2012 Position Preview - Linebackers

2012 Position Preview
the Linebackers

Katfans.com continues to take a look at the 2012 football season, one position at a time!

The Sam Houston State Bearkats, fresh off a trip to last year’s National Championship game, are gearing up for another season, where they look to defend their Southland Conference Title

The Bearkats utilize multiple defenses and schemes to get to the quarterback and provide depth in coverage. They use a base 4-2-5, but have also been seen in a 4-3, etc. In passing situations, it’s not uncommon to see them rush 6 and have 5 in coverage. Some consider this “over rushing,” but if donecorrectly, can be extremely effective.

It all starts in the trenches, as we mentioned last article, but when the trench lines get broken, it’s
on the linebackers to step up and fill the gaps, and shut down the run game or provide coverage in a passing situation. Defensive Coordinator, Scott Stoker, is a pass rushing fiend. This pays dividends, as we all witnessed last season, but can also be a liability if the “right,” guys aren’t in two deep. Do the ‘Kats have the right personnel to keep performing at a high level? How will the ‘Kats replace outgoing senior Kash David, who it seems was an ALL WORLD player last year?

Keep In mind we use the terms “middle,” and “outside,” loosely. In a 4-2-5, there’s obviously
no “middle,” when using only two linebackers, but as has been mentioned often, Stoker does a
fantastic job at rotating his linebackers, and using multiple defensive fronts, including ones with 3 or 4 linebackers. Let’s take a look.

The Starters:

Middle Linebacker:

(#36) Darius Taylor, SR, 6’0’’ 245

Photo Credit: GoBearkats.com

You could say that Taylor was a bit overlooked last year because of the play of Kash David, which is understandable. However, this guy is the real deal. He’s shorter than David but has every bit of the motor, and he’s stockiness allows him to lay down the wood in the run game. Taylor finished the year with 78 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. Most look at David’s size in comparison with Taylor, and are afraid he’s not the same in coverage situations, but that’s unfounded and not true. In addition to his tackling stats, Taylor intercepted 2 passes, and broke up another 2. Replacing Kash David, who was the true captain of the defense last year, won’t be easy. The young man was the epitome of “Quarterback of the Defense,” as the Middle Linebacker position is often referred to as. In saying that, a lot of it had to do with emotion, and his “reckless abandon,” style of play. If Darius Taylor can step up, as far as leading the team,the ‘Kats won’t take a step back here.

Outside Linebacker (“Weak,” or “Will,”)

(#51) Eric Fieilo, SR, 5’11’’ 220

Photo Credit: GoBearkats.com

Fieilo, who is a bit undersized on the outside, is coming off a very impressive junior campaign in which he registered 53 total tackles, one more than starter and outgoing senior Will Henry, 9 of those tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Fieilo isn’t great in coverage, but he really doesn’t need to be as long as he can keep effectively rushing the passer, and assisting in the run game. (More than half of his tackles were assists) I wouldn’t anticipate too much regression from last year at this position. Henry is more than ready to take over and be the every game starter. (This isn’t too much of stretch, considering he played 13 games last season)



The Known Back- Ups:

(#43) Jesse Beauchamp, JR, 6’0’’ 225
Beauchamp played in 13 games last year as a sophomore, and he figures to get a lot more quality
playing time this year, as he will be second string, instead of third string. In the limited playing time
he received last year, he was pretty effective. He played roughly 60 downs throughout the season,
which isn’t a whole lot, but registered 24 tackles in that span. Look for him to contribute both in the run defense and coverage.

(#37) Jeremy Jackson, RS FR, 6’0’’ 215

Jackson had no defensive statistics for the 2011 season, and apparently redshirted. I was able to find
some high school game film on him and, he looks to be like he can be an explosive outside linebacker for the ‘Kats the next few years. He has good size, and judging by his film, he has an explosive first step, but he will need to make the transition from 5-A high school ball to division I football.

The Freshman:

Nigel Robertson , FR, 5’11’’ 225 (Dallas Skyline)

Robertson has the size and speed to contribute from day 1, especially in stopping the run. He comes
from renowned high school football powerhouse, Dallas Skyline, but there will still be a transition
from 5-A high school football to division I college football. Robertson who was originally committed to Central Arkansas, switched to Sam Houston late in the recruiting process. He was also pursued, but not offered by Nebraska, Iowa State, and Indiana. One could say that Robertson was overshadowed at Skyline, playing alongside Peter Jinkens and Domenic Spencer, four and three star recruits who ended up at University of Texas, and Central Florida respectively. However, that’s not really the case, as Robertson was an ALL- DISTRICT linebacker, who accumulated 93 tackles as a senior. The ‘Kats aren’t incredibly deep at linebacker, so it wouldn’t surprise this beat writer one bit if either of the true freshman so significant playing time this season.

