Football Season Preview: Defense

Photo by: Mark Campbell

8/27/2021 7:37:00 PM | Football

The personality of the Blue Hen defense matches how they are on the field. You never know what they might say next at practice and you never truly know their next move on defense. The Blue Hen defense is filled with a passionate group of football players that simply like to have fun.

Every day that defensive coordinator Manny Rojas steps onto the practice field or into a meeting room is another day that he gets to spend time having fun with young men that he has seen grow in front of his eyes.

Over the years, the UD defense has recruited players to fit and grow in their system. Now they have played together for multiple years at a high level, allowing for this fall to be a smooth transition on the learning scale.

"We were able to move fast and forward with the installation," said Rojas. "Kind of pick up right where we left off and install the defense at a rapid pace."

One of the reasons that things were able to work well for the Blue Hens was the return of all 11 starters, in addition to their senior leadership.

Frank Burton III, one of two captains for the defense is the "chief" of the defensive line. He's a vocal leader that's always coaching up his teammates.

"Frank communicates well, speaks at a high level, and has a lot of motivation," said Rojas. "He plays a pivotal role for us and has been able to help us move forward defensively. He's really one of the anchors for us. He communicates it that way and that's the way he talks which is great."

Another player that's older and knows the expectations is Kedrick Whitehead, also a captain for the Blue Hens.

"Kedrick is a very vocal guy, especially when it comes to coverage," Rojas said. "He helps move those guys along. It's been a lot of fun to watch those guys over the years."

The defensive backs are speedy and attentive. The group is made up of a core group of veterans that have put in the reps, sweat, and time to be in a position to make a difference on the field.

"Nijuel Hill has been at the front line as a starter early on in his career. He's had some adversity and has seen it front to back, top to bottom. The fact that he was able to rebound the way he did speaks volumes about his work ethic, what he was able to accomplish, and how hard he was able to work."

The experience of the defensive backs doesn't stop at Kedrick and Nijuel. It's kind of a "the more, the merrier" feel for the secondary.

"The great thing is that Nijuel, Kedrick, and all of the guys we have playing DB have two whole years together. Kedrick and Noah Plack had a lot of playing time together in 2019. Nijuel, Justis (Henley), and Riah (Burton) saw a lot of playing time together, as well. Because of that, our spring of 2021 was very beneficial. Also, guys like Amonte' Strothers that came on in the spring. When you look at our depth, we now have 10-12 guys that we can put in and feel comfortable.

"In meetings, I have the older guys, Kedrick, Andrew (Pawlowski) and Plack, tell the young guys what they see, why they see it, what's the difference in this play or that play. Letting them explain it helps a lot."

As for the linebackers, when the older generation graduated, it was a "who's next." The spots have been filled with guys ready to step up, accept the challenge, and tackle.

"Johnny Buchanan, Liam Trainer, Drew Nickles, Matt Palmer, Anthony Toro all slid into roles. They all came in around a two-year span. To see them step up and play together in the spring, they took ownership of it all.
They all bring a special place to the position. We have a great combination. They're all just tough, physical kids that love to play football. We can rotate them with ease."

Someone ready and most importantly healthy, looking to return to his old form is Colby Reeder. Sideline by injuries in the past, Reeder has impressed during camp and is the cherry on the top of your sundae.

"Colby has been a great bonus now that he's back," said Rojas. "He brings a different-element to the game. He's a difference maker in the way he can see some things and run quarterbacks down."

With the depth of the Delaware defense running off the page, it should be another exciting year for a squad that led the CAA last season in pass defense and scoring defense.

"The one thing I've learned is that the X's and O's of this job will change, but the ability to motivate your kids and relate to them is how you stay in touch. I try to keep it fun. This game is supposed to be fun."

After the Maine game last season, Rojas told the defense, "that's the standard." And, oh what a standard it is. This defensive unit is tough, physical, and a whole lot of fun. So if you're ready to watch an exciting game of football, then head on out to Delaware Stadium, but first make your way to Maine, as the Blue Hens take on their CAA foe on Thursday, Sept. 2 to open the 2021 fall schedule.

Defensive Starters Returning (11)
Kedrick Whitehead, S
Noah Plack, S
Anthony Toro, OLB
Andrew Pawlowski, OLB
Johnny Buchanan, MLB
Drew Nickles, MLB
Artis Hemmingway, DL
Tommy Walsh, DL
Frank Burton III, DL
Nijuel Hill, DB
Justis Henley, DB