The ADM football team saw its defense evolve over the 2014 season as different players emerged as fits in various rotational packages.

One such situation was on the defensive line, where the Tigers rotated a “big boy” package for first and second downs and short-yardage third down situations, with a “speed rush” package that was reserved for obvious passing situations.

The “big boy” package featured 260-pound state wrestler Nathan Heath and Hunter Gibson at the defensive tackle spots in ADM’s 4-3 base defense, and those two would rotate with the graduated Logan Lemke and junior Matt Dobrzynski.

Along with defensive end Jacob Hardy, both Heath and Gibson are back as senior starters. But with Lemke’s departure, that rotation is somewhat in flux.

Sixth-year defensive coordinator Bric Nelson said he expects the defensive line again to be strong with three of four starters returning, but that Heath and Gibson have progressed to a point where they can fill the roles from both defensive line packages.

“I think one of the best things we have is – we had some speed and had the speed package and we have our big boys – and one of the neatest things to see is that our big boys are becoming are speed package as well,” Nelson said. “As a coach, situationally we may have to tweak it here and there, but those guys are going to be on the field a lot this year.”

ADM opens the 2015 season August 28 at Perry.