One of the more difficult aspects of running a 4-3 scheme on defense is developing enough quality depth on the interior of the front.
The Wolf Pack has returning starter Mundrae Clifton, one of the strongest Nevada players ever at one of the defensive tackle spots and has two other players, Chris Slack at Nate Agaiava returning with some playing experience. Zack Madonick might not have any experience, but he's making a case that he should be involved in the rotation or possibly the starting lineup.
"He is just a redshirt freshman but he's doing a great job," head coach Chris Ault said. "At the scrimmage on Sunday, he really stood out. If he keeps that up, good things are going to come his way."
Madonick, 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, was one of the top defensive players coming out of the San Francisco Bay Area as a senior in high school two years ago. He redshirted at Nevada last season, but his work ethic and talent were clearly visible as he was named the team's Full-Speed, Effort and Habit award-winner as the Scout Team Player of the Year.
