Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Calvin Belts embraces position change for senior year
08/18/2015 | 12:00:00 | Football
By Rico Cruz
SIUSalukis.com
Position changes happen all the time in college football. It's no different here at Southern Illinois, as senior Calvin Belts is set to make the change from defensive end to outside linebacker for his final collegiate campaign.
In his first three seasons, the Maplewood, Mo., native has seen action in 22 games at defensive end, including 11 games last season. The Salukis lost three major contributors at outside linebacker to graduation, including SIU career forced fumbles leader Tyler Williamson. Belts will get the opportunity to step-up and fill the hole.
"I have always wanted to make the position change since I have been here," Belts said. "I think that my body type fits the position more than at defensive end. With losing senior leadership at the position from last year, I think that the coaches felt like we needed a little bit of help there."
With the position switch happening for his final season, Belts knows that there will be some obstacles that he will need to overcome find his footing as a linebacker. As a 225-pound defensive end, Belts was primarily used as a pass rusher in 3rd-and-long situations a year ago. At outside linebacker, he will still be dangerous as a pass rusher, but he will also drop back in coverage.
"One of the biggest challenges will be moving in space," Belts said. "As an outside linebacker, we have to play the run and pass. While I am comfortable with the run, moving in space in the passing game is the thing I need to work on."
Outside linebacker coach Travis Stepps said that the position change is a great opportunity for Belts to get on the field and to make an impact on defense.
"We felt that his body type fit in more with the style of outside linebacker and this defense," Stepps said. "We thought that this switch would give Calvin the opportunity to get on the field more and help the defense."
With only one season left, Belts knows that he has to learn the position quickly to be able to make a difference on the field.
"I just want the defense to stand out this season and have a great year all-around," Belts said. "Everyone just needs to do their job and we will be successful as a defense, and it starts with me getting comfortable in this position."
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Notes from Day 10
By John Lock
SIUSalukis.com
1. The Saluki football team went with full pads on the second practice of week 2 in training camp. The afternoon practices have been helped by weather. There hasn't been a day over 90 degrees since camp started last Sunday, and there are none projected until Sept. 1.
2. The offensive line will be a unit to watch in 2015. There is a lot of experience on the right side with Ethan Wirth at right tackle (28 career starts) and Jake Notario at right guard (17 career starts). Garrett Clark made the preseason Fabulous 50 team at center, but the Salukis will have new players at left guard and left tackle.
3. In Bill O'Boyle's two seasons coaching the offensive line, the unit has given up only 31 sacks total. In 2013, SIU led the league in fewest sacks allowed with 14. Last year, it was second with only 17 sacks given up. For comparison, South Dakota State and Indiana State have given up more than 31 sacks each of the last two years individually. SIU has given up 31 sacks in the last two years combined; South Dakota State has given up 81.
4. In full pads today, the units covered some specific situations, including red zone, goal line, backed up (on the offense's 1-yard line) and 1st-and-5. SIU's wide skill-set among the running backs showed how it can be an advantage. Aaron Stanton (5-5, 180) was stopped in goal line, but he exploded for a break-away TD from the 25-yard line. Meanwhile, physical backs Michael Nero and Chris Perkins both forced their way into the end zone in goal line. And the whole unit is rooting for every back. When the other backs had big plays, probable Game 1 starter Cameron Walter was the first on the field to congratulate them.
