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Photo by: Ty Klopf
Defensive Line Preview: Loaded With Depth, Experience
8/24/2026 11:20:00 AM | Football
Group of players emerge to play key role on defensive line.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time, the Central Michigan defensive line entered its season thin on depth, talent, and numbers. Now, after a full year cycle with Defensive Line coach Tesfa Smith, the Chippewas are in great shape as over 10 players have the potential to emerge as key contributors.
Departed is First Team All-MAC standout Michael Heldman and defensive tackle Jonathan Decker. Heldman, who signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints, led the Chippewas in tackles for loss (16.5), sacks (10.5-48 yards), quarterback hurries (nine), and registered two forced fumbles, four pass breakups, and a total of 48 tackles (23 solo). Over his five-year career, Heldman has made 120 tackles (64 solo), 34.5 tackles for loss for 137 yards, 19.0 sacks for 99 yards, five pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and 29 quarterback hurries in 53 games and 42 starts. Decker was also productive as he contributed 25 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss.
"Last year we were very fortunate to have the talent of Michael Heldman," defensive line coach Tesfa Smith said. "Going into the offseason we knew we weren't going to be able to replace Michael, but we thought we had to get enough talent to where everyone can pick up what he did. We are getting to the point where we are not just leaning on one guy, we've got six or seven guys that we feel can go out and be productive for us and go out and do a good job of neutralizing the run and put pressure on the quarterback. It's still a work in progress. We are trying to fine tune every little thing, fundamentals, techniques. If we do that consistently, we will be very productive group."
"Coach Riedel has done a fantastic job of developing these players. The faster they develop, the quicker they will get to playing time. It's a great group of guys and I'm blessed to be coaching them."
Smith returns seven players who saw extensive action last year including Korver Demma, JJ Douglas, Quavion Bird, D.J. Bennett, Dominque Maiava, Nathan VanTimmeren, and Joey VanWetzinga, who is out for the year. Logan Borodychuk also joined the group after making the move over from tight end. The Chippewas added four experienced transfers in Cornell transplants Max Van Fleet and James Reinbold, and junior college transfers Jaxon Cherry (Iowa Western J.C.), Hunter Zirkle (Cumberlands), and Donovan Brown (Upland, Calif.). The Chippewas also brought in a group of youthful but talented freshmen in Collin Stare, Matthew Plumb, Evan Walker, and Aaron Weiner.
Demma emerged last year as an impact player. He finished with 3.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, and 27 tackles in 13 starts during his first year with the Chippewas. He now begins the 2026 season with his injuries behind him. Douglas became a force on the line while seeing action in nine games and contributing 23 tackles (10 solo), 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. Look for him to make
"Korver is one our toughest guys if you consider what he went through last year," Smith said. "When he came here, he wasn't pegged to be a starter for us. After week one, he was a starter, all the while being hurt. He's now on a clean bill of health. He has a good grasp of what we're trying to do. Last year, JJ was a tight end for us. In week two he gets moved to defensive line and he ends up playing. Through spring ball, we've moved him to end. He's made that transition very well. He seems really comfortable at that position. The game is slowing down for him and I'm really excited to see what he can this year. Having Korver and JJ, two guys that played key roles for us last year is great. Now, their roles will be even more important."
Bird ended up starting seven games last season and made 14 tackles in the middle, Maiava played both ways before an injury ended his season, and Bennett was granted a fifth year of eligibility after he made nine tackles and two pass breakups last year. VanTimmeren and Borodychuk are converted tight ends. VanWetzinga made eight tackles in 11 games as a true freshman.
