VIDEO: Mike Clowney Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – – This is the seventh in an eight-part series that will break down what Carson-Newman football brings to the table for the 2015 season position by position.  Today's preview features the Eagles' linebackers with defensive coordinator Mike Clowney.    

Carson-Newman will deal with the loss of leading tackler Eric Cain to the C-N Athletic Communications team as well as Murray State Chris Dansby's departure.  Carson-Newman has talent, if not youth among its linebacking corps. 

"Even with the losses, it's a good group," Clowney said. "They work well together on the field and off it in the meeting room.  There's a good gel between the guys who have been here and the guys who are new."

Sha'Heem Stupart was the team's fourth leading tackler as a freshman.  After coming off the bench in the first two weeks of the season, Stupart earned a starting spot in the linebacking corps the final eight weeks of the year.  

He finished the year with 52 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack, three breakups, a fumble recovery and a pair of QB hurries. Stupart had more than eight or more tackles on three occasions. He turned in nine tackle games against Catawba (9/27) and Newberry (11/8).  He also turned in eight tackles against Mars Hill (10/4).  He had his first career sack against the Lions.  He also had a career-best two tackles for loss against the Lions. 

Meanwhile, Malik Miles, the cousin of C-N All-American Jaycob Coleman, returns after sitting out a year to sort through academic issues. Miles led Carson-Newman in special teams tackles as a freshman and looks to reach the same pinnacle that his older cousin reached. 

"Malik and Sha'Heem are two guys who physically have a presence. They are linebackers and they look like linebackers," Clowney said. "They have a good knack for finding gaps too because they both have experience as high school running backs."

Joining them are Lane Bloom, Graham Warren and Brandon Staton.  The trio finished one, two and three on the team last year in special teams stops and will vie for the final starting spot with Hebreau Maxis and Geoffrrey McReynolds as well as newcomers Temoris Coats and Jarvis Green.

"It's weird because I think sometimes, 'who will we play,'" Clowney said. "Lane, Graham and Brandon have all made their cases for themselves.  The big thing we do is figure out who deserves to be that guy.  The competition's been good because you have guys who are involved in every part of what you're doing."

Carson-Newman football's position previews conclude Monday with C-N's defensive line and Anthony Toribio.