** Editors note: this feature story appeared in the game program for UTSA's home game vs. UAB on Saturday, Oct. 12. **
By Pat Turner
The UTSA defensive line arguably has emerged as the deepest position group on the roster. That unit has grown into a force behind leadership from the senior quartet of Baylon Baker, Eric Banks, Jarrod Carter-McLin and King Newton.
As with any student-athlete, the four players have grown quite a bit from their freshman years. Thanks to hard work and persistence, they have developed into reliable starters on the defensive front and as they go through their final campaign with the Roadrunners, they are hoping to showcase their skills at the highest level.
"We definitely have grown together," said Baker, who already earned a bachelor's degree in real estate, finance and development. "We know each other so well. We practice together. We eat together. We have classes together. We hang out. We have a lot of chemistry."
There's something special about being members of the D line. After all, those stationed up front know all participants must be in sync to make it work.
"It's a big man's game for sure," Carter-McLin said. "Down there in the trenches, having your brother's back is a big key. Everyone is always together. We make sure everyone stays positive. If someone is down because they didn't have a good game, we pick them up. When you have your best game, we have to keep it at an even keel."
Added Baker: "I love the camaraderie. A lot of people look to the D line to pep them up and get them going. A lot of our D line coaches have told us if we're on fire, the whole defense will come to life."
A special bond developed between Banks and Carter-McLin as freshmen. Both were expecting to be redshirted that first season, but UTSA coaches had other plans. The two were going to see playing time.
It was an adjustment to say the least.
A year removed from playing in the high school ranks, they were going against opponents like Arizona State and Texas A&M, along with the rigorous Conference USA schedule. However, Banks and Carter-McLin proved they belong while helping the Roadrunners to their first bowl appearance at the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl.
"I know it may sound kind of corny but when we met each other, we just clicked," said Carter-McLin, who helped Carthage to a Class 4A Division I championship as a high school sophomore. "It was like we had known each other for a long time. We even became roommates. Being on the D line together helped us grow closer, especially that first year."
It was a bigger test for Banks, who played quarterback and linebacker at Memphis East High School. He saw action at defensive end as a senior but playing in the trenches permanently in college was something new.
"I've learned so much," Banks said. "I wish I could have recorded every year so I could see how much I have grown. It was so different at first, because everything was new. Having Jarrod with me helped. We had a chance to go through it together. By the middle of the season we were feeling more comfortable."
Baker was redshirted as a freshman, but he used that year to become more familiar with the college atmosphere. When his time came to perform, he didn't disappoint. Like his defensive colleagues, he's improved with age.
"I've taken it day by day," said Baker, who played defensive end and tight end at Abilene Wylie before moving to the inside at UTSA. "I've had five D line coaches since I have been here. In a way that's been a blessing because every guy taught me something different. I think a big part of my game has improved from all of them.
"Redshirting really helped me step back and get a feel for the game. It's definitely faster. I remember my first practice I couldn't even find the ball."
UTSA opened the quartet's final campaign with a victory over UIW in the Hometown Showdown before suffering three straight losses. Still, there is optimism for a turnaround.
A win over UTEP this past week was a huge boost. They hope to build on that, starting with Saturday's contest against UAB at the Alamodome.
"We're having positive attitudes and great vibes," Banks said. "We have a lot of time left to pull together. We have to fight our way no matter what and get to six wins and a bowl game. We believe it can happen."
