Experienced linebackers anchor Huntingdon defense

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Huntingdon football team wrapped up its second day of preseason practice on Tuesday.

The Hawks continued the installation part of preseason practice and will put on shoulder pads for the first time on Wednesday before going in full gear for the first time on Friday. 

"The first couple of days are about installing the offense and defense and trying to get as many reps as we can," Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk said. "It's basically been all mental to this point and making sure everyone knows what to do. The physical part of competition begins on Wednesday."

As the Hawks move into the more physical stages of preseason, Turk said he is excited to see how Huntingdon's linebackers perform. The Hawks return three starting linebackers (seniors John-David Swiger and Darius Dixon and junior Zach Brownell) who combined for 128 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and five forced turnovers last season.

"Across the board, we're as experienced at linebacker as anywhere on the team," Turk said. "In a year where we lost all four of our starting defensive linemen, it's encouraging to have these three guys returning. That will help ease the transition of those front four guys into starting roles."

In addition to the three starters, Turk said Jake Rhodes and Jake Green are also looking solid.

"There is some competition out there, which is always good," Turk said. "Jake Rhodes was mostly a JV player last year but has proven he's pretty consistent about knowing what to do and being around the ball. We've also moved Jake Green from safety to linebacker and I believe he will be a good addition.

"The best thing we have going at the linebacker position is we have some guys back that are experienced and can play and we've got some guys behind them pushing them."

Huntingdon will practice on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Practice is open to the public.