BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Anybody who has been following WKU Football for the past few seasons would be very familiar with veteran defensive linemen Jeremy Darvin, DeAngelo Malone and Juwuan Jones. The three have been wreaking havoc on the line of scrimmage for a while now – with a combined 11 years of experience, 127 games played, 90 starts, 470 total tackles, 79 tackles for loss and 47 sacks.
Still, defensive line coach Kenny Baker knows that the success of the Hilltoppers’ defense in 2021 won’t be confined to three individuals. All 18 players in the position group will need to do their part.
“For me, I believe in strength in numbers and you’re only as good as your depth,” he said. “The way we want to play up front, you’ve got to have a bunch of guys who earn the right to play, so that’s really my approach to it.”
Returners such as Marcus Bragg, JaQues Evans, Jaden Hunter, C.J. Marria, David Ndukwe, Darius Shipp and Lichon Terrell all have seen playing time at WKU. Meanwhile, incoming transfers Mike Allen, Niko Cooper, Brodric Martin and Michael Pitts all bring significant experience from their previous programs.
The next few weeks of Fall Camp will be crucial, as Baker, Darvin and the other veterans need to make the group cohesive as one.
“It’s good that we have some familiar faces, but the new guys they’ve come in here and they listen. We’re all doing the best we can to get those guys caught up, but they’re great players – so that helps,” Darvin said. “This year I’d say I’m more of the vet/leader role, the outspoken role. We obviously need that in the room, especially with a bunch of new players and young guys.”
The Nashville, Tenn., native is one of two players on the roster – along with linebacker Demetrius Cain – who are entering their sixth year with the program.
“I tease him all the time, I call him ‘old man,” Baker said. “We love JD; his attitude has always been as a leader, he’s always been a juice guy. He’s been here a long time, but I’m thankful he’s here one more year.”
The Hilltoppers wrapped up their first week of Fall Camp practices on Saturday, and will have their first off day on Sunday as they prepare for the second week. With 26 days before the season opener vs. UT Martin at Houchens-Smith Stadium, Baker is happy with how the group has started, but explained that they need to stay focused and stay the course.
“I love the energy, the enthusiasm, the guys want to learn,” he said. “They’re buying into the fundamentals. It’s been good, I’ve been pleased with where we are so far, just taking it one day at a time.”
“We’re getting better but we’ve got a long way to go.”How to Follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Hilltopper Football, follow the program via social media @WKUFootball on Twitter and Facebook.
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