Linebackers sure to be an intimidating force

By Greg Katski East Carolinian

August 22, 2007

Greenville, NC (CSTV U-WIRE) -- The success of ECU's defense rests firmly on the broad shoulders of Fred Wilson, Pierre Bell and Quentin Cotton. The three linebackers have been a fundamental part in the resurgence of a tough, intimidating Pirates defense under third year defensive coordinator Greg Hudson.

In 2003, ECU's rush defense was the laughing stock of C-USA. The defense gave up an appalling 221.6 yards per game on the ground. In only three short seasons, two under the tutelage of Hudson, the Pirates have scaled back over 75 rush yards per game, giving up 145.2 yards per game on the ground. With an emphasis on stopping the run, Hudson has gotten his defense back to the fundamentals of tackling.

"That's [stopping the run] our first priority, whether it's a great team like Virginia Tech or a team that is more of a spread option offensive team, you have to stop the run first and if you don't their going to just keep handing the ball off and laugh at you," remarked Hudson.

The improvement can also be credited to the players on a cohesive defense led by standout defensive lineman Mark Robinson and middle linebacker Wilson.

With the return of all three starting linebackers in senior captain Wilson and juniors Bell and Cotton, ECU's rush defense is expected to be even better. While the defense has made strides over the past few years, there is still room for improvement. The Pirates ranked sixth among C-USA teams in rushing defense in 2006, well behind first-ranked SMU (107.5 rush yards per game).

Wilson, 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, a former transfer from Georgia Military proved during his initial season in 2006 to be an aggressive, heady team player. Wilson credits this partially to his tough, demanding education at Georgia Military.

"At Georgia Military they taught me a lot about being together as one team," said Wilson. "My linebackers coach taught me a lot about helping each other, so that helped me with my discipline."

As the middle linebacker, Wilson is expected to be the leader of the defense and mentor the younger players to help them become well adapted within the system. While Wilson is known as a soft-spoken individual, Hudson believes that his leadership qualities speak volumes to his teammates.

"Fred is a lead-by-example guy. The best way to evaluate Fred's leadership is to watch him on Saturday," the Pirates' defensive coordinator said. "He's an emotional player, he's not a real loud, vocal guy during the week but when he clears his throat everybody seems to stand still. He's an intimidating presence but he represents this university in great fashion...Fred's presence and emotion, especially on Saturdays, plays a huge role on this team." Wilson will also be relied on as the primary signal caller on defense after starting all 13 games last season at middle linebacker, tallying 39 solo and 25 assisted tackles.

"On the defense, we're [linebackers] like the quarterback of an offense. Having me, [Quentin] Cotton and [Pierre] Bell back on defense gives the team good experience," said Wilson. "We're trying to help the younger guys in the secondary and the veterans up front by running around and flying to the ball."

Hudson, who played two years as a linebacker at Notre Dame and now coaches the linebacking corps along with holding the duties of defensive coordinator, can attest to the importance of a good linebacking unit.

"It's like baseball, you have to be strong up the middle and we feel the same way about our defense, our middle linebacker has to run and make plays," Hudson said, adding that he thinks the experience and camaraderie of the starting three linebackers will pay big dividends.

"That linebacker core, they've worked together, they know where each other is going to be and the retention from last spring has been good."

With Cotton, 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and Bell, 6-foot-2, 231 pounds, Wilson knows he has two strong teammates by his side to rely on. Cotton, a preseason second-team All-Conference USA performer according to Athlon Sports, has been stellar when healthy. In 2006, Cotton finished second on the team with 68 total tackles (34 solo, 34 assisted) despite missing two games due to injury (ankle, shoulder). Cotton has also shown a knack for getting after the opposing quarterback and running backs, tallying a team-high eight tackles for a loss of yardage in 2006 (-17 yards). Cotton will play an important role in taking the load off a young secondary by putting pressure on quarterbacks.

Similar to Cotton, Bell has had an injury plagued career, but when healthy has made quite an impact. Bell finished third on the defense with 66 total tackles. He is also a respected veteran that shares leadership duties with Wilson.

"Pierre Bell is a guy that's been here longer than I have and he's doing a good job with leadership," Hudson said.

While Bell and Cotton have had nagging injuries, both had successful shoulder surgery during spring practice and have been healthy for summer workouts and fall practice. As long as the defense sticks to fundamentals and stays healthy, Hudson thinks the team will have a successful year and has come a long way from the struggles of 2003.

"We've steadily chopped away at where we need to be as a defense." With a hint of caution, Hudson added, "The main thing is we have to be careful as coaches and not get caught up in the scheme and stuff and just tackle. If we miss tackles in Blacksburg that place will be rocking, but if your fundamentally sound and your kids play hard you have a chance."