Defensive EDGE group is highlighted

Photo by Aryah Britt

Setting the Edge with the Edge Rushers

Week four of spring camp kicked off on Tuesday with a focus on the defensive edge group for the Knights.

In a group that saw several returners like Isaiah Nixon, Sincere Edwards, and Aymeric Koumba, there are many questions about the group and their expected production this upcoming season.

Along with those who chose to stay, the Knights added veteran pieces to the room, including redshirt senior Ken Talley, who transferred from the University of Arkansas.

The media had the chance to speak with edge coach Mike Dawson, along with Talley, Koumba, and Nixon, about their objective of filling the holes left by Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, who both seek to hear their names in this year’s NFL Draft.

Edge Coach Mike Dawson Talks NFL Draft

Edge coach Mike Dawson spoke about the critiques of Lawrence and Kelly, and what NFL teams should look past and expect from the two players, who had exceptional careers for the Black and Gold.

• Dawson addressed a statement from head coach Scott Frost, who said Nyjalik Kelly was undervalued heading into the NFL Draft, saying his best football is ahead of him and that he will continue to grow.

• He pointed to Kelly’s upside and said he will be a player who grows stronger and more physical as he keeps his body in shape and keeps working on himself.

• Dawson also spoke about Lawrence’s leadership and what he brings to the locker room. As a four-year player for the Knights, he spoke about the experiences and roles he played beyond his on-field play.

• He credited his willingness to learn and grow, and highlighted his ability to be personable, and said that NFL teams will be happy to have him part of the roster.

Out With the Old, In With the New: Filling Shoes for Kelly and Lawrence

With both standouts departing to pursue their dreams of making it to the NFL, Dawson was hit with questions about who will take the next step and try to fill their shoes.

• Dawson isn’t concerned with comparisons and is aware of what is expected of the guys coming in and emerging to take on those roles.

• He took note of returning players like Edwards, Nixon, and Koumba, who have already learned the system and been a part of it, and even turned to some guys the Knights brought in, like Ken Talley and Bruno Dall, who have experience and what they can bring.

• Regarding the returning players, he said their reps from last season were valuable and that they are already familiar with his signals and lingo, almost giving them a head start in getting into the starting front.

• Dawson said that while their experience in the system last year puts them slightly ahead, he emphasizes the need for improvement and more learning of the position if they want to achieve certain goals next season.

Talley’s Expectations on Final Collegiate Season

Arkansas transfer Ken Talley brings a lot of experience from his collegiate career. He says he hopes to get to the next level and play in the NFL, but knows the process will take a lot of work, and hopes to make the most of his final year in college to help him.

• Talley embraces the idea of walking into a locker room where he is seen as one of the leaders, since he enjoys helping the younger guys and learning from their techniques.

• Along with taking on a leadership role, he enjoys the opportunity to compete for a starting role and enjoys that competition.

• He referred to his relationship with coach Dawson, saying he knew him from when he was in high school, and praised his passion for the game.

• He was also very adamant about making this year his best season, as he hopes to project himself as a top talent in the nation next season.

Nixon Discusses Opportunity Following Lawrence and Kelly Departure

Isaiah Nixon has been a name that has come up a lot in discussions about who on defense needs to make a big jump. Lawrence spoke on his potential in combine interviews earlier this year, and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch said he is capable of making the jump as a redshirt junior.

• Nixon said he is adjusting well to this new leadership role on the team.

• He also looks at Kelly and Lawrence’s achievements and NFL Draft ambitions as motivation to work just as hard, if not harder, to achieve the same goal of making it to the NFL.

• Nixon frames spring practice as a developmental phase rather than a performance phase, emphasizing that the goal isn’t to be perfect right now but to build habits, refine technique, and stack consistent days.

Koumba and His Expectations

• Kouma expects to take on a bigger role and earn more consistent snaps this season.

• Kouma stresses consistency over occasional splash plays, saying that earning trust from coaches comes from being dependable every snap rather than making highlight moments.

• He views this season as an opportunity to prove himself in real game action, not just practice reps, and show he can perform when the lights are on.

What’s Next?

• With only one more media availability left this week, the media will get the chance to talk to running backs coach Jimmy Beal and select players on Friday, April 24.