Shaping Up
Hornet's defensive line eager to learn, show improvement after frustrating 2006
By Jesse Newell
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Editor’s Note: This is the second of a seven-part series on Emporia State football’s position groups.
Spence Nowinsky knows he will have his hands full reshaping and reforming the Hornets’ defensive line this year.
For now, though, he’s just happy that his coaching is being accepted with open minds and open ears.
“It’s not like you’re working with mud. At least you have some clay to try to pound and mold,” the ESU defensive line coach said. “We’ve got to go a long way. We’ve got a lot to work on, but these guys are really willing to try to accomplish what we’ve set out to do.”
The goal — at least for now — is to play disciplined and minimize mistakes on a unit that did not live up to expectations a year ago.
Only two defensive lineman in 2006 finished in the top 14 on the team in tackles — A.J. Franklin with 39 and Junis McDowell (who has switched to linebacker this year) with 29.
“We were nowhere near where we wanted to be,” ESU junior Kaden Adams said.
With an emphasis on discipline and conditioning, the group hopes to produce better results with many of the same players returning from last year.
It starts with the senior Franklin (6-foot-3, 260 pounds), who earned All-MIAA honorable mention honors with a team-high 10.5 tackles for lost yardage.
“I just try to go out there and let my play do the leadership for me because I’m not really a guy that likes to talk all that much,” Franklin said. “I just like to go out there and play.”
Also expected to be with the first team is junior Matt McClain (6-2, 297), who transferred from the offensive line last year. Though he played in all 11 games in 2006, he battled through a nagging ankle injury.
Adams (6-2, 255), another returner, played every game last year and recorded 12 tackles.
An addition to the defensive line who could have an impact is former tight end Lance Claibourn (6-3, 230). The senior made the transition last spring after the new coaching staff recognized the unit was a little thin.
“The mental game is his only obstacle,” Nowinsky said. “He’s very talented athletically. He’s tougher than shoe leather. Mentally, he’s just got to learn the defense.”
Nowinsky also has reason to be optimistic about his team’s depth. He had just eight defensive linemen participate in Spring ball because of various circumstances and injuries.
Now, that number has ballooned to 18.
The goal is to develop two good lines so that substitutions will be possible during long drives.
If nothing else, the line that’s out there should be in better shape.
Already players are experiencing the rigors of conditioning under ESU coach Garin Higgins, which has been made demanding with the near 100-degree temperatures.
“I think this has probably been our hardest camp, which is good, because we need it,” McClain said. “... I think I’ve been getting in a lot better shape these last three days than I was for a lot of the year last year.”
The players are also learning technique from the experienced Nowinsky, who served as defensive line coach at Division-I Idaho for a year and also on the staff at Wisconsin for three years.
“He’s a guy that will make you laugh every single day,” Franklin said, “but if you mess up, he’s going to let you know about it.”
The coach has already gained a reputation for that, using his bellowing voice and intimidating presence to gain his players’ attention when he needs to.
“I always say this — the fattest guy always has to go out there and practically have a coronary to get results,” Nowinsky said with a laugh. “I coach them harder than hell on the field, but I love them hard. I really do.
“Fear’s a powerful tool, I guess.”
Nowinsky said he had seen his linemen progress even through the first five days of practice.
He believes more improvement will come as long as they continue to allow themselves to be molded into better players.
“There’s been willing, willing souls, and that’s a start,” Nowinsky said. “We’re not where we want to be yet physically, skill-wise or mentally, but the guys are very coachable. I’m very impressed with that.”