2008 Woodie Awards
Defense key ingredient for football success in 2005
By Greg Reedy
Rocket Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 4/15/05 Section: Sports
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"I think we need to improve on third and long situations," coach George Mihalik said. "We gave up too many big plays."
On the defensive line, the team will have to make up the production from Brian Godfrey, Jesse Kelley and Mike Jennings. Mihalik said the defensive line in 2005 must be led by Robert Minnie.
"Minnie has to be that leader on the line," Mihalik said.
Also, on the line, Mihalik said Josh Zeisloft will have more of a leading role. At defensive tackle, some of the players that could see some playing time include Andrew Sharp, Justin Hoppe and Clint Forsha. Forsha was moved from defensive end inside to tackle.
"We felt we needed some size, speed and strength inside," Mihalik said.
Mihalik feels the defense end position is less than stable, but believes Zeisloft will be a big force at end.
"I believe he'll flourish," Mihalik said.
Some players will be coming back from injury including Robinson, Cory Lacek and Mike White.
"We moved Lacek to defensive end from linebacker," Mihalik said. "He joined the team in January."
Mihalik feels comfortable with the players at the linebacker position.
"Seth Randall and Jared Palmer are having good performances in the spring," Mihalik said. "We have Mark Drango playing more in the spring."
Linebackers Bill Lamb and Ron Miller will miss spring practice due to injuries. Lamb had surgery on his chest, and doctors recommended he not see action in the spring. Miller is recovering from a separated shoulder. Jerome Whiting is also out right now, coming off hand surgery. Mihalik said the linebackers need to be better on the blitz.
"Linebackers are used for run support, and to drop in coverage. Some of the guys have different strengths," Mihalik said. "When we blitzed last year, we were very ineffective. We have to get a much more physical and aggressive approach."
In the defensive secondary, Mihalik is concerned with the lack of experience.
"Aaron Berarducci is the only one with significant game experience," Mihalik said. "Willie Murel is competing and Akeem Etheridge is really doing some good things in spring."
Mihalik said James Rockymore is not practicing and Jim D'Amico, a cornerback last season, is being converted to safety.
"Safety is my biggest concern," Mihalik said. "(Brandon) Rakszawski is the only one with experience."
Some of the players that could make an impact include Tommy Crowl, Matt Fontana, Sam Morant and Dusty Ziacek.
Mihalik said spring is important for players to make their mark.
"This is the staff's first real opportunity to see them, to see how they will handle playing," Mihalik said. "As a coach, when you really look at it you have 12 practices to say 'Count on me as a potential starter.'"
