OXFORD — Chuck Martin admitted it’s going to take some getting used to.
The Miami RedHawks coach will look across the field during the upcoming season and see that linebackers Ty Wise and Matt Salopek are gone — taking with them hundreds of tackles, countless big plays and a leadership presence.
“We’ve been talking since January — who’s going to make all the plays?” Martin said. “Who’s going to make all the tackles that Ty made, not only at linebacker but in the pass rush? And obviously Salopek, every time you looked up, 15 had the guy on the ground. Who’s going to make all the tackles?”
The answer will come from a group of returners who have played in supporting roles but are now thrust into the spotlight.
At the front is senior Corban Hondru, a versatile defender who has been a fixture in Miami’s third-down and long-yardage packages. Hondru has lined up at nearly every linebacker spot but has never been an every-down starter.
“He’s played a lot of really productive snaps,” Martin said. “But he hasn’t been the go-to starter yet. That’s his goal — to win that job and become that everyday guy, become that Matt Salopek-type player for us.”
Senior Oscar McWood, a mainstay at the nickel position, will take on a larger role this season. His ability to handle multiple assignments gives the RedHawks flexibility. Junior Eli Coppess played in 19 games the last two seasons.
Martin said he’s also looking at players who have excelled on special teams to step into bigger defensive roles. Senior Jackson Kuwatch, a Lakota West graduate, has been one of the program’s most dependable in the kicking game and wants to claim a starting spot at linebacker.
“They’re all seeing the door open,” Martin said. “Jackson’s going to be in the thick of the race. We’re really excited about what he brings to the table.”
Sophomore Malcolm McCain is another name to watch. He turned in a strong spring — showing speed, physicality and a knack for finding the football.
“He can run, he can hit,” Martin said of McCain. “He’s young, not as experienced as some of the other guys, but he’s super smart — a great student and a smart football player.”
Sophomore Christian McKinney offers versatility and is already a proven special teams contributor. He could see expanded defensive opportunities.
Junior Luke Myers, another special teams regular, is pushing for a spot on first, second and third downs. Sophomore linebackers Tyler Dikos and Brock Uihlein add depth to “a great group of linebackers,” Martin said.
Junior Grant Lyons, sophomore Malik Ray, freshman Vito McConnell and freshman Harrison Brewster round out the rostered linebackers.
“We don’t know how it’s going to shake out,” Martin said. “But between defense and special teams, all those names I just mentioned are going to be all over the field.
“It’s going to be a bunch of new guys getting their first taste. And they’re going to get their taste of Wisconsin first.”
