By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports
HAYS – Fort Hays State will have a significant void to fill at linebacker this season with the departure of three-time All-MIAA selection and two-time honorable mention All-American John Johnson.
The Tigers do return experience at the position in Shadryon Blanka and Hays native Gavin Meyers, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in total tackles last season.
FHSU has also added several players who will compete for playing time, including Hoisington native Legend Robinson, a transfer from Division I Lindenwood, along with Isaac Martin from Butler Community College and Seth Warren from Division III Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Ethan Shaw, Tyrus Young and Sam Bryant are also competing for opportunities after redshirting last season.
Another addition is senior Koa McIntyre who moved from safety to linebacker during the spring.
“He’s a little bit smaller, but he moves a little bit quicker and he’s really comfortable in the pass game,” defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Cooper Harris said. “He’s done real well.”
Harris said the linebackers have made good progress with the defensive installation during preseason camp, but there is still work to do.
“The big thing is to continue on our technique and fundamentals,” Harris said. “The whole group as a unit has been keeping up really well with the installation. Now we just have to continue to improve our fundamentals and technique.”
The linebackers will also benefit from an experienced defensive line that returns three defensive ends who saw extensive playing time last season.
“It’s great to have a great D-line,” Harris said. “We have a veteran group up there that really plays hard and sets the line of scrimmage. Anytime you can control the line of scrimmage, it definitely allows the linebacker to play a little bit more free and over top.”