Wealth of experience back to lead Smackover’s defense

Smackover is counting on experience to lead the charge on defense after the Bucks surrendered 40-plus points in five of their six losses.

Junior Regan Barton and senior Tyler Sexton are in the mix at defensive end.

“Barton and Sexton look to hold these spots at this point,” said Smackover defensive coordinator David Preston. “Barton is moving outside after playing the interior mostly last year. Sexton is transitioning to our hybrid end/linebacker position well.”

The Bucks have plenty of depth at defensive tackle with seniors Juan Ellingson and Elisha Stanley in the mix with junior Dylan Valdez, seniors Kenny Benson and Pete Hatcher and junior Jaquevion Welch are looking to see playing time in the middle.

“We have a few guys that can play our defensive tackle and nose position,” Preston said. “Juan Ellingson and Elisha Stanley have worked well in these spots so far. Valdez, Benson, Hatcher and Welch will also work in the mix giving us some good depth on the interior.”

Preston said the Bucks’ depth should be a plus for the team.

“We have a good bit of experience coming back on our defensive front,” Preston said. “The guys have adapted well to the new adjustments we are making and there are a couple guys that are making a strong push for playing time which will only improve our depth.”

At linebacker, junior Trace Davis returns with senior RJ Boone returning to play for the first time since his freshman season.

Tanner Mitchell, also a junior, is back with fellow junior Wyatt Parker.

“Trace Davis and RJ Boone are working at the inside linebacker spots,” Preston said. “Trace is coming back after playing inside linebacker all season last year. His experience makes him a natural leader on defense. RJ has returned to football this year and is making an immediate impact. He has brought size and physicality.

“Tanner Mitchell played well early last year before being injured. He’s back healthy and his speed will be crucial for us at outside linebacker. Wyatt Parker will also play outside linebacker. He is a tough, hard-nosed kid that isn’t afraid to do what has to be done to make a play. Those two aren’t the biggest, but their speed will allow us to use them in a few different ways on the outside.”

Preston said the linebackers have a chance to make a major impact for the Bucks.

“The linebacking corps is a good group that have some experience and have become stronger with

additions and some depth with the sophomore class coming in,” Preston said. “This group was one of our stronger groups last year and we are expecting a better season this year.”

In the secondary, the Bucks return seniors Daylon Curley and Jarius Burgie.

“They bring experience and great athletic ability,” Preston said of the duo.

At free safety, the Bucks have a newcomer in senior Devan Lofton.

“He has stepped into that roll impressively,” Preston said. “He hasn't played in a few years, but has already proven he can fly to the ball and bring a big hit as well. (D'Kylan) Hildreth can also play free safety, which gives us another great athlete at the position.” Preston likes the speed the Bucks have in the secondary. “Our secondary is loaded with guys that can run,” Preston said. “Our athleticism will help us make plays and we've made adjustments to try to free the guys up to take as much advantage of their speed and ability as possible.”

In addition to experience, Preston said that players have adjusted well to new roles, and that the unit has a chance to be solid.

“Our defensive group as a whole is very experienced,” Preston said. “We have made a few changes to our scheme to fit our personnel and to put some of our guys in the best places to make plays. The experience in our group has made those transitions go very smooth. I'm really proud of the work they've put in so far and how much we've already installed.

“If we trust what we've been taught and stay true to our assignments, I feel like we can have one of the better defenses we've had in a few years. The team that made the state finals had nine of 11 starters run sub-five 40's and this group will rival that group on speed. Probably not on top-end speed, but as far as overall unit speed, it will be close. We've made adjustments scheme-wise to use that speed as much as possible and let playmakers make plays. We feel like we have a pretty good mix of speed and physicality as a unit. We also feel like we have some quality depth at all positions. We can give some guys a breather as needed and not have a big drop off. That is a major plus going into the season. The guys have been working hard and I'm looking forward to seeing them put it together on the field.”

On special teams, Smackover coach David Osborn said Lofton, Mitchell and sophomore Gunner Zeek will handle the punting and kicking chores with Burgie, Curley, Hildreth and Lofton set to handle punt and kick returns.