Mouf Adebo, FR, 6’1’’, 215 (Mansfield)

Adebo is a “Scott Stoker,” special. This is the rush linebacker that we have all been looking for. Adebo, who was clocked as fast a 4.5 (in the 40) in high school, was a first team ALL-DISTRICT selection, and totaled 24 quarterback sacks in his two years as a starter, to go along with over 100 combined tackles. There will be an adjustment for Adebo, which is expected, but he is incredible off the line, and has a penchant for finding the QB and hitting him before he releases the ball. He will need some time in Stoker’s system to figure out all of the nuances, but I think you will be pleasantly surprised after his adjustment period.

Stay tuned to Katfans.com as next we will move into the second level of the defense and look at

the cornerbacks!

2012 Position Preview: Defensive Line

 

Every Monday Katfans.com will be taking a look at the 2012 football season, one position at a time!

The Sam Houston State Bearkats, fresh off a trip to last year’s National Championship game, are gearing
up for another season, where they look to defend their Southland Conference Title

The Bearkats utilize a 4-3 defense, which uses the tackles in the middle to both fill the running lands
and create space for the rushing defensive ends and linebackers. The old saying is, “games are won and lost in the trenches,” and because of that, that’s exactly where we start our position previews; The 2012 Defensive Line.

Overall the Bearkats return three (3) conference award winners and starters on the defensive line.
Defensive Coordinator Scott Stoker will have his squad ready to go when the opening bell sounds,
however, the question is, who will be in the ring?

Let’s take a look.

The Starters:

Defensive Ends:

Image: GoBearkats.com

(#92) Andrew Weaver, SR, 6’1’’ 245

Weaver was named to the 2nd team All Southland Conference as a rush defensive end. In 2011 he registered 5 sacks, 7.5 Tackles for loss, and 23 total tackles. He’s not necessarily the biggest guy on the defensive line, in fact he’s the smallest, but he uses his speed as a former linebacker (Texas A&M) and his technique to his advantage to be a constant in the opponent’s backfield. Look for him to have a stellar 2012 senior campaign. He projects as a linebacker in the NFL, and because of his speed up front, scouts will take a look.



(#97) Jarrett Brown, JR, 6’3’’ 265

Image: GoBearkats.com

Brown transferred in from Oklahoma just days before the 2011 pre-season camps began, and made a very strong impression in his first year on the team. Playing mostly as a back-up to outgoing senior Ed Decambre, Brown recorded 4 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 21 total tackles in 2011. Brown was a big factor early on in the season, but faded late and was a non-factor in the playoffs. He’ll need to work on his conditioning, as he disappeared late in games, but from all accounts, the starting defensive ends are
going to be a force to be reckoned with.

Defensive Tackles:

Image: GoBearkats.com

(#59) J.T Cleveland, SR, 6’0’’ 290

Cleveland looks to improve on his 2011 campaign, one in which he was named 1st team All Southland Conference, as an interior defensive lineman. Playing in every single game, Cleveland registered 1 sack,
5 tackles for loss, and a Defensive line-leading 35 total tackles.

(#66) Gary Lorance, JR, 6’0’’ 290

Image: GoBearkats.com

Lorance, who like Weaver, was also named to the 2011 2nd team All Southland Conference, had a stellar 2011 season that saw him book 4 sacks, 30+ total tackles, and a whopping 8 tackles for loss. In the middle, Cleveland and Lorance are listed as the exact same size and weight, and while they aren’t monsters in size like some tackles around the conference, they more than make up with it with their agility and penchant for finding the Quarterback, and pushing back the opposing line.

The Known Back- Ups:

(#91) Preston Sanders, JR, 6’3’’ 255 (Defensive End)

Sanders will more than likely backup Andrew Weaver this year. In 2011 Sanders netted 5.5 tackles for
loss and 21 tackles and made an appearance in most every game.

(#95) John Trotter, SO, 6’3’’ 270 (Defensive Tackle)

Trotter burned his redshirt during 2011 and saw playing time in only a handful of games, but still
registered a sack and a handful of tackles backing of Gary Lorance. Look for him to add a few more
pounds of “good weight,” this year and to be more effective in his back-up role to #66.

(#99) Forbes Baggett, JR, 6’2’’ 285 (Defensive Tackle)

Baggett will serve as the primary backup for the heralded JT Cleveland. In 2011 he saw plenty of playing
time and was able to come away with 1 sack, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 11 total tackles. While he won’t
be pushing Cleveland or Lorance out of their starting gigs, he’s a solid and well-rounded replacement
should one of them get hurt, or to spell stints of fatigue.

Keep an Eye On:

(#93) Tim Galvan, JR, 6’2’’ 240 (Defensive End)

Has not seen much playing time as he is also a transfer, like Weaver and Brown, however he has the
measurable to be an effective rushing defensive end, but does he have the motor? He is going to be one
guy given a pretty hard look by the coaching staff in spring drills and pre-season.

