The term “linebacker” is literal. The player positions himself behind the defensive line. From there, he can move forward to rush the passer, remain stationary to stop runners coming through the line, or move backwards into pass coverage. It is a multi-faceted position; the linebacker must be able to tackle, pursue, and defend receivers. To do so, the prototypical linebacker must possess size and speed, plus a good eye for the field.
Linebackers are known primarily for making big hits on anyone who makes it through the first level of defenders.
“It makes me feel that all the work Coach (Ryan) Kineard has put me through in the weight room has paid off,” Bacon County senior linebacker Jacob Carver says of his strength and conditioning coach.
Some of the more famous (and some even infamous) NFL linebackers include Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus, Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, and Jack Lambert. Southeast Georgia has become a hotbed of talented players, including some of the top linebackers, who will be making big hits on Friday nights. Here are a few of the area’s defensive roadblocks who will be making plays in 2015.
Ervin Nard
Senior
Ware County Gators
Waycross, Ga.
Coach Franklin Stephens
Ervin Nard is more than just a senior linebacker for the Ware County Gators defense; he is a three-sport standout that plays basketball and runs track as well. The 5’10”, 205-pounder can bench press 285 pounds, squat 365, and power clean 250. Nard has been a big part of Ware County’s strong defense, which has led the way to deep playoff runs the past few years. He got his first big hit playing varsity his freshman year against Windsor Forest. His most memorable game came last season in the first round of the playoffs, when the Gators’ defense devastated the Starr’s Mill offense for a 45-10 victory. When he is not studying or practicing, Nard is a team member at Chick-fil-A. His dream is to make it to the NFL one day; but if not, he may go into coaching.
Plans for the future:
Nard is starting to attract attention from college scouts, but does not yet have any offers. “I’ve talked to some colleges,” he says. “It’s cool knowing college coaches know about you.” Nard plans on playing football in college and majoring in business. “I want to own my own business or be a head football coach,” he says.
Favorite part of playing football?
“Having your team coming together as one and having fun while doing it.”
Who has helped you the most?
Nard started playing football his eighth-grade year. As one of seven children (including five boys), he got a great deal of help from his family. “My brothers helped me to become a good player, as well as the coaching staff,” he says. One brother in particular, Richard Buford, was his biggest influence. “He basically taught me everything about sports,” Nard says of his brother, who plays semi-pro football and basketball.
What goes through your mind when you are on the field?
“Play fast, think fast, and strike first.”
What is it like making a big hit?
“It’s the best thing that can happen to a football player. It’s like winning the lottery.”
Coach Franklin Stephens on Ervin Nard:
“Ervin is a very physical and intense football player. His leadership skills help to transcend the program, both on and off of the field. As his football knowledge increases, so will his playmaking ability on the field. Nard is the kind of player you want on your team.”
De’Andre Gardenhire
Senior
Camden County Wildcats
Kingsland, Ga.
Coach Welton Coffey
De’Andre Gardenhire was a stalwart part of the Wildcats’ defense last season and is considered by Camden County head coach Welton Coffey to be one of the most improved players on the team this year. He is a 6’3″, 215-pound defensive end who is also being recruited as a linebacker due to his size and speed. He has already received his first offer from Old Dominion. He has a 4.7 40-yard dash, and in the weight room he can bench press 380-pounds, squat 460, and power clean 325. He started playing recreation league football at the age of seven and has played every season since.
Schools recruiting you:
Western Kentucky, Old Dominion, Boston College, and Mississippi State
“It gives me confidence,” Gardenhire says of being recruited. “I feel that I am doing things right. It definitely encourages me to continue to work hard.”
College plans:
Gardenhire plans on playing football in college and obtaining a degree in sports management. “I want to get a scholarship to attend college and make it to the NFL. However, if a pro career is not in the future, I would love to coach.”
Sports honors:
Last season, Gardenhire was named to the All-Region 1-AAAAAA team and was also named the MVP of one of the offseason combines as the top overall athlete at the camp.
What goes through your mind when you are on the field?
“If I make a mistake, just go hit someone!”
What is it like making a big hit?
“I compare it to making an honest dollar on a job. It feels good.”
