Hailey
As the Emporia State Hornets prepare for the 2025 football season, their defensive line is expected to be a major strength.
With three starters earning All-MIAA honors last season, the Hornets’ defense looks promising, bolstered by the return of several key players and the addition of fresh talent.
In this article, we’ll break down the defensive line and what to expect from it in 2025, highlighting key players and stats that make this unit a force to be reckoned with.
Key Returning Players
Emporia State’s defensive line is anchored by C.J. Adams, a fifth-year player who earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors last season.
Adams recorded 9.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 31 career games. His leadership and experience are invaluable to the Hornets, and as one of the lone All-MIAA returners, he will be crucial in setting the tone for the defensive line.
Another standout player is Kaden Fields, a third-year player who has been with the team for 18 games. Fields made a significant impact in the 2024 season with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
In high school, he was named a First-Team Sport in Kansas selection on offense and earned First-Team All-Tri-County honors on defense. Fields’ well-rounded skills and experience will continue to play a key role in the defensive line’s success.
Dakote Doyle-Robinson, a sophomore, is another key contributor. Last season, he recorded two tackles for loss in nine games.
Before transferring to Emporia State, Doyle-Robinson played as a redshirt freshman at Garden City Community College, where he notched five sacks and 12 tackles for loss.
With this solid foundation, Doyle-Robinson is expected to continue his development and add more strength to the defensive line.
Newcomers to Watch
While the Hornets have a strong returning group, there are also new faces who will bring energy and talent to the defensive line.
Elon McKenzie, a senior, transferred to Emporia State last year from Austin Peay. McKenzie made an impact in his first season with the Hornets, recording one sack and 3.5 tackles for loss.
Before joining Emporia State, McKenzie played five games at Austin Peay, recording two tackles against Lindenwood. His experience and ability to make plays will provide additional depth to the defensive line.
Wesley Young, a third-year player, is another name to watch. Young has seen action in four games for Emporia State and earned First-Team All-League honors on defense at West Elk High School. He also received Honorable Mention All-State recognition.
With a strong high school career, Young is poised to make an impact in the defensive line rotation this season.
Defensive Line Roster
Here’s a breakdown of the defensive line roster for the 2025 season:
| Name | Position | Height | Weight | Year | Hometown | High School/Previous School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakote Doyle-Robinson | DL | 6’1″ | 278 lbs | Jr. | St. Louis, MO | DeSmet Jesuit HS / Baylor/Garden City CC |
| C.J. Adams | DL | 6’2″ | 277 lbs | R-Sr. | Enid, OK | Enid HS |
| Tanner Dobeck | DL | 6’3″ | 270 lbs | Jr. | Myrtle Creek, OR | South Umpqua HS / Shasta College |
| Eric “Tre” Stevenson | DL | 6’1″ | 240 lbs | R-Fr. | Perkins, OK | Perkins-Tryon HS |
| Anthony Tabron | DL | 6’2″ | 250 lbs | R-Fr. | Grandview, MO | Grandview HS |
| Elon McKenzie | DL | 6’2″ | 267 lbs | Sr. | Phenix City, AL | Central HS |
| Donell Jackson | DL | 6’3″ | 270 lbs | R-Fr. | Fort Worth, TX | Saginaw HS |
| Sixto Bustos | OL | 6’0″ | 270 lbs | R-Fr. | Emporia, KS | Emporia HS |
| Carlos Strong Jr. | DL | 6’1″ | 268 lbs | R-So. | Oklahoma City, OK | Millwood HS |
| Kaden Fields | DL | 6’4″ | 280 lbs | R-Jr. | Osawatomie, KS | Osawatomie HS |
| Wesley Young | DL | 6’5″ | 267 lbs | R-Jr. | Howard, KS | West Elk HS |
| Christian Westbrooks | DL | 6’2″ | 250 lbs | R-Fr. | Arlington, TX | Arlington Bowie HS |
| Jaylen Banks | DL | 6’4″ | 285 lbs | R-So. | O’Fallon, MO | Lutheran North HS / Southern Illinois |
Defensive Line Development
The defensive line for the Hornets in 2025 is a combination of experienced players and promising newcomers. This blend of youth and experience will make the unit well-rounded and capable of producing big plays.
With standout players like C.J. Adams leading the charge and Kaden Fields continuing to develop, the defensive line is poised to dominate.
The Emporia State defensive line is shaping up to be a major asset for the team in 2025. With players like C.J. Adams, Kaden Fields, and Dakote Doyle-Robinson, the defensive front is not only experienced but also hungry to improve.
With new additions like Elon McKenzie and Wesley Young, the Hornets have a solid mix of talent that should help them excel on defense. Head coach Garin Higgins and defensive coordinator Mike LoPorto will be key in developing these players and maximizing their potential.
Expect the defensive line to make a big impact this season and contribute to Emporia State’s success on the field.