Aug. 15, 2011
DAVIS, Calif. - With football preseason camp underway, UC Davis is preparing for the 2011 schedule and the final year in the Great West Conference. In anticipation of the season opener at Arizona State, the Aggies will have a position-by-position preview leading up to the Sept. 1 kickoff. Today the linebackers are featured.
UC Davis lost their two top tacklers last season with the graduation of Dozie Amajoyi and Danny Hart, both of whom ranked in the top 10 for total tackles in the Great West. Despite the holes to fill, the Aggies have several players with game experience ready to take the reigns.
"This is an extremely great working group that is easy to coach because they all really like each other," said defensive coordinator Mark Johnson. "We've got great leadership and we're excited to see how they will continue to develop and perform this season."
Leading a dynamic group of athletes, junior Jordan Glass (6-2, 240) will start at middle linebacker. A local product from Elk Grove High School, Glass returns for his second season after transferring from Utah State. Last season he was third on the team in tackles, posting 66 tackles to go along with 4.5 tackles for loss. Also taking on captain duties this season, Glass tends to lead the linebackers by example with his on-field intelligence.
One of the biggest additions to the 2011 roster is junior transfer Reece Ludwig (6-1, 230). Ludwig played at Golden West College last season where he posted 52 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries in just seven games. After joining the Aggies in the spring, a solid fall camp has made him the favorite to start at strongside linebacker. The coaching staff has been pleasantly surprised with Ludwig's combination of toughness and his football instincts.
Junior Byron Gruendl (6-2, 200) is another experienced member of the defense that will start at weakside linebacker for the second consecutive season. One of the most versatile members of the defense, Gruendl played in 11 games at safety as a true freshman. After injuries sidelined several teammates he stepped into a new role as a linebacker in 2010. Gruendl recorded 57 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions last season. Still new to the position, coaches believe that he improved every game last season and is ready to cover a lot of ground in 2011.
UC Davis is fortunate to have multiple players with game experience to add to the linebacker rotation this season. Junior Kirk Skierski (6-0, 216) played in 10 games last season and finished with 15 tackles. Skierski will likely be second on the depth chart behind Glass at middle linebacker while adding some special teams duties.
Junior Hunter Pahl (6-0, 210) and senior Neil Pierce (6-0, 205) were also regulars in the linebacker unit last season with both players seeing action in nine games. Pahl had 14 tackles last season and will look to regain form this year after being sidelined due to injury late in 2010. Pierce started briefly last year and was second on the depth chart at weakside linebacker for the remainder of the season.
Sophomore Ryan O'Holleran (6-3, 230) and junior Chad Davis (6-1, 228) each saw limited action last season, combining for a total of eight games played and five tackles. Both players showed improvements in spring workouts and will be looking for playing time after a competitive fall camp.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Dimino (6-0, 220) has potential to climb the depth chart to play middle linebacker. Well known in Sacramento for his play at Del Campo High School, he could work his way into the rotation at some point this season. Coaches believe that with his natural athleticism Dimino will make big plays for UC Davis at some point in his football career.
Another promising redshirt freshman, Steven Pitts (6-1, 195), will play weakside linebacker with a chance to backup Gruendl. The Aggies also added three true freshman in Jonathan Bias (6-3, 220), Mike Cullen (6-1, 215) and Artice Nelson (6-3, 200).
Assistant coach Mark Johnson will direct the linebackers this season in addition to serving as the defensive coordinator. With perhaps the best mix of experience and athleticism on the 2011 squad, the linebackers figure to place UC Davis' defense among the league leaders this season.
Season tickets are on sale and available through the campus Ticket Office at (530) 752-1915 or by visiting ucdavisaggies.com.
Position-By-Position Preview Schedule:
Offensive Line - Monday, Aug. 8
Defensive Line - Wednesday, Aug. 10
Quarterbacks - Friday, Aug. 12
Linebackers - Monday, Aug. 15
Wide Receivers - Wednesday, Aug. 17
Defensive Backs - Friday, Aug. 19
Running Backs - Monday, Aug. 22
Tight Ends - Wednesday, Aug. 24
Special Teams - Friday, Aug. 26