"Going into last season, Quavion didn't know how much he'd play," Smith said. "Before you know it, he's playing significant snaps. He did a great job for us and brings us some good size. Now, he has the experience, so we are hoping that when goes out there, he can hold down the gaps. Same thing with Dominique Maiava. He played offensive line, moved to defensive line, and didn't play much in spring, but he's really trying to get back into it. He's another anchor that can hold down the gaps. Nathan VanTimmeren also got moved from tight end and played sparingly. Now, he's had a good full spring under his belt, and we're excited to see what he can bring as the game slows down for him. Logan Borodychuk is another tight end who moved over to defensive line. He moved over after January. He's still learning, but he's gives us so much size and maturity. He's a sponge and a good young man to coach.
"I've got so much respect for D.J. Bennett," Smith said. "He had no idea if he was going to play or not. He came back with the mindset of 'I'm going to play' and ended up graduating, so he gets back and gets approved to be back with us. He's had some injury problems, but when he's healthy and plays with consistency, he is a really good football player. What he brings to the table will certainly benefit the entire group. It couldn't have worked out better for D.J."
The transfers all come in with experience. Zirkle was named an NAIA All-American last year, Van Fleet and Reinbold both played in over 30 games at Cornell over the last four seasons, and Cherry helped Iowa Western J.C. finish 10-1 and earn a NJCAA playoff berth last year. Brown played linebacker at Chaffey J.C. and made the move to defensive line.
"We brought Hunter Zirkle in in January," Smith said. "He's going to be able to play multiple positions for us. He has the ability to rush the passer. He plays really hard. Max Van Fleet transferred in in January. He didn't go through spring ball but is looking good in fall camp. He brings a high level of maturity as he's played many snaps. We are very fortunate to get a guy who's played those snaps and he can be an instant leader for us. Jaxon Cherry has been a delight. He's really explosive and plays with great leverage. He can play multiple positions for us. James Reinbold is a great added addition. He played with Max at Cornell. He's another guy who's played a lot of snaps and adds maturity. He's also a bigger guy. Donovan Brown, a transfer, was playing linebacker and transitioned to defensive line. It's new to him, but he's athletic-enough that he'll be fine."
Smith is also excited for the freshmen that he's brought in.
"It's been night and day from where Collin Stare started when he arrived," Smith said. "If he keeps building and growing, he's a guy that could get some playing time. Matthew Plumb was a quarterback when he first got here. Now, he looks like a defensive end, he's big and long. He's another guy who never forgets anything, he is learning so much. Evan Walker came here in the summer. He plays with a level of effort that you can't coach. Based on that, I know that he will play, he's relentless. Aaron Weiner is working hard and learning."
2026 DEFENSIVE LINE PERSONNEL ROSTER
0 | D.J. Bennett | Fifth Year | 6-5 | 260 | White Springs, Fla.
96 | Quavion Bird | Jr. | 6-1 | 300 | Lake Wales, Fla.
82 | Logan Borodychuk | Jr. | 6-5 | 255 | Mount Pleasant, Mich.
50 | Donovan Brown | So. | 6-1 | 265 | Upland, Calif.
64 | Rory Callahan | Sr. | 6-4 | 270 | New Boston Mich.
92 | Jaxon Cherry | Jr. | 6-1 | 265 | Woodstock, Iowa
5 | Korver Demma | Sr. | 6-3 | 235 | Grena, Neb.
1 | JJ Douglas | So. | 6-5 | 250 | Janesville, Wis.
52 | Dominique Maiava | Fifth Year | 6-2 | 305 | Pago Pago, American Samoa Tuala
99 | Matthew Plumb | Fr. | 6-4 | 245 | St. Charles, Ill.
32 | James Reinbold | Fifth Year | 6-4 | 260 | Anchorage, Alaska
53 | Colin Stare | Fr. | 6-2 | 265 | Mechanicsburg, Pa.
97 | Max Van Fleet | Fifth Year | 6-4 | 275 | Concord, N.H.
48 | Nathan VanTimmeren | Sr. | 6-5 | 235 | Grand Rapids, Mich.
95 | Joey VanWetzinga | So. | 6-2 | 260 | Pleasant Valley, Iowa
93 | Evan Walker | Fr. | 6-3 | 220 | Gainesville, Fla.
