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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
****
Talk about it on RED TOWEL TALK.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Follow us on Twitter: @WKU_Rivals, @SeanW_Rivals, @Drew_Toennies, @TheCaseyWarner, @HanaLei91, @DBo83
Like us on FACEBOOK.