BEAUMONT, Texas – On paper, it would appear that the middle of the Cardinals' defense can boast of certain factors that the rest of the team can't. Big Red graduated only one starter from last season, while returning two. The one graduated senior – Matt Johnson – split the starting role with Tanner Kanteman, which gives LU's linebackers the greatest amount of returning experience on the whole team. With all that being said, LU co-defensive coordinator, Melvin Smith, enters the season with only one senior on the roster.

"When I got here, we wanted to establish a certain culture on defense," said Smith. "We're not going to be a gimmick defense. Defense is about getting dirty, pursuing the ball and contact. We're going to play for 60 minutes, we're going to fly to the ball and we're going to tackle. That's what we want to instill. We're getting better as a group."

Juniors Cameron Hampton and Chaston Brooks and senior Tanner Kanteman entered the season as the headliners of this group. The trio tallied a combined 25 starts last season, but after injuries and slow starts to camp others have stepped into the spotlight.

Brooks is one of those returning players who has put together a strong preseason camp. A junior from Tatum, Texas, Brooks had a breakout season for the Red and White last year. He started 10 games finishing among the leaders with 56 stops, including 5.5 for losses and four breakups. 
 
"We moved Chaston from nickle to weak side linebacker," said Smith. "He has been really consistent in that role. I couldn't have asked for more from a player than what we have received from Chaston. Being a former defensive back, he fits the profile of what we are looking for."
 
Another young Cardinal who is having a strong fall camp was a member of the Cardinals nationally ranked 2016 recruiting class – Del'chaun Rushing. A former standout from Webster, Texas, Rushing played in 11 games last season recording 22 tackles.
 
"Del'chaun has a very high ceiling," said Smith. "He's another young guy on this squad with a lot of potential. We need to keep him in the weight room and get him stronger, but he is only going to get better."
 
There is a familiar name for Cardinals fans at the Mike linebacker – David Crosley. He is the twin brother of Daniel Crosley who is fighting for a starting spot on the Cards' defensive line. Crosley (6-1, 240) gained valuable experience utilizing his redshirt during his first season on campus and is now being counted on to be a factor for the Red and White.
 
"David is a work in progress, but he has some real skills at the position," said Smith. "We are developing those skills right now. He doesn't have much experience but he is getting better every day."
 
Kevin O'Neill is also vying for playing time at the Mike. A former signee with the Cardinals, O'Neill returned to the team after the hiring of Schultz.
 
"Kevin liked what we were doing and wanted to be a part of it," said Smith. "He is the kind of kid that has a real feel for the position. He has been a real pleasant surprise."
 
During the offseason, the Cardinals moved sophomore Titus Hunt from the secondary to linebacker. The Duncanville native has taken to the position and is now fighting for a starting role.
 
"Titus is a former defensive back who we moved to linebacker because of his size," said Smith. "He is a work in progress, but he works hard and has gotten better every day. Titus has made a lot of improvements at the position."
 
Hampton had a slow start to the fall, but comes into 2017 as the team's top returning tackler. He served as a disruptive force in the middle of the Cards' defense last season. Hampton finished the season among the league leaders with 85 tackles, including 7.0 for losses.
 
"Cameron can make us a lot better," said Smith. "He is working hard on the field and hard at being accountable to his teammates. That is what Coach Schultz wants from this team. He wants to build this team on trust and accountability. He wants coaches to be accountable to players, players to be accountable to coaches and each other."
 
Another young talent who is vying for some playing time this season is Josh Jinning. A member of the Cards' talented 2017 signing class, Jinning (6-2, 200) has simply come to Beaumont and impressed the coaching staff in a very short period of time.
 
"Josh is a young kid with a very high ceiling," said Smith. "He has some real talent. We will be young, but that happens at all levels of the game. Manny Diaz started all freshmen linebackers at Miami last year."
 
The Cardinals are moving toward the start of the 2017 season. Big Red opens the year Saturday, Sept. 2 at North Texas. The game against the Mean Green will kick off at 6 p.m. from Apogee Stadium.
 
-LU CARDINALS-