.

The depth behind Mau is significant, both in terms of ability and raw size and strength.

Another native of the island of American Samoa, Phillip Fata (6-3, 306, RJr.) played at Samoana High – the alma mater of several NFL defensive lineman, including Domata Peko, Isaac Sopoaga and Matt Toeaina.

Fata spent much of the spring working at defensive end, but will return inside for his second season with the program. He saw action in 10 games last season in a reserve role.

Russell Hughes (6-3, 287, So.) is another lineman capable of playing at nose guard or end, and has seen action early in his career in both roles. The Gaffney, S.C., native saw limited duty as a true freshman in 2013, but is expected to compete for snaps at nose guard in 2014.

Another former Gaffney (S.C.) High standout, converted offensive lineman Donovan Manning (6-2, 244, RFr.) will push for snaps at end after redshirting in 2013. Manning, the younger brother of former Gardner-Webb tight end Don Manning, was rated as one of the Palmetto State's top-75 seniors in 2013 as a quick guard. He and Hughes helped the Indians to a state title in 2012.

Local product Josh Ramseur (5-11, 291, Fr.) enters his first season of college football with a chance to impact the rotation at nose guard significantly. Blessed with uncommon strength and lower body power, Ramseur enters college able to squat nearly 600 pounds already. His production at nearby Burns (N.C.) High earned him a spot on the NCPreps.com All-State team last season and has hopes high for his career in Boiling Springs. Ramseur is the second member of his family to play football at Gardner-Webb. Older brother, Kenneth, played for the Runnin' Bulldogs in the early 1990s.

Two newcomers will be asked to push for playing time at defensive end, and both provide more bulk than Gardner-Webb has seen at the position in previous years. Charlie Eudy (6-3, 267, Fr.) and Laron Glenn (6-2, 271, Fr.) each garnered plenty of accolades during their high school careers and both are expected to play right away for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Eudy starred at West Stanly (N.C.) High, registering 21.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks over his final 14 high school games. Glenn was a force at end for West Mecklenburg (N.C.) High, turning down a late offer from James Madison last winter to sign with the Runnin' Bulldogs. Glenn had 26.0 tackles for loss and 18.0 sacks over his final two high school seasons – and was also a very agile offensive guard for the Hawks.

Gardner-Webb reported for preseason camp on August 4, and will hit the fields for its first practice on Tuesday afternoon.