Training Camp Spotlight: Linebackers Boast Depth and Athleticism
8/17/2011 11:21:00 AM | Football
Millersville, Pa. - Millersville's top two tacklers--Shane Gross and Jeff Longley--both graduated but the defensive staff isn't worried. Coaches Greg Colby, Ron Rankin and Ron Zangari feel that this is the most athletic and skilled group of linebackers they've had in the last four years. For the Marauders to improve upon last year's two-win season, they'll need improved play from the linebackers.
The Marauders ranked 16th in the 16-team PSAC in total defense and run defense last year. Colby, a defense-first coach, takes it personally. He's taking a more hands-off approach this year, though, promoting Rankin to defensive coordinator—a position he held at Millersville from 2001-2006. Little will change schematically with Rankin running the defense, but Colby believes Rankin will simplify the scheme for the players, allowing them to play faster. The defense will also be more aggressive with an increase amount of blitzing. That all starts with the linebackers.
Redshirt sophomore Daniel Jones started the final six games of the season and totaled 35 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. He certainly looks the part at 6-2, 230 pounds, but he was learning on the job. He played defensive end in high school so a shift to inside linebacker was quite a transition. According to Colby, he possesses natural instincts for the position and experience will only help. He will hold down one of the three linebacker jobs in the fall.
Colby is most excited for junior Pat Maloney to get back on the field. Maloney opened the 2010 season as the starting inside linebacker and was among the nation's leaders in tackles per game before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He totaled double-digit tackles in each of the five games, finishing with 53 stopes and 3.5 tackles for loss.
“We missed him ore than anything when he went out, said Colby. “He's one of those guys that doesn't get blocked. It's an instinctive ability to get to the ball that we can't teach.”
Senior Ryan Christian also appears to be a lock for the starting lineup. It has been a roller coaster career for him. He has 29 career games under his belt. He started four games as a true freshman and ranked154th in the PSAC in tackles after starting 11 games as a sophomore. Last year he lost his job and fell into a reserve role. He bounced back with a strong spring and regained his starting spot. Colby loves Christian's leadership and is hoping he'll be more consistent in 2011.
Redshirt freshman Reggie Slaton is a sleeper. The Bensalem graduate is 6-3, 225 pounds and has the instincts needed to make an impact. Redshirt sophomore Gilbert Ramos has also shown flashes, totaling 12 tackles in 10 games last season. Veteran Jamie Thomas will also see plenty of action. He played in eight games in 2009 and broke through in 2010. He totaled 2.5 sacks and 27 tackles. He is one of the team's top situational pass rushers.
The starter on the outside is slated to be senior Craig Gardner. He played inside and at “Rover” for most of his career, but his experience and understanding of Ron Rankin's scheme should benefit the defense. Gardner has already played in 29 games. Backing up Gardner is redshirt junior Shakar Jones, who coaches believe can be a force in the pass rush.
The Marauders ranked 16th in the 16-team PSAC in total defense and run defense last year. Colby, a defense-first coach, takes it personally. He's taking a more hands-off approach this year, though, promoting Rankin to defensive coordinator—a position he held at Millersville from 2001-2006. Little will change schematically with Rankin running the defense, but Colby believes Rankin will simplify the scheme for the players, allowing them to play faster. The defense will also be more aggressive with an increase amount of blitzing. That all starts with the linebackers. Redshirt sophomore Daniel Jones started the final six games of the season and totaled 35 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. He certainly looks the part at 6-2, 230 pounds, but he was learning on the job. He played defensive end in high school so a shift to inside linebacker was quite a transition. According to Colby, he possesses natural instincts for the position and experience will only help. He will hold down one of the three linebacker jobs in the fall.
Colby is most excited for junior Pat Maloney to get back on the field. Maloney opened the 2010 season as the starting inside linebacker and was among the nation's leaders in tackles per game before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He totaled double-digit tackles in each of the five games, finishing with 53 stopes and 3.5 tackles for loss. “We missed him ore than anything when he went out, said Colby. “He's one of those guys that doesn't get blocked. It's an instinctive ability to get to the ball that we can't teach.”
Senior Ryan Christian also appears to be a lock for the starting lineup. It has been a roller coaster career for him. He has 29 career games under his belt. He started four games as a true freshman and ranked154th in the PSAC in tackles after starting 11 games as a sophomore. Last year he lost his job and fell into a reserve role. He bounced back with a strong spring and regained his starting spot. Colby loves Christian's leadership and is hoping he'll be more consistent in 2011.
Redshirt freshman Reggie Slaton is a sleeper. The Bensalem graduate is 6-3, 225 pounds and has the instincts needed to make an impact. Redshirt sophomore Gilbert Ramos has also shown flashes, totaling 12 tackles in 10 games last season. Veteran Jamie Thomas will also see plenty of action. He played in eight games in 2009 and broke through in 2010. He totaled 2.5 sacks and 27 tackles. He is one of the team's top situational pass rushers. The starter on the outside is slated to be senior Craig Gardner. He played inside and at “Rover” for most of his career, but his experience and understanding of Ron Rankin's scheme should benefit the defense. Gardner has already played in 29 games. Backing up Gardner is redshirt junior Shakar Jones, who coaches believe can be a force in the pass rush.
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