Ashland University 2005 Spring Football Preview: Linebackers
April 28, 2005

Linebackers (Defensive Coordinator - Jim Meyer)

Key Losses – Chris Campbell (53 tackles/33 solo, 5 sacks, 4 interceptions)

Top Returnees – Allen Lattimore (88 tackles/55 solo, 9 sacks), Brady Miller (69 tackles/32 solo, 2 sacks).

A year ago, the Ashland University linebacking unit could be likened to that end of the public swimming pool that’s just above wading status. Not much depth to be had.

This year, defensive coordinator Jim Meyer believes the group is deep and that the talent will have a ripple effect, it will spread all over the field and up and down the depth chart.

“We should have a top-quality starting lineup and be able to substitute without a drop-off,” said defensive coordinator Jim Meyer. “Our goal is to be able to take guys in and out of the lineup and not lose effectiveness.”

At inside linebacker, the projected starters are two seniors-to-be - 6-3, 235-pound Jeremy Crabtree (Pickerington, OH) and 6-1, 230-pound Brady Miller (Cincinnati, OH/Elder). Crabtree is going into the WILL spot that Devin Conwell (Baltimore, MD/Montgomery C.C.) held last year. Conwell has moved to strong safety.

“He’s really come along, we think he can be very effective there,” said Meyer.

Miller is coming off an outstanding season that saw him finish fourth on the team in tackles (69/32 solo).

“He’s steady,” Meyer emphasized. “He calls all the signals, he’s the quarterback on defense. He’s been our most consistent guy in the fall and in the spring. He’ll take our defense to another level. He can be a troubleshooter if need be.”

Two other players who will see time inside are 6-3, 240-pound Mike Buzzard (Ashland, OH) and 5-11, 210-pound Jeremy Ambrose (Gahanna, OH/DeSales). Buzzard was a sophomore last season and Ambrose is a freshman.

“We feel good about these guys,” Meyer said. “We feel we can put them on the field at any time. Again, we feel good about our depth.”

In the fall, the Eagles’ numbers will also be bolstered by the return of Brian Joyner (Lorain, OH/Southview). The 6-1, 230-pound Joyner was a freshman in 2004 and was off to a good start before being lost with an injury. He’s been held out of spring drills.

At outside linebacker, the Eagles feature one of the GLIAC’s top players in 6-1, 220-pound Allen Lattimore (Dayton, OH/Colonel White). An honorable mention all-conference choice last season, Lattimore had 88 tackles (55 solo), 18 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

“He has great speed,” noted Meyer. “He’s taken his game to the next level. We try to utilize his talent and he’s been one of our most productive players.”

Meyer plays the “Rover” spot in the AU alignment. He’s supported at that position by 5-11, 195-pound Zane Nance (Middletown, OH/Hamilton) and 6-3, 190-pound D.J. Shaw (LaGrange, OH/Keystone). Nance will be a junior in the fall and Shaw is a freshman.

The starter at the “SAM” position is 6-2, 215-pound Corey Peacock. He will be a junior in the fall.

“He finished the year as the starter,” reminded Meyer. “He’s improved 100 percent over the spring. He’s put himself in a position where we can put him into the game and not hold our breath. He’s a very capable player and he had a great offseason in the weight room.”

Another name to remember outside is Luke Busson. The 6-1, 230-pound transfer from Kent State is in his first semester with the Eagles and Meyer likes what he’s observed.

“He brings strength and speed to the position,” said the AU assistant coach. “He also has great passion for the game.”

Buson’s presence could take some of the sting out of the loss to graduation of Chris Campbell. Campbell had 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and four interceptions last season. Meyer will be looking for someone to replicate those big-play numbers in 2005.