Millersville, Pa. - Millersville football has a history of producing outstanding linebackers. From 1970-2005, Marauder 'backers combined for 38 All-PSAC East selections--an average of more than one per season. But since Joe Hollister was named PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year in 2004, only two Marauders have earned all-conference honors and only Chris Donati (2005) was a first team honoree. The 2010 linebackers are looking to return the swagger to the position.
Prior to the start of the 2009 season, linebackers coach
Ron Zangari was looking for three starters at linebacker. Not only did three starters emerge from the pack, but a host of young, talented linebackers made their presence felt.
The Marauders return seniors #Jef
f Longley and Shane Gross
on the outside and junior Ryan Christian
in the middle, as well as up-and-comers Pat Maloney, Gilbert Ramos, Joshua Headen and Daniel Jones#.
There is no shortage of numbers at the position, so competition for playing time should be intense and will keep the incumbents sharp. There are 20 linebackers in camp and 13 have some experience in the program.
The trio of returning starters--Christian, Gross and Longley--were surprisingly productive as first year starters in 2009. They ranked third, fourth and fifth respectively among all tacklers and combined for six sacks and four forced fumbles.
The continued pass rush will be expected but with the unit is focusing on creating more turnovers this year--especially interceptions. Millersville picked off 11 passes last year but none were by the linebacker. It was the first time since 2005 that a Millersville linebacker failed to intercept a pass.
With the experience of the starters, Zangari has not had to focus on assignments. Christian, Gross and Longley understand the scheme and and should be able to play at a higher speed.
Christian is a smart player who is always in the right spot, and he ranked third on the team in tackles a year ago with 81. Coaches can rely on him as a coach on the field and in the huddle.
Gross, while undersized, moved from safety and put his speed to good use. He was an active playmaker, totaling 51 stops including eight behind the line and four sacks. His burst up field gives the Marauders and effective blitzer from the edge.
Longley ma
de 44 tackles in 2009, but head coach Greg Colby pronounced him as one of the team’s most improved players following spring practices. He played faster, smarter and more physical. His play solidified him as a starter in the coming year despite the challenge he will receive from the young back-ups.
No freshman created more of a stir than Maloney. He did not possess prototypical linebacker size during his first season, but he showed a nose for the ball, making 43 tackles including 22 solo stops. Maloney will see plenty of action again this year, especially in passing situations where he can cover with his speed.
Craig Gardner, a junior, and redshirt sophomore
Jamie Thomas should not be forgotten. Both enter their third seasons with the program and are expected to provide depth. Thomas made 24 stops last year, and Gardner led all tacklers in the Black & Gold Spring Game.
Colby also looks forward to seeing redshirt freshman Gilbert Ramos, sophomore Joshua Headen and redshirt freshman Daniel Jones on the field more in 2010. Ramos impressed coaches with his instincts in camp but suffered injuries early that forced him to take a redshirt.
Headen appeared in four games but was also sideline with a leg injury. In that short time, Headen showed quickness off the ball and good speed. A natural inside linebacker, he hit the weight room hard during his first year on campus and continued to build strength. Now over 230 pounds, Colby thinks Headen might be able to put his hand in the dirt and provide the Marauders with a speed rush off the edge.
Jones practiced with the team in 2009 and learned the trade. With his size (6-2, 225 pounds), he fits the mold of a run-stuffing middle linebacker, and Colby says that from tackle-to-tackle few players on the team are better.
Position Group Preview Schedule
Aug. 19 - Special Teams
Aug. 20 - Quarterbacks
Aug. 23 - Offensive Line and Tight Ends
Aug. 24 - Wide Receivers
Aug. 25 - Running Backs