Leathernecks Continue Week Two of Fall Camp

MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois continued work during week two of fall camp. The Fighting Leathernecks worked out Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 12) on the grass practice fields.

Tuesday's practice was the 14th of fall camp, the halfway point before WIU opens the 2014 season against Valparaiso at 6 p.m. on the 28th. Season and single-game tickets are available by calling (309) 298-1190 or purchasing online at www.GoLeathernecks.com.

DEFENSE CONTINUES TO IMPROVE: Last year, Western's defense stood among one of the nations best. The Leathernecks ranked third nationally in passing yards allowed per game and seventh in total yards allowed. Western finished 16th in turnovers gained and 14th in first downs allowed. So can a unit that returns eight starters (including seven seniors) get better? According to defensive coordinator Brian Ward they have had a focus during camp.

"Things are progressing. Our focus is to develop our two-deep and develop the younger guys, giving them a few more reps than the guys who have been around here awhile. Our linebacker corps and our secondary have quite a few snaps combined and a lot of starting experience," said Ward. "We are trying to develop our depth in those two areas, and we have several returners along the defensive line… fortunately we're healthy and we feel like we are improving."

Six letterwinners are back along the defensive line, including starters Gino Durley, Jr. and Chip Holtschlag. A healthy J.J. Raffelson at middle linebacker gives Western three linebackers with starting experience, including Kevin Kintzel who received the 2013 Linebacker Award from College Football Performance Awards. Six of the letterwinners in the secondary are seniors, including three starters – David McDaniel, Jonathon Rollins and Martinez Davis.

From the statistics standpoint Western returns nine of the top 10 players in tackles from last year. Thirteen of the 16 interceptions and 10 of the 12 fumble recoveries are also back. However, to Ward stats are not the top priority.

"Stats really aren't important, what is most important is we get better fundamentally in understanding our defense and our calls," said Ward. "It's a constant emphasis… it's coaches talking about the importance and purpose of defense. The two areas we always emphasize is you play defense to get the ball back and to keep the other team from scoring."

UP NEXT: Wednesday is another scheduled 2-a-day practice (8:30 a.m./7:15 p.m.). The team will work out Thursday afternoon at 2:30 before another 2-a-day on Friday at the same times.

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