By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post Sports
HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State football team's defense is the focus as the Tigers enter their second week of preseason camp. The team is tasked with replacing a group of veterans who combined for 224 career starts.
The Tigers' secondary, in particular, is looking to fill significant holes. Gone are cornerbacks Kobe Rome and Trevion Mitchell, who combined for 53 starts, and bandit backs Mason Perez and Benyon Williams, who also combined for 53 starts.
Despite the losses, defensive coordinator Cooper Harris is optimistic about the younger, less-experienced players vying for those roles.
"I think they've done a really good job for being some new players in that back end," Harris said. "I think a lot of it has to do with the returning players that we have. Even though we don't have as many as we had last year, the guys that have returned have a really good understanding of the expectations and they've really done a good job of explaining that to the new guys."
Last season, the Tigers' defense was one of the best in the MIAA. They led the conference in fewest passing yards allowed per game (219.2) and fewest points allowed per game (16.9). They also ranked second in total yards allowed per game (330.1) and were in the top 25 nationally in Division II in scoring defense.
While the defensive line lost Myles Menges (43 career starts) and Demitri Scott (21 games played), it returns the most experience on the defense.
"Their depth is really good," Harris said. "Coach Hickel does a great job getting those guys lined up and understanding their responsibilities. Everything starts up front, and if you're good up front, you can build off that."