(#34) Casey Devries, SO, 6’4’’ 240 (Defensive End)

Excellent size and speed to play either position, but projected as more of an end due to the logjam at
Defensive tackle.

(#58) Ishmael Thorns, SO, 6’2’’ 245 (Defensive End)

After a stellar high school career, Thorns looks to step up this season and see some playing time. He is
pretty quick for a defensive end, and is most comparable to Andrew Weaver, as far as how he uses his
hands to get past the initial lineman.

PROJECTED TWO-DEEP FOR INCARNATE WORD

SDE
Andrew Weaver
Preston Sanders

DT
Gary Lorance
John Trotter

DT
JT Cleveland
Forbes Baggett

WDE
Jarrett Brown
Tim Galvan

Stay tuned to Katfans.com as next we will move into the second level of the defense and look at the linebackers!

2012 Football Schedule

Sep 8 - Incarnate Word @ Huntsville
Sep 15 - Baylor @ Waco
Sep 22 - Central Arkansas * @ Conway, AR
Sep 29 - Texas Southern @ Dynamo Stadium
Oct 06 - Stephen F. Austin * @ Reliant Stadium
Oct 13 - Nicholls State * @ Thibodaux, La.
Oct 20 - State (Homecoming) * @ Huntsville 2 p.m.
Oct 27 - Lamar * @ Beaumont
Nov 03 - Southeastern Louisiana * @ Huntsville
Nov 10 - Northwestern State * @ Natchitoches, La.
Nov 17 - Texas A&M @ College Station
* Conference Games

Don’t look now; the Bearkats are 8-0!

They say to the victor goes the spoils and the Kats are two games away from cashing in on the treasure. The Kats have been burning up the polls this season tightening the grip on the number one spot in the KatFans.com Power Poll after a 66-0 beat down of the Lamar Cardinals. The Bearkats head out east to face the Southeastern Louisiana lions this Saturday in a 2 pm contest. The Lions are coming off of a 55-29 loss to Central Arkansas last Saturday and will be looking to avenge the loss they suffered at the hands of the Bearkats last season at Bowers. The Kats next home game will be on Nov 12th at 3pm. The game will be televised on the Southland Television Network and could have major conference title implications. Tickets for the game can be purchased at gobearkats.com and as always you can follow the action at katfans.com, the home of the Bearkat Nation.

Team        Votes       First Place Votes

HSU           80                    (10)

UCA          65

NWST       62

McNeese   48

SFA           45

SLU           27

LU             19

Nicholls      15

Interview with Brad Hagen - SHSU Bowling

Interview with Head Women's Bowling Coach Brad Hagen

Coming off of a huge win against SFA, how did that feel?

I hear it's a good thing, the rivalry between the two schools. Its a nice bragging rights. Something we wanna continue to see and see this as an ongoing trend as long as possible.We don't like to loose against powerhouses- so we definitely don't wanna loose against our rival.

Yall are heading out to a tournament this weekend. How do you think we will do?

I feel pretty confident. Optimistically, confident we should say. The fields a little bit smaller than anticipated- there is only 8 teams competing. However, 6 out of the 8 teams are pre-season ranked, so it'll be a positive in regards to strength in schedule. We are optimistic that we will do just as good as we did last year if not better. Last year we took second. Last year we prepared for the tournament to the best of our knowledge and we didn't have all the right equipment.Keeping the things in mind that we learned last year from this event we are gonna go up there much more prepared and hopefully the results will show that we did so.

How do you feel the team is coming together after the one match against SFA?

The experience and depth of the team has definitely increased. With Michelle and Elise, the newcomers to the team, the dynamics have grown even stronger. We have started some new traditions and overall the dynamics of the team are positive. We have actually increased some of our goals and standards on the team and that's promising. We just have to keep ourselves straight and see that we don't second guess ourselves and stick to what we know we are capable of. This weekend will be our first true test and we are staying optimistically positive and hopefully things will go our way this weekend.

During the Oral Roberts Press Conference, one of the things mentioned was the student athlete ease of travel throughout the season. Your team, by far, travels farther than any other SH team. How hard is that on the girls and how much does it impact school schedules?

It's not as bad as it may appear. Its nice to add Oral Roberts to the Southland Conference and we welcome them if they decided to have a bowling team. The biggest thing is, we know what we have to do to get to where we want to go. To get to the bigger tournaments we have to travel, we have to have the strength of schedule and quality opponents. The athletic department as a whole understands that. They bought into it prior to last year and they saw the results of it at the end of the year. So, its even more important this year that we continue to do the same. With my team I emphasize accountability, integrity and staying on top of our academic obligations. We do have the proper protocols and steps in place to see that nobody gets behind. I think that it helps us on the road that we also have access to the internet and other things. They do have full access to academics when we are not bowling and that's the biggest thing. We start things off right at the beginning of the year and that carries forward because we are the most traveling team in the athletic department, if not in the country, in regards to our sport. Its important that we manage the academics first and the bowling second..