Coach Welton Coffey on De’Andre Gardenhire:
“De’Andre Gardenhire is currently a two-year starter on our defensive line. De’Andre will be an important part of our success on defense because of his playing experience and physical talent. He possesses good quickness off the ball and great physical strength. He has grown a great deal, not only physically, but mentally as well. De’Andre has a much better understanding of the defensive scheme and his role within the scheme. We are expecting DeAndre to be a disruptive force from the defensive end position this season. DeAndre has a bright future ahead of him if he can continue to improve.”
Jacob Carver
Senior
Bacon County Raiders
Alma, Ga.
Coach Ken Cofer
At 6’1″ and 230 pounds, Bacon County High School senior Jacob Carver is a fast, hard-hitting defender. He runs the 40 in 4.6 seconds, and in the weight room, he has a bench press max of 380 pounds, squat max of 525, and a power clean max of 375. Carver is also a third baseman and pitcher for head coach Derek James’ Raiders baseball team that made it to the second round of the state playoffs this spring. Playing for Ken Cofer’s Raiders football team, Carver plays both ways. Not only is he a force on defense, he is also a star running back on offense. “It took us a while to find out what all we could do with our personnel, but Jacob ended up being a vital part of our offense midway through last season,” Coach Cofer says. “We finally took ownership that we were going to run the football, and he just took over. Anytime you have a 225-pound running back, you probably need to feed the kid the ball.”
On the field:
Last season against the Bryan County Redskins, Carver had a night to remember. “I scored the first two touchdowns and had a scoop and score for a 43-yard touchdown,” Carver says.
A few weeks later, playing running back, Carver rushed for 204 yards on 18 carries for four touchdowns as Bacon County defeated McIntosh County Academy. “I have been playing since I was seven, and I’ve had a feel for the game ever since,” Carver says.
Colleges taking a look:
The University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, and Troy University are recruiting Carver as a linebacker.
College plans:
To go four years, plus graduate school, and major in business and real estate.
What goes through your mind when you are on the field?
“What can I do to benefit my brothers, so we can win the game, and check with my brothers Ametreius (Williams) and Anasico (Washington) to make sure everything is good in coverage.”
Coach Ken Cofer on Jacob Carver:
“He’s always in great shape and loves the weight room, so that contributes to him wearing on opponents toward the end of a game. He’ll get his share of carries and more, but he’s huge for us on defense as well. That’s where he’ll play in college. He has a lot of college interest to this point, and that should expand with another good year.”
Jeremiah Littles
Senior
Wayne County Yellow Jackets
Jesup, Ga.
Coach Jody Grooms
Jeremiah Littles made a name for himself at Wayne County last year as a linebacker and tight end for Jody Grooms’ Yellow Jackets. At 6’2″ and 235 pounds, Littles is a force in the Jackets’ defense. He can bench press 325 pounds, squat 445, and power clean 320. He is an All-State and All-Region 3-AAAA player and also plays center on the basketball team. He played soccer until his father introduced him to football when he was nine years old, and he has never looked back. He has grown into a major college prospect, which was exciting to Littles. “I thanked God and started to believe that my dreams have started to come true,” he says. Littles is the type of player that goes on instinct, clearing his mind and relying on his natural ability during games rather than overthinking the play. He is looking forward to a standout senior season and hopes he will be one of those inking a scholarship next February. “Playing college football on a full scholarship is my ultimate dream,” Littles says.
College plans:
Littles is being recruited by Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Cincinnati, Elon, Chattanooga, Wofford, and Wake Forest. “I’m excited about continuing my education. My plans are to major in computer science and be ready for the future,” Littles says.
Classroom clout:
Littles has a 3.6 grade point average and is a member of the FFA, student council, the Beta Club, and the A/B Honor Roll.
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“Just being able to play the game I love and having the opportunity to do so. I try to never take it for granted, because there are so many athletes who don’t have the ability and would do anything to play the game.”
Most memorable game:
Last season, Littles was part of the Wayne County team that defeated Burke County 23-14 on Halloween night in the last game of the regular season to claim the Region 3-AAAA Championship. “It was my first big win in my high school career,” Littles says.
Coach Jody Grooms on Jeremiah Littles:
“Jeremiah is a great football player. He is also a great leader and mentor for our young athletes. He has had a tremendous impact on our team and has helped us in our efforts to create a championship culture here at Wayne County High School.”
SE-PS-0815-Linebackers
Area schools
By Rob Asbell
Defensive Roadblocks
