Marty Long is matter-of-fact in his mannerisms. He's certain, confident and in control about the future of Arizona's defense.

"We're going to get pressure on the quarterback this year," Long said as he sat behind his desk and looked over a player roster. "Nothing is going to change."

For a first-year coach at Arizona, Long seems assured of the defensive line's success, but then again, perhaps he should be. Afterall, he's taking over a duty that any defensive line coach in the country might covet. He will be coaching a line that has dominated the collegiate ranks for the past three seasons, one that has produced players like Chuck Osborne, All-American Tedy Bruschi and 1993 Outland Trophy Winner Rob Waldrop. He is in a great scheme with great talent.

But do they have enough talent to continue the tradition of Desert Swarm?

"This team has some good players," Long said. "Joe Salave'a, Van Tuinei, Daniel Greer, they have all been impressive, but someone is going to have to step up and be the leader."

Most people are looking towards Salave'a, who is entering his senior season. A physcial specimen at 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, Salave'a was a great run stopper last season. He had 37 overall tackles and recorded 9.5 tackles for a loss. Salave'a, however, only recorded one sack last season. It is something he will have to improve upon drastically.

"Getting to the quarterback is something I've been working on," Salave'a said. "I know I have to step up and perform. I have to accept my role as a leader."

Salave'a will be joined on the defensive line by tackle Daniel Greer (6-2, 265, sophomore), Tyron Gunn (6-5, 270, junior - junior college transfer) and Van Tuinei (6-4, 255, senior). Chato Jackson (6-1, 240, senior), Steve Tafua (6-3, 280, junior-JC), Cai McCray (6-3, 265, Sr.) and Chima Ugwu (6-4, 309, sophomore) should also see some action this season.

Yet the defensive line is filled with prospects. The returning linemen had only 4 1/2 sacks of the 30 1/2 recorded by Arizona as a team last season. Tuinei had 3 1/2 of those.

But the Wildcats have been able to reload on defense every year, and Salave'a says he believes this team will be ready by opening night.

"These guys are really gaining confidence as we go," Salave'a said. "We are learning to trust each other and work together. We may not have the Bruschis returning, but this season it will be more than that. The responsibility relies on the unit."

The defensive line has been the linchpin to Desert Swarm. When Arizona has been at its best, it has stoped the run and put intense pressure on the quarterback. With a talented but thin secondary this season, every mistake on the defensive line will be enhanced.

"We need to do our job up front and they need to do their job in the secondary," Long said. "We really rely on each other."

The question remains if Arizona can play Desert Swarm calibre defene.

It will be Long's job to see that they do.

Long, 32, is replacing departed defensive line coach Rich Ellerson who took the head coaching job at Southern Utah State. Long coached at the Citadel for eight years after graduating in 1986. He coached the defensive line of the Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League the last two seasons. A firm instructor, if someone can teach the defensive line discipline and have them work as a unit, he can.

"Coach Long has been great for me," Ugwu said. "He has helped me fit in. I have so much to learn, and he has taught me a great deal."

Ugwu, who competed for Nigeria in shot put in the Olympics, returned to practice after Camp Cochise. A great athlete, he needs to gain endurance and technique.

Long will be certain to whip him into shape. With a drill instructor demeanor, he counts his players' pushups during practice. He yells instructions, demands order and makes sure his players give an all out effort.

But when Long is in his office he is planning, and when he is planning he is all cool confidence.

"We will stop the run, we will play defense, and we will be ready."

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