Aug. 5, 2007

This is the final segment in an eight-part series previewing the Texas State Bobcats position by position.

SAN MARCOS - One of the first things fans will notice when the Bobcats line up defensively this fall is the number of linebackers in the box. Instead of the two linebacker sets of the 4-2-5, fans will see Texas State's defense crowd the box with a third linebacker.

Also, new to this year's scheme will be linebackers flowing aggressively to the football and avoiding 300-pound offensive linemen looking for their next meal. The extra body in the box and the group's quickness will help them filter to the football without as much exposure to opposing linemen. So will the defensive line's responsibilities in the system which should occupy offense's front five.

"It is a running, alley-filling defense," said linebacker coach Terrol Dillon. "We want guys running like safeties instead of the traditional linebacker. We want to keep them away from offensive linemen as best we can and just have them running toward the ball. We will limit their keys -- they will get an initial key once an opponent lines up for a snap. After that, we turn them loose and let them get to the football. We want them to play with reckless abandon."

With the loss of seniors Jeremy Castillo and Shola Obafemi, there is a new crop of players rising to the forefront.

"Our group has to understand that someone has to step up and be a leader," Dillon said. "We went over that during the spring and I have spoken with individuals telling them, `You're going to be playing a lot and I know that you are not used to it but you are going to be a leader.'"

Towards the end of spring, Jarvis Coleman and Brian Quackenbush began to fill that role. Dillon said they are still learning how to handle the responsibility but are progressing.

Both Coleman and Quackenbush will vie for the starting role at the strong linebacker position.

Coleman red-shirted last year after transferring from Reedley College. Quackenbush played some at defensive end last season, registering two tackles including a quarterback sack. From his new position, he had an interception in Texas State's Maroon & Gold spring game.

The will linebacker position is also strong with Chase Pulliam moving from the safety position and Ric Palmer returning after being granted a medical red-shirt that gives him another season to play for the Bobcats. Add into the mix Kevin Odelusi who enters his fourth season in the Texas State program.

Pulliam had 15 tackles a season ago including 1.5 for lost yards. Before a season-ending injury, Palmer had two tackles in the only game he played.

"With Ric, Chase and Kevin, the will linebacker position is solid. So is the strong linebacker position with Jarvis Coleman and Brian Quackenbush," said Dillon. "We left the spring with a battle still brewing for our middle linebacker position. It is the centerpiece of our group. You really have to have a good Mike linebacker and we left spring with a few guys showing lots of promise but none separating themselves from the pack."

Come August, the battle continues. Look for Travis Houston, who played defensive end last fall as a true freshman, to get a crack at the position.

"Travis is athletic and he is rangy," Dillon said. "I know he is a very smart student. If he can grasp the concepts, and I don't see him having a problem with that, he will contribute a great deal. He just needs to get out on the field and do it."

Dillon added Houston may be perfect for the position because of his physical skills and his ability to be aggressive at the defensive end position despite being a little undersized.

"From what I have seen, I think he can play the position," Dillon said.

Houston registered 16 tackles in 2006, had a quarterback sack, a quarterback hurry and a pass break up while playing behind a pair of three-year starters.

Also returning this fall is junior Courtney Smith, who has played primarily a role as a special teams' player, and Joe Bell who continues to rehab his way back from an injury.

Smith was in on 13 tackles while Bell had seven last fall.

Eric Grimsley could also play a role for Texas State as a walkon who has been apart of the program for the past two years. Jammar Crane joined the team last fall as a transfer from Wisconsin but spent most of the spring focusing on academics. He had 20 tackles including 2.5 for lost yards in 2006.