Amidst the uncertainty that is spring practice, linebacker Noah Keller is a model of stability.
The junior returns to lead the linebackers, one of the few positions that have starters returning.
Keller was an All-Mid-American Conference Second-Team selection and led the Bobcats with 104 tackles - 21 more than Lee Renfro, the next closet Bobcat. After last season, Keller's position as a starter is secure.
I'm just working on a lot of little things
Keller said. I have really good feel for the defense already but I'm just trying to take it to another level.
Keller comes to Ohio from Kearney, Neb. In Keller's senior year of high school, he was as good as any linebacker in the state. He recorded 204 tackles en route to being named Nebraska Defensive Player of the Year by the Omaha World Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star. He was also named a CBS Prepstar All-American and a Nike Second-Team All-American.
But, if it wasn't for the heavy influence Nebraska has on Ohio's football program, Keller wouldn't be a Bobcat.
I probably would have never even given (Ohio) a chance if the coaches hadn't been from Nebraska Keller said.
Coach Frank Solich is still a household name in the state. Coaches Gerry Gdowski, Jimmy Burrow, Ross Els and Kevin Lightner all have ties to the state.
That was one thing that got me out here on my visit
Keller said. Once I got out here I just kind of fell in love with the place.
Even if the Bobcats have proven players in Keller and Renfro, the departure of strong-side linebacker Chris Hall, who had 49 tackles a year ago, leaves the crew incomplete.
Keller said there are certain things he looks for in Hall's replacement.
They have to have a little better coverage skills than inside backers
Keller said. They have to be fast
but still be physical. You can't always throw another defensive back on the field because then they can start running it on you.
Els, the team's linebackers coach, said all of the guys who are getting major reps at the strongside linebacker, were safety-type players in high school.
Our (strongside) linebacker is more like a (nickelback)
Els said. He's more of a defensive back. Because of all the spread offenses
we need a safety-type kid.
Errik Ejike is currently the front-runner and has safety-type size. He's listed at 6-foot-1 and 216 pounds.
Redshirt freshman Alphonso Lewis and incoming freshman Jelani Woseley have been taking a considerable amount of reps also.
If we can just keep him healthy, he'll be a great player for us, Keller said.
He's had to battle injuries the past couple years
but has quite a bit of experience. He played in eight games last year and recorded 13 tackles. In 2007
after transferring to Ohio from Kilgore
a junior college in Texas
