By CAYDEN SANDERS
For the linebackers on the Fort Hays State University football team, youth and talent are the main focal point. Sixteen linebackers are on the roster, but only two players are juniors or older.
With that, defensive coordinator Cooper Harris has been hard at work helping the linebackers for the past four days while trying to create depth in the position, considering that 11 freshmen are at the position.
“We are a young group this season. We have a lot of new guys in the program this season and a lot at the linebacker position,” said Harris, now in his 11th year with the Tigers. “ We are only four days into camp, and it will take some time for the freshmen to adjust to the college game’s speed – not only that but the rules and expectations we place on the right way.”
At the beginning of fall camp, Harris knew there would be struggles at the position, dealing with the numbers and inexperience most players have at the position at the college level.
“We are young, but we are also really talented, and it’s a fun group to coach because you can see the potential of the guys and want to look forward,” Harris said.
But for Harris, there are players he believes will be up to the task heading into the Tigers’ first game against Northeastern State on Aug. 31. The lone senior in the position group, Makel Williams, has also taken a new role in leadership for the freshman.
“With it only being four days into practice, it looks real good not only talent-wise but also because we have the depth at the position,” Williams said. “Last year, we struggled to find depth, but I think the guys we brought in will bring some much-needed depth.”
Williams, a native of Bryan, Texas, was an All-MIAA third-team selection at linebacker last season. During Williams’s junior campaign, he started all 11 games, wrapping up 86 tackles, which led the Tigers in 7.8 tackles per game and left him eighth in the MIAA in tackles and tackles per game last year. He was sixth in the conference with 50 solo tackles.
In two games last season, Williams reached double figures in tackles – including 12 in the season finale against conference champ Pitt State. Williams also had a forced fumble and an interception that was returned 53 yards while having 2.5 tackles for loss.
The senior sees the linebacker position as a key contributor to the defense.
“What I learned in high school is that the linebacker core is the quarterback of the defense, and so we need to know what our guys are doing on the defense, but also we have to watch what the offense is doing and make a reaction on it,” Williams said
Jack Hileman is another Tiger who looks to get more time on the field this season. He played all 11 games in his redshirt-freshman season and made two starts. In those 11 games, Hileman recorded 23 tackles – including a season-high five tackles against Lincoln and Central Missouri.
But for Hileman, last year came in with uncertainty.
“Going into the season, I was fighting for a spot to even be on the travel roster, and with Layke (Heimerman) going down, I got to see some more time on the field,” Hileman said.
But this season, the sophomore from Derby looks to take on a more prominent role.
“With me being a returner, I am coming into a role now that the freshmen look up to me,” he said. “It is a nice feeling because I am coming into my second season on the field, but there is a lot to work on in my game and being a leader and making sure the freshmen are ready.”
Another linebacker in the mix this fall is sophomore Alden Knedler from Dodge City. In his redshirt freshman season, he recorded 12 tackles with a high of four against in-state rival Washburn.
“My redshirt-freshman year was a slow start,” Knedler said. “I was on both sides of the ball. But finally, I figured it out on the defensive side of the ball.”
Landing at FHSU was a good fit for the sophomore.
“My plan was if I was going to play Division II football, I was going to play at Fort Hays,” Knedler said. “It’s been a benefit to stay here, as well as my family has been able to come to games even if it was my true freshman year.”
Knedler is one of 23 players on the team who played at Lewis Field Stadium during their high school careers.
“When in high school, I always thought that this place was special,” he said. “For Dodge City, I thought this was the best stadium we played in. I never knew the exciting and electric feeling of playing for Fort Hays State.”
The Tigers have two scrimmages upcoming, one Saturday and another at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 that is open to fans. The Tigers will start their season on the road at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 at Northeastern State.
You must be logged in to post a comment.