PREVIEW OF THE KNIGHTS DEFENSE

The Knights may have only three starters returning on defense, but they have the important person coming back - Defensive Coordinator Rich Kearney. Kearney has built a reputation over the years for developing Kaneland into a defensive force year after year. And last year was no exception as no team in the state had more shutouts than the Knights.

However, this year's defense will be more like a giant puzzle as Kearney has to build the picture piece-by-piece. And he will have to build it from the outside in as experienced puzzle builders do.

He'll start with his returning starters at corners, P.J. Fleck and Shaun Wenz. Despite other holes, Kearney insist "We like those guys at corner", and he's going to resist putting them elsewhere.

At safeties, Kearney needs to replace last year seniors Luke Peterson and Aaron Seibens with a pair of sophomores in Ryan Schrader and Ben Rogers, with help from junior Billy Mckeown.

"We have a lot of speed back there and can do a lot things with our backs," says Kearney.

Linebacking will be built around three-year starter and all-conference Kyle Schrader. If he stays healthy Schrader has all the credentials to be all-state. Schrader will play the weak side.

On the strong side Kurt Long one of the best shoestring trackers you'll ever see will be the man. Long will be taking over for Ryan West who was all-state last year. But, Long who has no fear will join Schrader to be one of the toughest pair of linebackers in the state.

From here Kearney has his work cut out.

Last years' middle linebacker may be impossible to replace. That was none other than team leading tackler Rusty Pozen, who was unbelievable in the middle. Will Schmidt, Colin Nolan and Mike Merfeld have all taken cracks at the spot and prior to game one it's anybody's position.

Last year's superior defensive line of Chad Herst, Anthony Parrilli, Brian Herra, and Brad Thill are all gone. So from the ground up the Knights have to rebuild.

Surprisingly they may turn to sophomore Shawn Fuller to anchor the left end of the line. Fuller should get help from senior Jason Harley and last years starting offensive guard junior Bryan Staker. The other end is up for grabs and as with all line positions it is not nailed down yet. Look for Wil Schmidt to possibility move up to the line, or move an offensive lineman over like Keith Snyder or Ron Easto, or look to seniors Seth Mateas, Mike Varley, or Jason Stayner all of them 6 foot and about 190.

The Knights defense may take a few games to smooth out the rough edges, but with Marengo and Sycamore as the two first games, everyone may have to produce earlier than expected.

But as Shaun Wenz states, "We'll be alright".

"Yea," echoes P.J. Fleck