Spring Football: Cove's No-name D working for another unforgettable season
Posted On: Saturday, May. 24 2008 05:47 AM
By Evan Mohl
Killeen Daily HeraldCOPPERAS COVE – Last year, they were the no-name defense – the unknown group of guys who used gang tackling and unselfishness to help the Bulldawgs reach a state title game. In 2008, that same unit will be the go-to guys, the leaders who hope to guide Copperas Cove to a third consecutive championship game appearance.
The Bulldawgs return at least four starters along with several key role players from the 2007 no-name defense, a unit that held opponents to less than 21 points per game. While head coach Jack Welch has been open about the rebuilding that lies ahead for Cove, he knows he's got a few guys on the defensive side of the ball that he can count on.
"Overall, this is the most inexperienced team in a long, long time," Welch said. "But we have more experience on defense, and I feel good about that side of the ball."
Defensive backs Rashad Hardy and Chris Miller along with linebackers Phillip Tedder and Tanner Brock are the returning starters.
All four will be seniors in the fall, and realize it's their turn to take on leadership roles.
"We have to step up," Miller said.
"We have no choice, it's our time to lead."
Brock, however, last year's captain and leading tackler, could be on the opposite side of the ball. He's getting serious consideration at starting quarterback.
His defensive allies, or perhaps counterparts, don't seem to mind. They know first-hand what Brock can provide for an offense that has a lot of inexperience.
"Tanner has a defense mentality, he likes to hit and get hit," Hardy said about trying to tackle his former captain. "So when he runs, he doesn't necessarily hit the holes, he goes to where the players are and hits people. He likes to run you over."
Added fellow linebacker Tedder: "It (tackling Brock) is like hitting a wall. He'll make a formidable quarterback that I'd be glad I won't have to tackle.
"Plus, I know we have the depth that someone can step up in his position and fill the void. Having Tanner on defense would just be an added bonus."
Besides the four returning starters, Ken Hughes, Josh Schmidt and return-man Josh Boyce will all be back and playing defense. Those three saw significant playing time last season.
Boyce said he's spending time at both wide receiver and defensive back during spring practice, but Schmidt and Hughes are all about defense since they are likely keys to Bulldawgs success. Schmidt and Hughes will anchor the defensive line that lost four seniors – three all-state selections – to graduation.
The four seniors know how important those defensive linemen will be.
"It all starts with the D-line," Hardy said. "So as leaders, we have to keep a high intensity, get and maintain those guys' motors."
So far, Hughes and Schmidt have made the transition rather seamless.
"Honestly, I really don't see that much difference (between this year and last year)," said Tedder, who will also play some defensive end. "Schmidt played on it last year, so did Ken Hughes and I did a little too."
Still, the seasoned quartet knows that other players will lean on them for leadership and advice. Miller, Boyce, Tedder and Hardy tossed around phrases like encouragement, be examples, poise and coaching as tools they'll use in 2008.
"They got experience and we're fortunate," defensive coordinator Reb Brock said. "This group is one of the most fun I've had in a while. They're hard-working, they've got a tremendous work ethic. There are no excuses and it's 'yes sir, no sir.'
"I haven't even hardly got upset."
That might have something to do with the leadership that's pushing the defense, because they know, when the season starts, they're not going to be no-names. Now, they're the go-to guys."
"I think this year, the defense is further along than we were last year during spring ball," Hardy said. "We have more experience, more leadership and we know we're going to be counted on."
Contact Evan Mohl at
emohl@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7564.