91 | Aaron Weiner | Fr. | 6-2 | 250 | Ann Arbor, Mich.
6 | Hunter Zirkle | Jr. | 6-3 | 245 | Arcadia, Fla.
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Departed is First Team All-MAC standout Michael Heldman and defensive tackle Jonathan Decker. Heldman, who signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints, led the Chippewas in tackles for loss (16.5), sacks (10.5-48 yards), quarterback hurries (nine), and registered two forced fumbles, four pass breakups, and a total of 48 tackles (23 solo). Over his five-year career, Heldman has made 120 tackles (64 solo), 34.5 tackles for loss for 137 yards, 19.0 sacks for 99 yards, five pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and 29 quarterback hurries in 53 games and 42 starts. Decker was also productive as he contributed 25 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss.
"Last year we were very fortunate to have the talent of Michael Heldman," defensive line coach Tesfa Smith said. "Going into the offseason we knew we weren't going to be able to replace Michael, but we thought we had to get enough talent to where everyone can pick up what he did. We are getting to the point where we are not just leaning on one guy, we've got six or seven guys that we feel can go out and be productive for us and go out and do a good job of neutralizing the run and put pressure on the quarterback. It's still a work in progress. We are trying to fine tune every little thing, fundamentals, techniques. If we do that consistently, we will be very productive group."
"Coach Riedel has done a fantastic job of developing these players. The faster they develop, the quicker they will get to playing time. It's a great group of guys and I'm blessed to be coaching them."
Smith returns seven players who saw extensive action last year including Korver Demma, JJ Douglas, Quavion Bird, D.J. Bennett, Dominque Maiava, Nathan VanTimmeren, and Joey VanWetzinga, who is out for the year. Logan Borodychuk also joined the group after making the move over from tight end. The Chippewas added four experienced transfers in Cornell transplants Max Van Fleet and James Reinbold, and junior college transfers Jaxon Cherry (Iowa Western J.C.), Hunter Zirkle (Cumberlands), and Donovan Brown (Upland, Calif.). The Chippewas also brought in a group of youthful but talented freshmen in Collin Stare, Matthew Plumb, Evan Walker, and Aaron Weiner.
Demma emerged last year as an impact player. He finished with 3.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, and 27 tackles in 13 starts during his first year with the Chippewas. He now begins the 2026 season with his injuries behind him. Douglas became a force on the line while seeing action in nine games and contributing 23 tackles (10 solo), 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. Look for him to make
"Korver is one our toughest guys if you consider what he went through last year," Smith said. "When he came here, he wasn't pegged to be a starter for us. After week one, he was a starter, all the while being hurt. He's now on a clean bill of health. He has a good grasp of what we're trying to do. Last year, JJ was a tight end for us. In week two he gets moved to defensive line and he ends up playing. Through spring ball, we've moved him to end. He's made that transition very well. He seems really comfortable at that position. The game is slowing down for him and I'm really excited to see what he can this year. Having Korver and JJ, two guys that played key roles for us last year is great. Now, their roles will be even more important."
Bird ended up starting seven games last season and made 14 tackles in the middle, Maiava played both ways before an injury ended his season, and Bennett was granted a fifth year of eligibility after he made nine tackles and two pass breakups last year. VanTimmeren and Borodychuk are converted tight ends. VanWetzinga made eight tackles in 11 games as a true freshman.
"Going into last season, Quavion didn't know how much he'd play," Smith said. "Before you know it, he's playing significant snaps. He did a great job for us and brings us some good size. Now, he has the experience, so we are hoping that when goes out there, he can hold down the gaps. Same thing with Dominique Maiava. He played offensive line, moved to defensive line, and didn't play much in spring, but he's really trying to get back into it. He's another anchor that can hold down the gaps. Nathan VanTimmeren also got moved from tight end and played sparingly. Now, he's had a good full spring under his belt, and we're excited to see what he can bring as the game slows down for him. Logan Borodychuk is another tight end who moved over to defensive line. He moved over after January. He's still learning, but he's gives us so much size and maturity. He's a sponge and a good young man to coach.