Preseason Poll has you guys ranked at number 7. Are you satisfied with that ranking or are you a little disappointed?

I'm ok with it. By far we are not the 7th ranked team in the country and I think things do still get overlooked, including us. I feel that individuals overlooked our team and just looked at the numbers from last year. However, there are a lot of positives to being number 7 and not being something higher. We have a lot of goals this year and I feel that the pre-season poll is just extra fire to fuel us and push the girls to prove ourselves and that we are worthy of a higher ranking. We are firm believers in "actions speak louder than words." Long term, the heart and fire of this team is going to set precedents over anyone's opinion. Preseason poll doesn't matter as much as where we end up at the end of the year. It really helps us and only shoots the other teams in the foot who are ranked higher than us when we beat them. We are really going to use this to our advantage as a positive as we work up the food chain with our ultimate goal of being in Cleveland.

Photo Credit: gobearkats.com

For Bearkats, 2011 Has a Different Feel

For Bearkats, 2011 Has a Different Feel

KatFans.com Writer - Joesph Healy


There was no doubting the fact that there was cautious optimism around the Bearkats’ football program heading into the 2011 season, but some of the Bearkat faithful were understandably hesitant to buy in. After all, we had felt that way before only to have our hopes dashed mere weeks into the season.
Six week into the season, I think it’s safe to say that this team is worth buying into.

The results speak for themselves. The Kats are 6-0 and with the exception of their win over New Mexico on the road, they have yet to be pushed to the final whistle.

Their conference wins have come by a combined score of 145-34. When compared to their 45-10 and 44-7 wins over Stephen F. Austin and Nicholls State, respectively, their 22-7 win over UTSA seems like a nail-biter.

But the excitement around this new-look program goes far beyond the on-field results. There is a palpable buzz around the program that hasn’t been felt in several years.

The success of the Bearkats has worked its way into conversations all around town and the presence of Bearkat football posters and flags can be seen as you drive around Huntsville. It would be nice if some of these same locals would show up on Saturdays at Bowers Stadium with a little more regularity, but that’s a conversation for another day.

More importantly, the buzz has extended beyond the Huntsville area. The win in the annual Battle of the Piney Woods game against SFA was huge in this regard. Houston-area alumni came out in droves and they were treated to a dominating win over their biggest rival.

Sam grads that are likely used to hearing all about the successes of UT and A&M at work and in their circle of friends now have a little something to crow about.

Who, then, do we have to thank for this success?

That conversation has to start with head coach Willie Fritz. Fritz has done a lot to improve the talent level on campus, but the improvements he has made have as much to do with attitude and effort  as they do with talent.

Gone are the listless performances of the past. Without indicting anyone in particular, seeing the Bearkats look all but apathetic toward the game at hand became all too common there for a while.

At least as far as I’ve seen, that has yet to happen with Fritz as the head coach. Even last season when the Bearkats were a little over-matched at times, they were nothing if not scrappy and hard-working.

On the field, you have to look at Brian Bell. The sophomore quarterback from China Spring has been a leader from the first time he stepped on the field.  Bell isn’t the biggest guy or fastest guy on the field. He doesn’t have the strongest arm or even the most accurate arm. But he’s a tough kid and a field general above all else. He went through the growing pains expected of a freshman quarterback last season, but he continued to fight and proved to be the best man for the job.

To put it simply, Bell is just what the doctor ordered for the Bearkats. He avoids costly mistakes, plays within himself and always puts his team in a position to win.

It’s also not like Bell is out there by himself. It’s always nice when you have a stud running back like Tim Flanders. After rushing for 989 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, Flanders has already rushed for 638 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011. His appearance on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays for his “Flanders Flip” into the end zone against SFA certainly doesn’t hurt the excitement level around the program.

On top of it all, the defense has been spot-on. They have yet to allow more than ten points to any FCS opponent.

There is still a lot of football to be played, but things have broken right for the Bearkats in the conference race. They already control their own destiny, as they are the only undefeated team left in the Southland Conference.

This Bearkats team is much different from the teams we have seen over the last several years. They are playing well, they are playing hard and you can feel their confidence.

I’ll say this much. If you aren’t already on the bandwagon, you had better get on it soon. It’s getting crowded and it promises to only grow from here.

Photo Credit: David Barfield

Katfans.com Week 5 Power Poll

Team	Points	FPV
Sam Houston State	77	(7)
McNeese	73	(3)
Central Arkansas	59
Northwestern State	44
Stephen F. Austin	43
Lamar	28
Nicholls	18
Southeastern Louisiana	18

Discuss on Katfans.com: http://katfans.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3170