SPRINGDALE -- A change in philosophy means a change in defense for Springdale Har-Ber.
Michael Johnson was hired as the defensive coordinator after the Wildcats allowed 36.8 points per game last year with a defensive front that included Josh Frazier (Alabama) and Jake Hall (Arkansas), who both signed with Southeastern Conference schools. Johnson switched Har-Ber from a 4-4 set to a 4-3 alignment that will mean more responsibility for the linebackers.
The Skinny
Position Battle: Linebackers
Biggest Strength: There is tradition in Springdale for strong play at linebackers and this group at Har-Ber is no exception. Patrick Fine and Michael Neil return after seeing plenty of action as juniors.
Biggest Weakness: Change can often be difficult and Har-Ber is switching this year from a 4-4 to a 4-3 defensive alignment. That puts added pressure on the linebackers, who must be fast enough to cover short passes and speedy receivers out of the backfield.
Watch Out For: Patrick Fine has the genes, ability, and attitude to join the long list of standout linebackers who’ve emerged from the city of Springdale. His father, Rick, is in the Springdale Hall of Fame and his brother, Michael, is a receiver at Arkansas Tech.
"We lose an outside linebacker, but it's been a pretty easy transition," linebackers coach Brannon Haney said.
Har-Ber has high expectations for this unit, starting with senior Patrick Fine (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), who missed four games last year after he injured his spleen. Fine, whose brother, Michael Fine, is a receiver at Arkansas Tech, had 49 tackles and an interception while starting eight games as a junior.
"Patrick started all year until he had a season-ending injury against Rogers," Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said. "He's played linebacker his whole career and he does a good job filling up the 2-gap from the (middle linebacker) position."
Senior Zach Ownbey (6-1, 203) will start at outside linebacker after backing up Logan Carmine and Hunter Banks last season. Ownbey played in four games and had nine tackles. Michael Neil (5-11, 202) returns at weakside linebacker after making 36 tackles in eight games.
"Michael is a go-getter and sometimes we have to ask him to slow down a bit," Haney said. "But he's physical like Patrick, who is smart and has the big body you want in there at linebacker. As far a Zach, we've asked him to drop some weight and get quicker to play outside. His work ethic is great and we're expecting good things from him as well."
Har-Ber is also expecting contributions at linebacker from Luke Prudem (5-8, 170) and Jacob Williams (5-10, 180), the grandson of former Springdale coach Jarrell Williams. Junior Chase Anderson (6-3, 185) will start at safety but, at times will slide in at a linebacker position to help with run support.
Anderson had 25 tackles in five games as a sophomore and had an interception in a playoff game against Little Rock Central.
"I feel good about our linebackers," Haney said. "The focus during camp is to be aggressive and go through guys instead of going around them. It's a constant struggle to get where we need to be, but I'm confident this can be a hard-nosed and physical group."
Sports on 08/16/2014