The new Ohio coaching staff is giving the defense a makeover during spring practice.
One big change that has been implemented is moving from three defensive linemen to four. New linebacker coach Ross Els acknowledged that learning the new defense is challenging for his players.
It's going to take them awhile to adjust to it
but I think we have the people to get it done Els said. Looking at (Ohio) last year they were a big-pressure team. We won't blitz that much
so probably the biggest difference for them right now is being able to work sideways rather than downhill
and that's a big adjustment for the linebacker position. It's just a different type of scheme
and we're relying more on the front than the linebacker position.
The move means that the four linebackers who saw significant playing time during the 2004 season -Matt Muncy, Spencer Tatum, Tyler Russ and Michael Graham -are now fighting for three spots.
There's a lot of competition at the position
Muncy said. Guys are pushing each other.
Els identified linebacker as a deep position for the Bobcats and said he would like to establish a rotation to keep linebackers from having to play entire games.
We have four players that have played a lot and are good football players in Tatum
Russ
Muncy and Graham
Els said. But we have some other kids too that have not played a lot that are getting some good looks -Phil Fountain and Taj Henley.
Another position that could see some shuffling of players is safety. Tony Ward and Todd Koenig, who both saw playing time last season as true freshmen, are possibilities to step in, and the addition of transfers Ervin Jackson and Mark Parson gives defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow several options.
The cornerback position will not be greatly affected by the new defense. The Bobcats boast two returning starters in Dion Byrum and T.J. Wright. Both players are confident and looking to improve on last season's success.
We both still have the same mentality
Byrum said. And even though we put in a new defense
