For Immediate Release Aug. 19, 2015
 
Veteran Group of LBs Return for 2015
 
BEAUMONT, Texas – What a difference a year makes. A statement that can be used when talking about the Lamar University defense, especially its linebackers. At this time last year, newly hired linebackers coach Mark Criner was trying to figure out who his starters would be. Although he had some talent, it was primarily underclassmen because the previous year's starters had exhausted their eligibility.
 
"Things are a lot easier now," said 2014 All-Southland Conference selection Ronnie Jones. "It's like we spent the whole year bonding, and growing as a unit. Now we know and trust one another and it's just a matter of stepping on the field and playing ball. The key for us is to continue to play together as a team."
 
Fast forward one year, and the second-year linebackers coach is talking about a wealth of returning starters, as well as the younger guys looking to make a name for themselves. After having to replace all four starters last season, the Cardinals enter 2015 returning three of their four starters, including the team's leading tackler in Jones.
 
"This year we have starters back like Ronnie, Mike Hargis and Logan Moss," said Criner. "Ronnie was our best inside linebacker last year and he has come back quicker and stronger this year. Logan has always been a talented player but he is playing his outside linebacker position about as good as anyone I've seen. He has improved so much since last season. Mike is a versatile kid who can play either inside or outside.
 
"Our progress throughout camp has been real good. We've had the ability to rotate our starting group with our backups because we're trying to progress some of our younger guys. I want those young guys to get some action during the season because I think they're good enough athletically. Now, that takes away some time from our veteran guys but I wouldn't take those reps away if I didn't think they could handle it. We're to the point now where the older guys are actually helping coach those younger players," added Criner.
 
After taking a look at the stats, the numbers back up Criner's decision. Between LU's three returning starters, they compiled a total of 34 starts last season with Moss missing two games early in the season due to injury.
 
The Cardinals linebacking corps was so good last season it was hard to find a weak spot. Jones put together a career year earning All-SLC honors after recording 99 tackles, 11.5 tackles for losses and five sacks. He finished fifth in the league last season averaging better than eight tackles per game. The duo of Hargis and Moss also set career-highs in tackles last season.
 
With those three returners finding so much success last season, it would appear that the only question for the linebackers this year is who will win the final starting spot? The coaching staff still has some time to answer that question, and fortunately for LU fans the Red and White has options.
 
"Shawn Jones is a young guy who played both inside and outside last year, and did some good things for us last season," said Criner. "He is only playing inside right now, but he is a versatile guy. In addition to Shawn we also have Eddie McGill who has been a little banged up but prior to his setback he was playing the best football of his career."
 
McGill would have the edge on experience having played in 20 games during his two years in Beaumont. He recorded 33 tackles last season, while Jones returns from a rookie campaign that saw him post 18 stops in eight games.
 
Juniors Matt and Zach Johnson will be involved in the rotation at linebacker – Matt on the inside and Zach on the outside. In addition to those two, signees Bear Christianson, Dedrick Garner and Kevin O'Neill have been pushing for playing time, along with another freshman, Ty Alexander. The quartet brings an added level depth to the middle of the defense. Each brings added size and speed to the roster. Christianson stands at 6-6, while Garner and O'Neill are 6-2. Alexander is no slouch standing five feet, 11-inches tall.
 
"We have a lot of depth at linebacker now," said Jones. "If somebody comes out of the game, or if someone were to get hurt, there would be no drop in talent. We have several guys who can play multiple positions, and it gives you an added sense of confidence to know if someone goes down, there is always be another guy ready to step up and take his place."
 
The Cardinals will take the field Saturday, Sept. 5, for the season opener against Bacone College. The game against the Warriors will start at 7 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium. Tickets for the season opener, and all LU football games can be purchased by contacting the LU Ticket Office at (409) 880-1715, or clicking here.
 
-LU-