By Andy Walter

NEWARK — Dominick Brogna admits he probably should have had a better mindset when he first got to Delaware.

The standout defensive tackle played for national Top-10 program Bergen Catholic, N.J. in high school.

Brogna said he didn’t appreciate how difficult it would be to play at an FCS program like Delaware.

“My biggest problem was that I was a little immature coming in,” he said. “I was thinking like I was a big fish in a smaller pond, I guess.”

Two seasons later, a bigger and stronger Brogna has put in the work to become a big part of what the Blue Hens hope will be a very good defensive line this fall.

Indeed, elder statesman Jack Hall thinks Delaware’s defensive front has the chance to be great.

“We love our potential,” said Hall. “I think this has the potential to be one of the best defensive lines Delaware has ever had.

“And I’m not just saying that. We are deep. ... I think we could play up to nine guys and be comfortable with everyone we put on the field. I’m really excited about it.”

Nose guard Keyshawn Hunter is clearly still the anchor of the line after tying for third on the squad with 48 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, last year.

But Brogna is one of those up-and-coming players who is ready to make a bigger contribution this fall. The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder played in all 13 games a year ago and was in on 22 tackles as a nose guard.

“Dom and Keyshawn are going to be guys that are battling it out every week,” said first-year UD defensive line coach Kyre Hawkins. “I mean they’ve both had very good camps. .... Dom and Keyshawn do a great job at the nose, holding it down, being stout in the run game.

“They’re also developing their rushes very well. The unit at the nose guard position does a great job pushing each other.”

Brogna proved he could hang in there against bigger and stronger offensive linemen last fall when he recorded a career-high seven tackles at Penn State.
He said it was a memorable experience just playing in that game before a huge crowd.

“Between that and the University of Montana game, those were just like the games I’ve dreamed about my whole life — just the atmosphere,” said Brogna.

“The size difference (with Penn State’s line) ... even the center was like 6-5. You really don’t get that at the FCS level. I just had to stick to my basics, know my role and I think it showed on the film. It was a good day.”

Nose guards, of course, have do a lot of the dirty work on the football field. They’re often facing double teams and occupying blockers so somebody else can make the tackles.

But Brogna said that’s fine with him. That’s what he signed up for.

“Definitely ‘gritty’ is the biggest word I come around when I hear ‘nose guard,’” said Brogna. “For me, I love being that guy people can count on.”

Brogna would like to think he’s come a long way since he first stepped on campus as an over-confident freshman. His first practice still sticks in his mind.

“I took a step back after one practice and had to watch myself on tape,” he said. “I’m like, ‘It’s a little bit different than high school. Some things are going to have to change in my game.’

“I’ve definitely improved a lot, I’d say, since I’ve gotten to Delaware. “

Price is right for Hens

One of the reasons that Delaware is excited about the depth of its defensive line is the addition of Rutgers transfer Q’yaeir Price.

At DePaul (N.J.) Catholic High, Price was considered a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 49 recruit in the country by ESPN.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Price never really found his role at Rutgers. He spent some time at fullback and tight end in addition to defensive line while playing in only four games two seasons ago.

Price said he had a good experience at Rutgers. He just wanted a better chance to get on the field.

The fact that the Hens are moving up the FBS level next season didn’t hurt, either.

“It played a pretty big role,” said Price. “I’m not saying that it (FCS) is lower competition, Competition is competition. I just want to play The’ve really accepted me like a family.”

“There’s always a learning curve when you’re coming to a new defense,” said Hawkins. “But he does a great job taking notes. He does a great job staying attentive and asking questions.

“Even when he’s not necessarily taking the rep, he’s still taking a mental rep. I think that keeps him prepared for all of the moments that he’ll have coming for him this year.”