"I've got so much respect for D.J. Bennett," Smith said. "He had no idea if he was going to play or not. He came back with the mindset of 'I'm going to play' and ended up graduating, so he gets back and gets approved to be back with us. He's had some injury problems, but when he's healthy and plays with consistency, he is a really good football player. What he brings to the table will certainly benefit the entire group. It couldn't have worked out better for D.J."
The transfers all come in with experience. Zirkle was named an NAIA All-American last year, Van Fleet and Reinbold both played in over 30 games at Cornell over the last four seasons, and Cherry helped Iowa Western J.C. finish 10-1 and earn a NJCAA playoff berth last year. Brown played linebacker at Chaffey J.C. and made the move to defensive line.
"We brought Hunter Zirkle in in January," Smith said. "He's going to be able to play multiple positions for us. He has the ability to rush the passer. He plays really hard. Max Van Fleet transferred in in January. He didn't go through spring ball but is looking good in fall camp. He brings a high level of maturity as he's played many snaps. We are very fortunate to get a guy who's played those snaps and he can be an instant leader for us. Jaxon Cherry has been a delight. He's really explosive and plays with great leverage. He can play multiple positions for us. James Reinbold is a great added addition. He played with Max at Cornell. He's another guy who's played a lot of snaps and adds maturity. He's also a bigger guy. Donovan Brown, a transfer, was playing linebacker and transitioned to defensive line. It's new to him, but he's athletic-enough that he'll be fine."
Smith is also excited for the freshmen that he's brought in.
"It's been night and day from where Collin Stare started when he arrived," Smith said. "If he keeps building and growing, he's a guy that could get some playing time. Matthew Plumb was a quarterback when he first got here. Now, he looks like a defensive end, he's big and long. He's another guy who never forgets anything, he is learning so much. Evan Walker came here in the summer. He plays with a level of effort that you can't coach. Based on that, I know that he will play, he's relentless. Aaron Weiner is working hard and learning."
2026 DEFENSIVE LINE PERSONNEL ROSTER
0 | D.J. Bennett | Fifth Year | 6-5 | 260 | White Springs, Fla.
96 | Quavion Bird | Jr. | 6-1 | 300 | Lake Wales, Fla.
82 | Logan Borodychuk | Jr. | 6-5 | 255 | Mount Pleasant, Mich.
50 | Donovan Brown | So. | 6-1 | 265 | Upland, Calif.
64 | Rory Callahan | Sr. | 6-4 | 270 | New Boston Mich.
92 | Jaxon Cherry | Jr. | 6-1 | 265 | Woodstock, Iowa
5 | Korver Demma | Sr. | 6-3 | 235 | Grena, Neb.
1 | JJ Douglas | So. | 6-5 | 250 | Janesville, Wis.
52 | Dominique Maiava | Fifth Year | 6-2 | 305 | Pago Pago, American Samoa Tuala
99 | Matthew Plumb | Fr. | 6-4 | 245 | St. Charles, Ill.
32 | James Reinbold | Fifth Year | 6-4 | 260 | Anchorage, Alaska
53 | Colin Stare | Fr. | 6-2 | 265 | Mechanicsburg, Pa.
97 | Max Van Fleet | Fifth Year | 6-4 | 275 | Concord, N.H.
48 | Nathan VanTimmeren | Sr. | 6-5 | 235 | Grand Rapids, Mich.
95 | Joey VanWetzinga | So. | 6-2 | 260 | Pleasant Valley, Iowa
93 | Evan Walker | Fr. | 6-3 | 220 | Gainesville, Fla.
91 | Aaron Weiner | Fr. | 6-2 | 250 | Ann Arbor, Mich.
6 | Hunter Zirkle | Jr. | 6-3 | 245 | Arcadia, Fla.
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