By Erik Harris
CLAY – Clay-Chalkville won 15 games in 2014, lost none and took the Class 6A crown for the first time since 1999.
Most will remember the immense offensive numbers associated with that championship climb, but it was the defense that held Saraland out of the end zone in the final two minutes of the state championship game to secure a 36-31 victory in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Unfortunately for head coach Jerry Hood and his staff, only two of the guys (Nick Battle and Terry Brown) that made that state championship-clinching stand on their own 25-yard line are back for another season. Or is it unfortunate?
“I think there is potential there to be (better),” said Clay-Chalkville defensive coordinator Sean Talsma regarding his secondary. “These guys are just hungry, they’re really hungry, because they don’t have scholarship offers and all this. I think before the season is over they definitely will (receive offers).”
The length and athleticism residing in the Cougars’ secondary should make completions hard to come by for opposing quarterbacks this year.
Hood and his staff see more positives at the second level. More bulky linebackers will give Clay-Chalkville the ability to match up with physical offensive lines, while perhaps surrendering some quickness.
“They can take a pounding better,” Talsma said. “Obviously if they’re very good against the run, it makes a team one dimensional. If we can stop the run, I like what we have in the secondary behind that.”
However, physical defensive linemen are needed to stop the run, and the Cougars must replace three pieces to a dominant 2014 defensive front. Kendell Jones and Nick McDaniel both received all-state honors as seniors, and LaDarius Harris signed a scholarship with Southern Miss. All three will be missed this season.
Their top replacement seems to be upcoming senior Cole Baker, who spent time at linebacker a season ago.
“Cole Baker has really taken on the leadership role with that defensive line,” said Talsma. “He’s matured and he’s accepted that role.”