Wharton Wildcats Summer Preview: Defense – The Front Seven

Football is won in the trenches.

The 2011 Wildcats have plenty of talent at the skill-position level, but without production from the trenches, it will be hard to improve on the 4-7 mark of last year. There are no "gimmie" games on the schedule. Even hosting is not a guaranteed win, and, with opponents like , and Sickles - all playoff teams from last year - no wins are going to come easy.

New Defensive Coordinator Mark Kantor has his hands full trying to configure an effective defensive front. He’ll flex back and forth between a 3/3 stack and a 4/2/5 base defense. He might not have four solid, starting defensive linemen, especially tackles, so the three down lineman set will probably be the most used set.

What is probably the most important position on a 3/4 defensive line, the nose tackle, is completely up in the air, according to Kantor. Junior Aerion Caldwell could get the start.

“He’s a big, strong kid that can give the other team’s center problems,” said Kantor.

Sophomore Mike Myers and senior Rodney Bowles could factor into the mix. Forrest Lefler from offense could play but someone could emerge in the fall as a candidate as well. If the Wildcats want to be effective stopping the run this year, they will need someone to at least hold their ground at nose tackle.

At end, they are better equipped; at least they have more options.

Senior Michael Aikin will likely get the start on one side. Aikin is 6-foot, 3-inches tall and 205 pounds so he’s physically suited and, “gets off the ball” according to Kantor.

Mike Myers could end up playing defensive end. Sophomore Daniel Ibsen is another candidate for the position. Senior Nyere Thompson could get some reps but is not likely to start as he will be needed on offense primarily.

Junior Chris Myers will probably find someplace to start or at the very least, play consistently on the defensive line. Myers is still growing into his frame but is very strong and flexible.

The linebackers are a much more stable position.

In the middle will be team captain, junior Jacob Meier. He is the brains and sometimes the heart of the team. He knows all the calls on offense, he will learn all the calls on defense too. It is a huge responsibility for the junior to play guard and middle linebacker. He will need help.

When he does, senior Nyere Thompson will come in, but, again, Thompson will be a staple on offense, so his reps will be limited.

At wide linebacker, senior Roman Thompson is the clear-cut favorite to start.

“He’s a good athlete, and he will knock your block off,” said Kantor.

Holding down the other outside spot is junior Rocky Enos. Enos is also a very athletic kid and can drop into coverage and backpedal with the best of them. He’s not bashful about tackling either.

“He’s another one of those tough dudes in the middle and is not afraid of contact,” said Kantor.

We already know about the back four of the defense. If they all come together, Wharton has a real chance to get back in the playoffs.