4/13/2023 football Edit

WKU's LB room details progression in spring practice

WKU linebacker Aaron Key after Thursday's practice.

Drew Toennies • InsideHilltopperSports

Staff Writer

Western Kentucky was back in action at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on Thursday afternoon to close out another week of the spring practice schedule as the annual Spring Game quickly approaches.

The Hilltoppers' linebacker room sat down with InsideHilltopperSports.com to go in-depth on the team's defensive practice several weeks and two scrimmages into the spring practice slate.

WKU outside linebacker coach Jamar Chaney, a former SEC defensive analyst and recruiting coordinator for Florida, revealed what led him to the Hilltoppers' program over the offseason.

"Just the opportunity to be an on-the-field coach, I knew Tyson Summers from his time at Florida. And the history behind the program as well. Good team, good program, good offense, good defense."

— Jamar Chaney

Chaney said that he was completely sold on the Hilltoppers' program after chatting with WKU defensive coordinator Tyson Summers and has inherited a great group of linebackers to work with for next season.

Chaney said that JaQues Evans (Donut) is one of the best contributors on the entire defense, followed closely behind by linebackers Aaron Key, Niko Cooper and Kylan Guidry. He said all of those guys are making the most of their time on the field.

"Donut, he's one of the best players on defense and just trying to keep him hungry, and he is hungry. And you got guys like Aaron Key, we got guys like Niko, KG. Those guys are doing real well this spring."

— Jamar Chaney

Cooper, one of the Hilltoppers' strongest defensive contributors last season, said that the new additions of the coaching staff haven't fundamentally changed anything for the defense.

The returning linebacker said that with the new coaching staff coming in, the team is getting along and coming together. Cooper said that Western Kentucky is still shooting to be the best defense in the country.

"Basically nothing, nothing really. Different coaching staff coming in but we're getting along and coming together. And continue to be the best defense in the country."

— Niko Cooper

Cooper also went in-depth on what the Hilltoppers' defense has been focusing on in spring practice with two scrimmages in the books. Cooper also revealed what the overall expectation for Western Kentucky's defens is entering the 2023 season.

"Fast, physical, finish, tackle. One more thing, tackle, get your man down and let's play... We treat every one like the same, from the first game until the last game."

— Niko Cooper

Key, another significant defensive talent on Western Kentucky's roster last season, agreed with Cooper that tackling is a huge point of emphasis for the Hilltoppers' defense at this moment.

Other than that, Key said a few more areas of focus for the defense has been helping the new transfers get accustomed to the level of play, playing fast, physical and being able to execute their assignments.

"Right now, we're just working on tackling. That's a big emphasis for us, we gotta tackle better, help the young guys get on the level we're on. Other than that, it's really just tackling, playing fast, playing physical and making sure we're keyed in on our assignments."

— Aaron Key

Key said that the defense has some more work to do in order to counter the explosive offense in scrimmages.

In the first scrimmage, Key said the defense played not bad and not good. In the second scrimmage, Key said the defense was looking a lot stronger, but still have some work to do.

"The first scrimmage, it wasn't too bad, too good, we could've done better. The second scrimmage, I felt like we came out and improved on the first scrimmage, but we missed a lot more tackles than we expected."

— Aaron Key

Western Kentucky will return to Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium for another week of spring practice on Tuesday. The Hilltoppers host their annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 22.

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