Football Jackson Fits Right In With Fayetteville Linebackers

FAYETTEVILLE -- Another year, another change in defensive scheme for the Fayetteville defense.

For the Bulldogs' linebackers, this means a typical look where just two linebackers will roam the middle of the defense as Fayetteville has reverted back to the 4-2-5 base philosophy. But less linebackers on the field at one time doesn't necessarily mean there's less talent at the position this fall.

At A Glance:

Fayetteville Linebackers

Biggest Strength: Starter’s experience. .. Ridley Weeks caught the attention of 7A-West coaches with his physical play in conference games last season. Transfer Ian Jackson was the top defensive player at Fort Smith Southside and has played varsity the last two years.

Biggest Question Mark: Depth. .. Fayetteville feels good about its two-deep at linebacker. But the Bulldogs would be challenged by youth and inexperience at the position if too many injuries occur.

Watch Out For: Senior Jordan Davis. .. Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton says Davis is one of those players coaches love to have. He’ll be a valuable reserve in the Bulldogs’ 4-2-5 scheme.

“Back at (Fort Smith) Southside we had a few players, a few linebackers and safeties but this defense here could be the best defense in the state.” — Senior outside linebacker Ian Jackson

"I think one of our strong points is our defense front and we'll get more of those guys on the field with that (4-2) look," Fayetteville defensive coordinator Wendall Harris said. "That's the reason for that.

"But I think with the two guys we put out there at linebacker, they're both good enough to stop the run. And they're fast enough to cover people. We've got about three or four guys who can do that."

Senior Ridley Weeks returns as a starter at inside linebacker and one of the leaders of the entire defense. Weeks had 50 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions as a junior and impressed opposing 7A-West coaches as one of the more physical Fayetteville defenders last fall.

The outside linebacker spot goes to transfer Ian Jackson, who spent the last two years at Fort Smith Southside. Jackson, an all-state selection for the Rebels and former state sophomore Defensive Player of the Year, looks forward to the change in scheme with the Bulldogs.

"This defense here is a lot better," Jackson said. "Back at Southside we had a few players, a few linebackers and safeties but this defense here could be the best defense in the state.

"At Southside, we ran a 4-3 and I was used to playing in the middle. Here, in the 4-2, I get to play a little more outside and I like that a lot more because I'm mobile and I think that will work a lot better."

Fayetteville coach Daryl Patton believes in Weeks and Jackson the Bulldogs have as strong a 1-2 punch at linebacker as anyone in the 7A-West. But finding other key reserves will also be important.

Junior Jonathan McMillion has starter's capability, Patton said, and will be counted on as a top backup. Senior Jordan Davis is a team captain and will also provide quality depth.

"I'm comfortable right now (with depth)," Davis said. "With injuries, if somebody gets hurt it obviously depletes depth in a hurry. But I'm comfortable with the guys we have out there right now."

Sports on 08/11/2014

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