Story by Gage Johnson
Senior Writer
The Racers ended their 2017 football season by ranking eighth out of nine teams in the OVC in total defense. With the season underway, The News met with Defensive Coordinator Jake Johnson on the Racers defensive plans this year.
Defensive play style:
Murray State did fairly well when it came to stopping passes last season, ranking fourth in the OVC in pass defense. The secondary was a definite bright spot, as the team forced 17 interceptions last season. However, the Racers struggled in defending the running game, ranking eighth in the OVC and allowing an average of 208.8 YPG. The newly formed defensive line looks to fix that problem and help take some pressure off the secondary, as senior defensive lineman Kenny Wooten will arguably be the best pass rusher in the conference this season.
Johnson expects to change that this season by applying pressure and instilling a solid and rough style of defense into the team’s game plan this year.
“The biggest thing Racer fans can expect this year is we’re going to play tough, hard-nosed football,” Johnson said. “We’re going to stop the run and get after the quarterback as much as possible.”
Replacing D’Montre Wade:
Former Racer and now Kansas City Chiefs cornerback D’Montre Wade was a crucial part of the team’s secondary last year, leading the team with six interceptions while ranking top-ten in tackles.
Returning senior cornerback Marquez Sanford, was second to Wade in interceptions (three) last season. Despite losing Wade, Johnson believes returning defenders such as Sanford and others will be able to fill Wade’s void and make an instant contribution.
“We had some guys that played last year a bunch, like Nigel Walton,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a couple kids that have come in and got in the mix last year. If they keep adding to the team effort, I think we’ll be able to replace him.”
Early Defensive Standouts:
Throughout training camp this summer, Johnson has been impressed with his defensive line play and expects much of the same from his upperclassmen, which have proven to be vital players for the Racers.
“I think at each level we’ve had some kids that have really stepped up,” Johnson said. “On the defensive line, we’ve had Tyler Stepney step up. Obviously Kenny Wooten is right there, Corey Tillman has had a great offseason, and Rashad Johnson has anchored the defensive line for years.”
Johnson also noticed promise from several linebackers, including a few newcomers at the position. Among those, senior Nolan Nichols, who was an effective power running back for the Racers last season, will switch to the other side of the ball for Murray State this year.
“Quincy Williams has played pretty good going into his senior year,” Johnson said. “Transfer linebacker Mike Anthony and another guy out of Washington State have done well. Then TJ Warren has also come in and played well.”
The Racers will hit the field at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, in Conway, Arkansas when they take on Central Arkansas University.
