Kingsville - Perhaps the deepest position group for Texas A&M-Kingsville in the defensive line will seek to be the driving force for Javelina football heading into the 2024 season.

The Javelinas bring back two key members of the 2023 defensive line with first team all-conference selection Xavier Henderson and Demarcus Hendricks. Senior Victor Smith, junior Blake Jaques and junior Doug Brooks round out the large group of returners for the defensive line.

In the transfer portal, the Javelinas secured numerous Division I transfers from across Texas. These new Javelinas include Jordan Hammonds from Hardin-Simmons University, Bobby Duncum from Sam Houston and Daniel Tupuola from Sam Houston.

"The D-line had a successful spring/summer and made significant investments in Coach Jeremy Pick's Javelina's strength program. They have shown remarkable progress in both on-field and off-field performance," said Defensive Line Coach Kapono Asuega. "This group is driven by its players, and I am impressed with their leadership and commitment to holding each other accountable."

Rounding out the group, Javelina football will employ six sophomores in Joe Tarvin, Armonie Brown, Dorian Arrendono, Kerry North, Cirr Arrendono and Sam Ojuade. Eight freshmen will also represent the Javelinas with Luke Rodgers, Matt Quick, Noah Jones, Martin Carreon, Daniel Perez, Koryn Randals, Leandrew Holland and Jacari Howard finishing up the group.

Players to watch:

Xavier Henderson, Senior, Houston, Texas / Aldine Davis HS
Henderson was named a first team all-conference selection for the Lone Star Conference after finishing the season with 36 total tackles, four of which were for loss. He also added three sacks and two pass deflections.

Demarcus Hendricks, Junior, San Antonio, Texas / Wagner HS
Despite only appearing in six games for the Javelinas last season, Hendricks was still a force of the edge. Totaling 20 tackles, 6 TFL's, a sack and an interception on the season.

Doug Brooks, Junior, Shiner, Texas / Shiner HS
Brooks proved to be a vital piece of the 2023 Javelina defensive line, finishing last season with 12 tackles, two of which for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Blake Jaques, Junior, Moore, Oklahoma / Moore HS
Jaques served as another key member of the defensive line for the Javelinas last season. His highlight of the season came in the season opener, taking a blocked punt back for a touchdown in a win against Colorado-Mesa.

Jordan Hammonds, Graduate Student, Kyle, Texas / Hardin-Simmons
Hammonds joins the Javelinas after spending four seasons with the Cowboys. He was named a team captain for the 2023 season and recorded 42 tackles, 8 TFL's, two sacks and an interception during the 2022 season.


This is the fifth part of an eight-part series previewing the 2024 Javelina football team leading up to the season opener against Colorado-Mesa on August 26th.