Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football Team's Defense Ready To Back Up Preaseason Talk
08/21/2003 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 21, 2003
By Seth Whitehead
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE - Can the Southern Illinois University football team's defense really go from worst to first in the Gateway Conference this season?
It seems like a tall order. But its a goal that has been repeated so often -- and without hesitation -- during preseason camp that even the most hardened Saluki-cynic might start to believe the hype.
And nobody on the team or coaching staff is backing off that ambitious prognostication just one week before Thursday's season-opener against Quincy.
"I would be disappointed if that is not our goal,'' said defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys after Wednesday's practice. "We've got to hold up our end of the bargain and I think our kids are excited about that challenge.''
To be honest, the Saluki defense has nowhere to go but up. They were dead-last in the Gateway in just about every key defensive category a year ago, including pass defense (208.5 yards per game), rushing defense (197.4) and red zone defense (38 touchdowns allowed in 44 situations inside the 10-yard line).
But the combination of six returning starters and a slew of talented newcomers has been the talk of camp so far.
"I think our fans are in for a lot of excitement on the defensive side of the ball,'' said offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover. "They've really stepped up and made our life miserable.''
Most of the accolades have been directed towards the new-look defensive line.
Only two starters return up front, as a group of newcomers have given the Salukis much more size and depth.
Returnees Lionel Williams and Billy Beard have flip-flopped positions, with Williams moving from defensive end to tackle, and Beard moving from tackle to end.
"They've been doing really good,'' Claeys said of their transitions to new positions. "Lionel's probably playing as well as he's played since he's been here. Billy was held out early on due to a mono situation, but since he's come back he's played really well also.''
Tackle Mark Philipp is still recovering from a serious knee injury suffered during the spring, but is ahead of schedule according to Claeys.
"We didn't think we'd have him back until probably the fifth or sixth game,'' Claeys said. "I'm hoping now that maybe he can work himself back in shape and be ready to go by the second or third game.''
Newcomers Linton Brown (T), Andrew Franklin (E) and James Fields (E) have also impressed Claeys. Along with Jeff Jones (T), Chris Sutherlin (E), SIU has size (average weight of 273 pounds) and depth.
"We're kind of excited,'' Clayes said. "We think we can play a good eight bodies and have a good season.''
Limegrover thinks the defensive line will pleasantly surprise fans more than any other area of the team this year.
"The reason I say that it because as a group, none of those guys will play 65-70 plays,'' Limegrover said. "They are as good as any group we faced last season. They've made tremendous strides.''
"Coach has done a great job of bringing in players that are big and strong,'' said senior wideout Courtney Abbott. "There is so much competition there for some playing time that they really have a family unit going right there.''
The Salukis have a pair of returning linebackers in senior Eric Egan and sophomore Royal Whitaker. Whitaker has stepped up his game a notch after a solid freshman season.
"He's all over the field,'' Limegrover said. "He understands the college game now. He's got as good of instincts as a linebacker than anybody I've been around.''
Claeys noted that sophomores Thomas Laing and Phillip Doyle are likely to be backups at the linebacker position. Max Pierre was also playing well before getting hurt.
Questions and concerns remain in the secondary, however.
"I feel better than I have right now in the secondary spot,'' Claeys said, "but we're still not quite ready yet.''
Cortez McBerry (OS), Alexis Moreland (FS) and Justin George (CB) appear to be the only sure things right now.
But Claeys has been impressed with JUCO transfers Frank Johnson (OS), Jamarquis Jordan (OS) and Melvin Vance (CB).
"I'm excited about those three and definitely think they are an upgrade for us,'' Claeys said.
Harrisburg native Brad Brachear has also seen lots of action at cornerback in fall camp and may earn a starting spot.
Overall, Claeys feels that upgrades in three key areas will equal a big turnaround this year.
"We're bigger. We're faster. And I think we're much more aggressive,'' Claeys said. "The kids have grown up a lot in a year and it seems like we've had the right mix of new guys to add with them and I think that will be obvious when people watch us play.''
