North Texas 2010 Previews: Defense and Speical Teams

Author: Chase Rader

Mean Green Outlook

Defense:

DL

The D-Line returns two JUCO transfers from last year at the defensive tackles. Seniors Kelvin Jackson (6’2” 309 lbs.) and Shavod Atkinson (6’2” 307 lbs.) bring a combined 14 starts and 49 tackles from 2009. Defensive end Brandon Akpunku (6’1” 226 lbs.) had 47 tackles in 2009 along with a team leading six sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Look for a breakout season from the other DE with K.C. Obi. Obi (6’2” 214 lbs.) is a sophomore who had 26 tackles last year. In the rotation will be; Kyle White (6’2” 309 lbs., So.), John Weber (6’3” 288 lbs., Sr.), Ryan Boutwell (6’3” 245 lbs., Fr.), and Tevinn Cantly (6’4” 301 lbs., So.).

LB’s

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Leading the linebackers will be yet another preseason 1st team All-SBC in 6’1” 221 lb. senior Craig Robertson. He is the leader of defensive coordinator Gary DeLoach’s 4-3 based scheme. In 2009 Robertson led the team with 107 tackles on his way to Honorable Mention All-SBC honors. Middle linebacker should be filled by A.J. Penson. The 6’1” 225 lb. senior had 51 tackles in 2009. Jeremy Phillips (6’3” 198 lbs.) registered 39 tackles last year and is slated to start at the remaining linebacker slot. Look for contributions from Daniel Prior (6’2” 215 lbs., So.), Forlando Johnson (6’0” 212 lbs., Jr.), and Brad Graham (6’0” 205 lbs., Jr.).

Secondary

The Mean Green secondary looks to improve again this year. Last year they improved from giving up 276 passing yards per game in 2008 to 217 in 2009. The corners will be guarded by Royce Hill (6’0”, 177 lbs., Jr.) who had 47 tackles and 3 int’s last year, and JUCO transfer D’Leon McCord (6’1”, 176 lbs., Jr.). Strong safety will be DaWaylon Cook (6’1”, 196 lbs., Jr.), who was second on the team in tackles with 85, and added 3 pass break ups. Ira Smith (5’11”, 183 lbs., Sr.) is returning to free safety where he contributed 53 tackles, 2 pbu, and a pick last year. Adding depth in the secondary are; Hilbert Jackson (6’1”, 176 lbs., Jr.), Ryan Downing (6’1”, 195 lbs., Jr.), Robbie Gordon (6’0”, 180 lbs., Sr.) and Chris Neal (5’9”, 168 lbs., Sr.).

Special Teams:

Will Atterberry (5’11”, 187 lbs., So.) returns as the punter. Atterberry averaged 39 yards per punt last year with a 31.1 net, also putting 22 punts inside the 20. Incoming freshman Zack Olen (5’9”, 210 lbs.) is slotted to take over the kicking duties.

Look for Darius Carey or Tyler Stradford to take the punt returns. Jamaal Jackson and Royce Hill averaged 27.2 and 26.3 yards per kick return respectively last year and should keep their role this year.

Overall:

The Mean Green look to close out the final season at Fouts Field on a winning note. North Texas travels to Clemson to open up the 2010 season. The season and Fouts Field finale will be against Kansas State. Sandwiched in between the power conference foes will be the usual Sun Belt conference competition, along with, Rice and Army.
2010 should be a turnaround season for the mean green. With better ball control and an improving defense, last years close losses can become wins.

Look for Coach Dodge to be at the helm in 2011.