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Linebackers are gelling thanks to depth
Trent Lootens, Producer
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JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER Linebacker Aaron Tevis now has an interception in each game.
Boise State’s defense has basked in success this season, in part, because of the linebacker corps, which at the beginning of the year was considered a weak point.
After two games, who could have guessed the defense would have given up a combined 69 total rushing yards? And who could have expected Oregon to rush for 31 of them?
Depth at the linebacker position has carried the group thus far and contributed immensely by turning a good defense a great defense.
“Coach (Justin) Wilcox (defensive coordinator) just does a great job of simplifying things so that if you just do your job we’ll be successful,” junior linebacker Derrell Acrey said. “When people buy in and do their job they’ll make plays and that’s when we are at our best.”
Buying in is something this linebacking crew had no problem with up to now. Sophomore linebacker Aaron Tevis has two interceptions this season along with Freshmen linebacker Tommy Smith who has one pick, accounting for three of BSU’s five interceptions for the team this season.
The defense allowed a combined 346 total yards in their first two games and still thinks there is room for improvement.
“I was a little bit surprised we did as good against Oregon as we did, but coaches always told us to do our jobs and good things will happen,” freshmen linebacker J.C. Percy said. “Both games everyone’s done their job and that’s the result of everyone doing their job. We will only get better as the year goes on.”
Percy, a Blackfoot native, made huge strides during fall camp and has worked himself into a full-time linebacker position along with Acrey, Tevis, and sophomore Hunter White. Percy is tied for third overall in tackles with Acrey at eight, followed closely by Tevis with seven total tackles.
“J.C. (Percy) we saw coming for a while. That guy plays hard all the time,” Acrey said. “Wherever someone needs him he’s there and he doesn’t get tired due to his wrestling background. All the linebackers are huffing and puffing and I don’t know if he’s faking it or what, but he doesn’t look tired out there. It was bound to come because he’s such a hard worker who wants to learn. I see great things to come for the next couple years for him.”
Fresno State runs in a different style than any team the Bronco defense has faced this year.
Fresno State junior running back Ryan Mathews has piled up 213 rushing yards on 30 attempts this season in his first two games against UC Davis and Wisconsin. Stopping Mathews will not be easy, but is necessary if the Broncos are to stay undefeated.
“This is a different type of run, it’s more downhill. Coach (Jeff) Choate (linebackers coach) likes to call it ‘America football.’ I feel with the d-line that we have and the safeties coming down hard and the linebackers just doing their job that we’ll be able to fair well against their run,” Acrey said confidently.
What position has had the most impressive performances on defense?
- Defensive Line (80%, 4 Votes)
- Linebackers (20%, 1 Votes)
- Defensive Backs (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 5