Last spring was nothing short of a transition for the Greyhounds with a basically all new defensive coaching staff. Now, a year later, the weight of having to learn a whole new scheme is gone.
As expected, there’s more ease, defensive coordinator Will Conner said.
“Culturally, they’ve bought in. Year two is always going to be easier,” Conner said. “Last year, I got here in March, and we changed the whole scheme of things. The kids have bought in; the kids are playing really hard. We’re not nearly as big, but we’re playing with the mentality of everyone flying around to the ball and 11 hats near the ball (each play).”
That was evident in the spring game earlier this month, with the physical brand of football being evident in the eyes of coaches.
“The way we played physically, that’s what I am most proud of,” Conner said. “They’re playing for one other and for the ‘Hounds’ on the front of the jersey.”
Two who have stood out coming away from spring? Linebackers DJ Ingram and Zacari Thomas, a pair of players who have embraced a greater role.
“When I got here, they had played a little bit, and they took on a little more responsibility last year,” Conner said. “They’ve grown and really worked hard in the weight room and are very explosive off of the ball. The good thing is one is on one side of the ball, and one is on the other, so if you run away from one, the other is there. They’re both special kids.”
They bookend a linebacker group with Daniel Hawk in the middle, whose role is also key.
“Daniel Hawk, he’s the guy in the middle getting us lined up,” Conner said.
One of the Greyhounds top defenders, UNC commit Javion Butts missed the spring with an injury, but that lack of time is hardly a concern for Butts, who Conner says has taken on a leadership role even on the sidelines.
“We know what he can do. He’s been rehabbing in the weight room,” Conner said. “What I’m most proud of is that he’s been at every practice, almost like another coach on the field.”
