IT’S FOOTBALL WEEK: DEFENSE SPOTLIGHT

Monday August 5th begins the countdown till kickoff for the 2008 Paladins. 2008 should bring a mix of excitement and trepidation into the hearts of Paladin supports and probably the Furman coaching staff. Here’s the Paladin Nation Punchlist for the 2008 Furman Defense:

1. The 4-2-5 Defensive Scheme – IMO this was one smart coaching move. Last season Furman had to tinker game to game to have an opportunity to have a winning season. The tinkering payed off with two impressive performances against GSU and Western. Most FCS teams would not make the transition as easy as the Paladins. The Furman defense looked eager in the spring to employ this new formation, and their performance showed that the coaches knew one thing important. If you make a transformational change to your defense you better have the horses. Juilian Hicks and Thomas Twitty made this change possible in my opinion.

2. 4-2-5 Player Watchlist

Max Lerner (ROVER) is the first player to add to the player watch list. Max has a nose for the ball, and the kid has earned his playing time. By the late part of the season Max showed the ability to be a major performer for the Furman D. I like the aggressive play that Lerner brings to the table. Look for Max to continue gaining experience to match his physical skills and become a major playmaker for the Paladin Defense.

Philip Morris (DEFENSIVE END) Philip is no stranger to Paladin Fans but he moves into a new role in 08, a very big role. Philip Morris could be the last of the big linebackers for Furman. Morris was the biggest linebacker on the Shrine Bowl team and came to Furman to play linebacker. But things change, in this case the SoCon has gone from run first to spread option offenses that challenge defense’s with fleet-footed quarterbacks. Morris should be a no-brainer at defensive end. Morris has great instincts, plays physical and runs very well.

Kyle McKinney (DEFENSIVE END) Kyle has always been one of my favorites, I give him two-thumbs for his special teams dance. Kyle is a physical player, he’s also very emotional and vocal. Kyle has a ton of potential, and I look for 2008 to be coming out party so-to-speak.

Dustin Gourdin (CORNER BACK) Gourdin came to Furman as a receiver but his speed and size made him give him an opportunity to become a star at corner. Gourdin had a very similar 2007 season to Lerner. Starting slow Gourdin started becoming a playmaker in Furman’s last two regular season games. Gourdin and Austin should split playing time at corner for the Paladins. It should be exciting to watch Gourdin develop.

Brandon Williams (LINEBACKER) Could be the most underrated linebacker in the SoCon this season. Brandon moves over to be Hunter Twitty’s linebacking partner. When healthy Williams is a talent, and he has plenty of experience to make a bunch of tackles this season.

Brandon Boykin/Kadarron Anderson (LINEBACKER) I have no idea what role these two young guns will play in 2008 but they bring a ton of raw potential to the table. These guys are the glue of future Paladin defenses. They can run, tackle, cover, you name it.

3. Coaching

Fans always like to criticize coaches and even at Furman that holds true. I happen to think the defensive coaches did a fantastic job in 07. They worked through changing times in the SoCon and the defense made dramatic improvements from the beginning to mid-season to late-season. I have confidence in this group of coaches from Farrington to Evangelista.

Meet #56 Adim Obata

The Adim Obata File: 6-0 260 | DT

Atlanta GA | Martin Luther King HS | RSFR

The spirited Obata should get plenty of action this season as a redshirt freshman. Obata appears to be cast from the same mold as All-American Justin Brown. Obata is quick and strong and should develop nicely under the coaching of Roberto Pinilla.

2007 graduate of Martin Luther King (AAAAA) High School…football coach was Correy Jarvis…played defensive line, linebacker, and running back…compiled 268 tackles, 26 sacks, 47 tackles-for-loss, and eight forced fumbles in his career…helped his school post a 30-8 record and earn state playoff appearances in each of his three seasons…registered 91 tackles, including 21 for-loss, and six sacks in 2006 while leading his team to a 10-3 campaign…two-time all-county selection and 2006 all-region pick.