Trench Work: Inside UNLV’s Defensive Line Room (Part 2)

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This is Part 2 of our defensive line breakdown, focusing on the second wave: transfers with experience, young depth pieces, and developmental prospects who could crack the rotation in 2025 or beyond.

Some of these names are new. Some are still waiting for their shot. But what they share is size, hunger, and the kind of athletic upside that defensive line coach Ricky Logo can mold.

Let’s get to it.

6'3", 300 lbs | 2024 PFF: 49.5 DEF | 2023: 56.3 DEF, 57.6 RDEF | 3 career sacks

A former four-star recruit with SEC pedigree, Lee arrives in Vegas after stops at Florida and LSU. He’s played nearly 600 career snaps, mostly inside, with flashes of power and leverage. Although his 2024 grade suffered due to limited duty at LSU, Lee possesses starter traits and should be in the rotation from day one. A reliable plug that can help anchor the interior.

6'3", 300 lbs | 2024 PFF: 59.4 DEF, 61.2 PRSH | 7 pressures, 2 hits, 1 sack

Fuller is another proven veteran, coming off a solid 2024 season at Coastal. He’s not flashy, but he holds the point well and generated consistent pressure as a base 3-tech. With size, strength, and 200+ snaps under his belt, Fuller brings immediate value to a room that needs experienced bodies inside.

6'2", 265 lbs | 2024: 6 snaps | 71.6 RDEF, 75.7 TACK

Don’t let the snap count fool you, Laster impressed in his limited time last season. A highly touted signee out of Missouri, he’s physical, downhill, and already well built for the edge. With more time in the system and added reps, he could emerge as a real disruptor in short-yardage and early-down packages.

6'3", 290 lbs | 2024: 17 snaps | 44.4 DEF, 55.7 PRSH

Peterson played sparingly last fall, but he brings solid size and the frame to develop into a rotational 4i or interior end. He’s still raw and learning technique, but the staff likes his upside. With improved pad level and hand usage, he could see more situational reps in 2025.

6'3", 305 lbs | No PFF data

Abbashar hasn’t seen game action yet, but he’s one of the more physically mature young linemen on the roster. A Texas product with a wide build and strong base, he projects as an early-down nose tackle once he acclimates. Long term, he could become a gap-stuffing anchor in the middle.

6'2", 295 lbs | No PFF data

The son of UNLV defensive line coach Ricky Logo, Eliah is a legacy name with strong football instincts and interior potential. He played his high school ball in Henderson and brings good motor and strength. He’ll need time to develop, but expect him to flash in camp and compete for scout team reps early.

6'4", 290 lbs | No PFF data

Covington looks the part already. At 6’4” and 290 pounds, the freshman from McKinney, TX walks in with a college-ready frame. He’s long, physical, and raw, exactly the kind of prospect Guenther and Logo can mold over time. One to monitor closely over the next 18 months.

6'3", 250 lbs | No PFF data

Another Rancho Cucamonga pipeline product, Togafau, brings twitch and burst off the edge. He’s a bit undersized right now for the interior, but his athletic profile and work ethic give him a shot to find a role. Could be a special-teams contributor early with long-term 4i upside.

6’5”, 290 lbs | 2024 PFF: 67.4 DEF, 62.1 PRSH | 5 pressures, 1 sack, 4 hurries

Conti broke into the rotation last year and quickly proved he belonged. His size jumps off the screen, but it’s his technique and motor that kept him on the field for 231 snaps. He plays with leverage, shows solid get-off in pass-rush situations, and was one of the Rebels’ most reliable interior defenders. With another offseason under his belt, Conti is a candidate to start or at least play heavy reps in 2025. Versatile enough to line up as a 3-tech or 4i, depending on the front.

Final Word

This group rounds out what might be the most complete defensive line rotation UNLV has had in over a decade.

Lee and Fuller give you immediate bulk and experience. Laster, Peterson, and Conti are young but game-ready. Thomas, Covington, and Abbashar could be future starters. Scanlan, Logo, and Togafau bring raw edge juice that’ll take time to develop, but the ceiling is there.

The bottom line: this is no longer a patchwork unit. With depth, youth, and a few SEC-tested veterans in the mix, UNLV’s defensive front is finally built to last.

Stay tuned for more positional breakdowns at The Scarlet Standard.