With defensive end Ernie Hodge suspended for the season, the Bobcats turned to a seldom-used sophomore to fill the hole left by the former freshman honorable mention All-American.
Now, Kris Luchsinger is one of the Bobcats' best defensive players, but he probably wouldn't have had that shot if Hodge hadn't had to sit out the rest of the season with legal issues.
I saw it as an opportunity. It was my chance to show what I've got. I mean
I feel for Ernie ' I really do Luchsinger said. I just felt like I had to step up for the team and that's what I'm doing.
Luchsinger has already accumulated 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss, both of which lead the team and rank in the top five in the Mid-American Conference.
We always thought that he was going to be a good player in time
defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow said. Its something that we expected-
my first year here
definitely took me under his wing
Luchsinger said. He really helped me out a lot
and I really appreciate him for doing all that G? I'm starting to go on my own now
so it's going good.
Luchsinger's increased productivity has helped spur the Bobcats' attacking defense. Ohio ranks first in the conference in sacks with 14. No other team has more than nine.
Hartke said that Luchsinger has helped take the unit to an elite level.
He's doing a great job for us. He's getting a lot of pressure off the end. Even if he doesn't get home
he's making the quarterback step up and then giving someone else a chance
Hartke said. It takes pressure off of the whole defensive line
