VIDEO: Mike Clowney Interview
Carson-Newman's linebackers were the position group undoubtedly hit the hardest by graduation. Gone is All-American Jaycob Coleman and his 270 career tackles (top 10 all-time at C-N); gone is Jonathan Sites and his 236 career stops and gone are Jarrell Emanuel and Greg Beauduy, both of whom started multiple games over the last two years.
Among returning linebackers, Eric Cain, Michael "Chop" Ross, Kyler Fry and Darryl Eubanks have the most experience. Cain and Fry have been among C-N's leading special teams tacklers each of the last two years and both are pound-for-pound among the strongest players on the team (Fry is, pound-for-pound, the strongest man on the team).
"Eric Cain might be our most consistent guy," Clowney said. "He's the leader in the middle right now because he knows what's going on. He might not have all the physical tools, but he's been in lockstep at the mike position through camp."
Ross made 16 tackles in his debut season for the Eagles, all in spot duty.
Coaches are putting large amounts of stock in a couple of transfers to make a significant impact. Hasan Ali comes to Mossy Creek from Weber State and Chris Dansby makes his way to campus from Murray State. Ali redshirted at WSU after playing for coach Mike Harrison at Holy Cross High School in San Antonio. He was the team captain and also earned First Team All-District, All-Area, All-City, and All-State honors.
"Chris has come in and done a great job coming into the program and trying to do things the Eagle Way," Clowney said. "He's asserted himself at SAM linebacker. He's able to run with that first group."
Ali recorded 96 tackles with three sacks and one interception and also had three fumble recoveries and returned one for a touchdown. Ali produced nine rushing touchdowns on offense and one kickoff return for a touchdown.
"The WILL linebacker is where we've had the most in flux," Clowney said. "It's nice to see Darryl Eubanks rise to the occasion and help there. But Hasan Ali and Deon Meadows could also factor in."
Dansby on the other hand redshirted last season after playing in seven games as a true freshman for the Racers finishing with 15 tackles and one interception. Dansby had a season-best six tackles against Eastern Illinois and recorded his pick versus Austin Peay.
As a high senior at Lancaster Christian Academy, Dansby racked up 100 tackles, five forced fumbles, ten sacks, four interceptions and eight pass break-ups.
He showed his versatility by catching 40 passes for 915 yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 830 rushing yards on 35 carries for ten touchdowns. Dansby was a team captain and named team MVP. Dansby was named an All-State performer twice and All-Region three times.
Marshall transfer Deon Meadows could also enter into the equation as could freshman Davante King.
Carson-Newman opens the season Thursday against Edinboro at 7 p.m. Coverage is available on the Eagle Sports Network on Joy 620 (WRJZ-AM, Knoxville), 106.3 ESPN Radio The Zone (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live beginning with the AEC Tailgate Show at 6 p.m.
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