TicketsFootball Outlook: Linebackers
Contact: Tom Hathaway
8/18/2004
Jamar Enzor |
If the strength of the 2004 Bearcats is the defense, then the armour of that unit is the linebacker corps.
Three seniors?Jamar Enzor, Tyjuan Hagler and Jason Russell?return, each with at least one season of full-time starting experience. When the coaches turn to the bench, the Bearcats don't miss a beat as the first two subs?Jamie Murphy and Jermaine Wilson?are also battle-tested seniors.
Enzor, MVP of the 2003 UC team and an All-C-USA selection, anchors the unit from his middle linebacker spot. He led the team in tackles last season (137) and seemed to get better as the season progressed?he averaged 14.4 tackles over his last five games. Hagler, among the top three in tackling, sacks and tackles for loss, is back for his third season as the starter on the strongside outside linebacker (Sam) position. Russell, who lines up at the weakside (Will) OLB spot, has the skills to both cover receivers and play in the box.
All three are athletic, explosive performers. Ask a member of the UC coaching staff to identify the team's best linebacker and you will get a wrinkled brow. When the coaches are pressed to evaluate the performers, Murphy?s name is quickly brought into the discussion. He was the team?s fourth leading tackler in 2003 as a backup. He's listed behind Hagler on the depth chart, but can play any of the linebacker positions and could be utilized at end.
Wilson is the sub for Enzor in the middle. Kevin Hazel made a quick adjustment during spring practice upon being moved from receiver and brings a wreckless abondon style of play to OLB. Contributions will also come from Angelo Craig, Tony Carvitti and Johnny Zwitt.
?Ours is an attack defense,? stated defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi. ?We will play fast. We're not going to sit on our hands. We're going to attack--make plays.?
OLB (Sam)
2003 Starter: Tyjuan Hagler (6-2, 230 Sr.)
Returning Vets: Jamey Murphy (6-2, 245 Sr.), Angelo Craig (6-5, 205 Fr.)
Newcomer: Anthony Hoke (6-1, 235 Fr.)
MLB
2003 Starter: Jamar Enzor (6-1, 238 Sr.)
Returning Vets: Jermaine Wilson (6-0, 233 Jr.), Tony Carvitti (6-0, 220 So.)
Newcomer: Marcus Winston (6-2, 225 Fr.)
OLB (Will)
2003 Starter: Jason Russell (6-2, 220 Sr.)
Returning Vets: Kevin Hazel (6-0, 217 Sr.), Johnny Zwitt (5-11, 207 Jr.)