Plant Panthers Summer Preview: Defensive Line.

It’s easy to talk to defensive coordinator John Few about his group of kids on the defensive side.

The Panthers ooze talent at every level, and Few sounds like a mad scientist that just created life when he talks about his group.

“We have players all over the defense who are spectacular at what they do,” said Few.

It’s still very early and things will really be decided in September, but 2011 looks to be a strong year defensively for the Panthers.

According to Few, there were ten new defensive starters on last year’s team. If there was ever going to be a drop off, it was going to be last year. The Panthers still made it to the 5A state title game.

This year, they return several starters on defense, including four athletes on the defensive line that Panther fans will want to keep their eyes on.

Patrick Wright (#34) returns for his senior season to lead the group. He capped last year with 48 total tackles and two sacks. Wright will drift between defensive tackle and defensive end. He, like all the other defensive linemen, will be cross-trained to play on the offensive line. Despite Wright’s power, he may be used more at end, than at tackle. The Panthers use both a 3-4 and a 4-3 defense, and Wright does not have the bulk that is usually required playing over center in a 3-4 scheme. However, he could be very effective charging A-gaps in a 4-3 set at tackle and could easily hold down an end in a 3-4.

Wright spent his first two years on the JV squad. Last year, he made his way up to Varsity to get a full season starting for the Panthers. He’s the odds-on leader of the defensive linemen, has the most experience in the system and has the physical tools to be a force up front and off the edge.

"We've got strong ends this year. We're not that big but we're quick off the ball," said Wright. "I've been with these guys for a few years, we know the defense well."

Lining up opposite Patrick Wright, will most likely be Mitchell Wright (#98). No, the athletes are not related. Coaches are high on Mitchell, who is going into his junior year.

"He's tall, he's got 4.7 speed and he's quick off the ball,” said Few.

Mitchell Wright's spot at defensive end will be slightly different than that of Patrick's. While Patrick will move from tackle to end, Mitchell will move from end to outside linebacker, dropping back into coverage when needed.

Mitchell is a tall kid but he's a year-and-a-half away from filling out. He's listed at 6 foot 3 and 185 pounds on last year's roster; and he can't be over 190 yet this summer.

Also playing end and likely to contribute on the offensive line is senior Michael Dvornik (#56). Dvornik transferred from Prestonwood High School in Texas after his sophomore season, where they won a state title.

“He’s a world-class athlete with a motor that’s red-lining all the time,” said Few. “He’s also got great closing speed and tackling ability.”

Dvornik finished last season with 73 total tackles and seven sacks on the year. At the Heath Evans Big Man Competition he and the other offensive linemen defended their team title and won the five-man sled competition.

Another name to remember is junior Zach Seaberg. Seaberg’s older brother Sam was on the 2008 and 2009 championship teams. Zach was called up to the Varsity at the end of the ’09 season and played in four games last year as a sophomore.

“He’s low on experience and needs some development but we expect a lot from him,” said Few.

Seaberg will man the interior tackle position on defense and will be used on the offensive line as well. Seaberg’s lack of experience only extends to starts in Varsity games. He’s been with the Panthers from his freshman year and has plenty of experience with the team.

“It’s going to be a giant transition to starting on Varsity, but now it’s my turn and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Seaberg.

Seaberg will have plenty of help – not just from the grizzled veterans but from defensive line coach Billy Minahan and defensive coordinator John Few.

“I trust (Minahan) implicitly,” said Few. “He really brings the kids together and helps them perform well as a unit.”

The linemen will have another test of their mettle July 23 and 24 at the USF Sling and Shoot.