SPRINGDALE — It may seem like Springdale High is completely revamping its defensive line after losing every starter from last year’s unit.
But the group’s performance in drills so far has left football coach Shane Patrick impressed with what he’s seen.
THE SKINNY
POSITION: Defensive Line
BIGGEST STRENGTH: Eagerness. With so much to prove, numerous players are in the mix to see playing time and defensive line coach Robert Johnson said their willingness to learn is what sets them apart from other units he’s coached.
BIGGEST QUESTION MARK: Youth. No player will start this season that did so last season. Their eyes will be opened playing in a conference that has offenses that employ both power running games and explosive spread schemes.
WATCH OUT FOR: Austin Jarrett, senior defensive end.
“They’re playing fast and physical,” he said.
Defensive line coach Robert Johnson says that despite his group’s lack of experience, they make up for it with effort.
“My kids are working extremely hard,” Johnson said. “They’re getting after it and are very coachable and doing what they need to do to get better in each and every drill.”
Senior defensive end Austin Jarrett (6-foot, 235 pounds) figures to be the group’s leader after seeing spot duty last fall and recording six tackles.
“He’s locked down one end spot,” Johnson said.
On the interior, juniors Raul Gonzalez (5-7, 250) and Keyonta West (5-7, 268) appear to be the leading candidates to start at both tackles.
Senior Steve Robinson (5-10, 195) is a little undersized for the position, but Johnson said he is slated to start at the end opposite of Jarrett.
“We’re going to roll some guys in and out for maturity purposes,” Johnson said. “Depending on what style we’re facing, we may have to roll in some guys conditioning-wise as well.”
Providing depth will be senior Steven Juarez (5-7, 198) and junior Cameron Cook (5-8, 221), along with seniors Taylor Macon (6-0, 260) and Devan Van Hoozen (6-1, 223).
“The biggest thing is that we’re young and unproven,” Johnson said. “But these guys want to make things change up front. They want to make plays to help us win games.”