Texas Tech University Athletics
Linebackers Spring Profile
April 05, 2005 | Football
April 5, 2005
By Jenna Sampson, Texas Tech Media Relations
Despite the loss of MVP senior linebacker Mike Smith, Defensive Coordinator Lyle Setencich's squad is coming together well this spring and preparing for an even better outing this fall. Junior MIKE linebacker Brock Stratton and senior SAM linebacker John Saldi will both be returning starters, while dependable backup Fletcher Session is expected to fill in that third hole on the weak side.
"Obviously we miss Mike Smith. He is a great athlete. He was a big part of this defense. We're definitely coming together and things are going along this spring. We've got some new guys that have quite a bit to learn, but they're learning. I think collectively we're really meshing as a defense," said Stratton.
"This is obviously the fun part. The part where you get to learn the most is when you're actually on the field, hands on," he added.
Several younger players are ready to work into the mix at any time, and senior Sylvester Brinkley is also having a good spring. Brinkley spent last season punishing the opposition on special teams, but has spent the last few weeks giving inside receivers a run for their money.
"In our four-linebacker scheme, he's clearly a starter. In our three-linebacker scheme, he may not be. The competition between he and John Saldi will be very tough," said Setencich.
The linebackers are already performing well this spring, due in part to experience, but Setencich still sees room for improvement in stopping the run.
"We want to play the run better. There's always room for improvement in all aspects, to just learn and understand the defense as a whole more," stated Stratton.
"I think it's pretty simple. Coach Setencich knows the game of football really well. Once you've had a year or two years under him, he brings out even more of his knowledge and allows you to learn even more about the game, so you can develop as a player," he added.
The 2004 season was an impressive turnaround for the Tech defense, stonewalling several top-ranked offenses and the infamous fourth-ranked Cal Berkeley in the Holiday Bowl. The latter no doubt raised confidence in position depth.
"I think we got better each game last season. I think we were ranked 14th or 15th in the nation in pass defense, and 77th in the run. The year before we were 110th in the nation. Every year we're going to improve more and more, now that everyone knows the system," said Session.
The successful 2004 season gave players plenty of encouragement moving into off-season preparations, and Session has had one goal in mind.
"Just trying to get stronger, trying to get my upper body stronger. My lower body is strong as heck, but I'm trying to get that Mike Smith strength," he said with a smile.
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Bennie Wylie and his staff had plenty to do with preparing players for a good spring outing.
"He (Wylie) tells us every day that to be great, do the little things. Go the extra mile," Session said.
Setencich has had three words for Session this spring.
"Be more physical, that's it. He told me that almost every day last season. Be more physical, be more physical. In my head, I guess I have to be like Mike Smith. I gotta be crazy. He always looks crazy. I don't know where he gets that from. I guess from being in Lubbock all his life," he said with a laugh.
A few minor injuries amongst the veterans on the squad will give the younger players a chance to see more playing time in scrimmages this spring, and Setencich is pleased with their progress.
"(Calen) Shearer, our freshman redshirt, has done some really nice things. He's improved more dramatically than maybe I had thought," he said.
Setencich plans to eventually move Shearer to WILL linebacker, and spring walk-on Jamequinlon McGill will most likely become a MIKE linebacker. The 6-1, 225-pound McGill recently transferred from Tyler Junior College, where he played defensive end for the Apaches. He has already made a mark by logging four tackles during the team's scrimmage on Saturday.
Spring drills continue on the practice fields every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until April 18.
