Ashland University 2005 Spring Football Preview: Defensive Secondary
April 26, 2005

Defensive Secondary (Secondary Coach - Steve Clinkscale)

Key Losses – Aaron O’Reilly (77 tackles/49 solo, 2 interceptions)

Top Returnees – Chris Holland (47 tackles/33 solo, 1 interception), Devin Conwell (118 tackles/80 solo, 12 tackles for loss, three interceptions).

Real estate professionals emphasize that it’s never a mistake to increase your land holdings.

That’s what AU’s Devin Conwell (Baltimore, MD/Montgomery C.C.) has done this spring. He’s taken up roots, at least temporarily, in a new neighborhood.

Conwell, a junior, was a first team All-GLIAC pick at linebacker last season and he’s had over 100 tackles each of the last two seasons. This spring, the AU coaching staff wanted to experiment with Conwell at free safety. That would bring speed and experience to the secondary and could help the Eagles get even more speed back at linebacker.

“It’s gone really well,” said secondary coach Steve Clinkscale when asked about Conwell’s move to the secondary. “He’s shown he’s still the best player on our defense. He’s explosive and he makes plays. His intelligence has allowed him to make this move.”

AU fans will probably see the 6-2, 225-pound Conwell play both linebacker and strong safety in 2005. Other players who will line up at the safety spots are 5-9, 175-pound freshman Justin Hood (Youngstown, OH/Chaney) and 6-0, 205-pound freshman Kyle Calvert (Canton, OH/Massillon Jackson).

Hood is the projected starter at free safety and Calvert will play strong safety and nickel back.

“Justin’s developed a bit of an attitude on the field,” said Clinkscale. “He’s very aggressive and he’s emerged as a leader even though he’s just a freshman.

“Kyle’s living up to our expectations,” continued Clinkscale. “He’s a bone-crushing hitter. He understands the defense now and makes less mistakes than in the past.”

Hood had 43 tackles (29 solo) and an interception last season and Calvert had 25 stops (18 solo) and one pick.

Clinkscale has been regularly working with five players at the cornerback slots this spring. The most experienced member of that group is 6-0, 195-pound sophomore Chris Holland (Youngstown, OH/Raven). Holland, who recorded 47 tackles last year (29 solo), is one of the Eagles’ hardest hitters. He’s been limited this spring due to some bumps and bruises.

“He’s very consistent,” noted Clinkscale. “He knows all the positions – free safety, strong safety and both cornerback positions. This spring he’s had the pads on and he’s been a coach on the sidelines, working with our younger guys.”

Freshman Thaddeus Walker (Warren, OH/Harding) is coming off a season that saw him make 30 tackles and intercept a pair of passes.

“He’s played very well,” said Clinkscale in evaluating the 5-9, 165-pound Walker’s work this spring. “In our last scrimmage, no one caught a pass on him. He understands he can be a dominant corner with his speed and quickness.”

Kelly Ajala (Pittsburgh, PA/Schenley), a 5-9, 160-pound freshman, has taken his game to a new level this spring. This is his first extended look at cornerback.

“That’s given us some extra depth on the corner,” Clinkscale reported. “We didn’t know what to expect. He’s been aggressive on the ball and in run support. I would say he’s been our biggest surprise.”

Harvey Brister (Cleveland Heights, OH/Orange) and Anthony Marstiller (Windham, OH) are the other two players who have received regular reps at cornerback this spring. Brister is a 5-9, 190-pound sophomore and Marstellar is a 6-2, 185-pound freshman.