By: Nolan Alexander
Over the course of preseason practices, Nolan Alexander of KSUOwls.com previews each Kennesaw State football position group.
Â
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State's 2019 defense ranked third nationally in total defense thanks in large part to the success of All-America linebacker Bryson Armstrong. However, the play of Armstrong won't be the only one that garners attention. Could it be possible that KSU produces two All-Americans from the same position group in one season? New linebackers coach Greg Harris has that hope.
"I could see Kareem Taylor having a breakout year. His goal needs to be an All-American and we've talked about it. He has all the attributes and is a football-savvy guy."
Taylor returns as a senior after earning Big South second team all-conference honors last season, finishing second on the squad with 46 tackles.
"He's a high-effort, high-energy player who gives you everything that he's got. He is the example of our E.A.T. mantra- effort, attitude, and toughness. Since he's so high-effort, we have challenged him to stay within the system and trust others."
Armstrong has seemingly earned every accolade under the sun. He was recently named by HERO Sports as the top NFL Draft prospect out of the Big South. The Big South Defensive Player of the Year led the team with 95 tackles and had 12 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The Marietta, Ga. native earned All-America second team honors from AFCA, STATS, AP and HERO Sports, while earning a third team nod from Phil Steele. The senior was also named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS defensive player in the country.
However, defensive coordinator Danny Verpaele is preparing the star linebacker to wreak havoc from more than one spot.
"He needs to learn the whole defense and have position flexibility. With COVID-19, contact tracing and if people go down, we need him and all our guys to be able to play multiple positions with the climate we're in," said Verpaele.
"He does everything right, and I mean everything. I think a challenge for him, it's not to be afraid to be a leader at times," said Harris.
Another key cog in the defensive unit comes from the production of Demetrius Pettway. The junior played in 12 games and made 10 starts back in 2019. He recorded 36 tackles and tallied two interceptions, including a team-best 65 interception return yards.
"We've moved him down to that sam linebacker-nickel position for flexibility so we can get into sub packages. Again, I want our guys to embrace position flexibility because it could happen any week," said Verpaele. "He's a highly intelligent player and his willingness to compete is a strength."
Returning to the linebacking ranks is a consistent junior out of Muscle Shoals, Ala., Chance Bates. He made seven starts and finished fourth on the team with 45 tackles, 29 of which were solo.
"As a mike linebacker in this defense, he is doing a lot of communicating on the field," said Harris. "He practices and plays the right way. He has a chance to have a big year. I've been very impressed with his mindset and work ethic since the return to campus."
Jack Ness, a junior from state powerhouse Buford High School, is primed for a bigger role this spring.
"He's like our Swiss Army knife. He can play both inside linebacker positions. I could see him being a focal point of this defense," said Harris.
A newly eligible Owl to watch is Jomier Augustine, who redshirted during the 2019 season following his transfer from Howard University. The Lawrenceville native saw the field as a freshman for the Bison in 2018 with 35 tackles, six tackles for loss, and a sack.
"He has been here for a calendar year at least. He has game experience and is someone who can step up and play a role," said Harris.
Another transfer, Xavier Reddick, who was all-Patriot League in 2019, adds intrigue.
"He's graduated already from Georgetown and in the short amount of time that I've been around him I've been impressed. He's a mature guy with experience."
Freshman Jalen Barnum out of Wayne County High School brings raw ability that the staff hopes to harness.
"With the free year, we are going to challenge him and put him in situations to give him opportunities and reps."
Overall, the linebackers represent a veteran group that is ready to lead the defense again, while also grooming the next line of great players.
"They're correcting each other and holding each other accountable. I noticed guys taking coaching, and then older guys leading the younger ones, and when the younger guys get it wrong, taking another rep to get it right.
"It's an impressive group and what stands out in my mind is that they enjoy football. They really love football," said Harris. "They love to compete, all the ins and outs, and learn the nuances. I think that's important."
