Warriors Defense

Last season the Wayne State University defense would be best compared to a yo-yo. In the beginning of the season the Warriors struggled, allowing 130 points in the first three contests. However, after making some personnel changes and moving some players from offense to defense, WSU won their next three contests, allowing only 55 points in three games. Kazor feels the defense has made great strides and will continue to get better as a group.

“What worked for us last season was moving players around and putting them in the right positions,” Kazor said. Our best example of that was safety Derrick Thomas (Belleville, Mich.) who was a wingback for us and ended up in the defensive backfield. He became one of our leaders, and probably our best tackler, at the end of the season.

“I think we have added some young players that will complement our returning players. We have added more speed to the defense and I think that will be most helpful for this season.”

Linebackers
The Warriors have a solid group of linebackers led by senior Joe Spuhler (Maccomb, Mich./Henry Ford). Spuhler, shown carrying the football in the photo below, was the second leading tackler on the team last season, accumulating 56 tackles and 11 tackles for loss in nine contests. Taiwan Brown (Detroit, Mich./Chadsey) was also a pleasant surprise for WSU, recording 41 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks in eight contests.

Daniel Stuckey (Cummings, Ga./Forsyth) is an extremely athletic linebacker who moved from defensive back last season. Stuckey had 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and three fumble recoveries.

Kazor has also been impressed with the emergence of Terrence Towns (Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech).

“Terrence is a great competitor and I think he will make a big impact with the squad this season.”

Defensive Line
The Warriors return three key lineman from last season in Steve Andonovski (Windsor, Ontario/Forester), Greg Smith (Ann Arbor, Mich./Community) and Craig Jobe (Temperance, Mich./Ida).

Andonovski had 15 tackles last season, including two tackles for loss. Smith was fourth on the team in tackles with 44, including nine tackles for loss. Smith is an excellent run-stuffer and also has the ability to rush the passer as he recorded two sacks in 2000. Jobe played in 10 games for the Warriors, recording seven tackles and three pass breakups. Jobe will have the opportunity to start in 2001.

“We have a lot of young linemen and we feel confident that we will be able to field a strong line,” said Kazor.

Defensive Backs
Wayne State returns two solid defensive backs from the 2000 squad in Derrick Thomas and Damien Kirby (Detroit, Mich./Mumford). Thomas had 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions and one blocked kick. Kirby played in 10 games for the Warriors, totalling 12 tackles and one pass breakup.

Kazor feels the spring session molded some of the younger players into solid defensive backs.

“In the spring we had the opportunity to try different players at defensive back,” said Kazor. “Alvin Mask (Lansing, Mich./J.W. Sexton) and Rodney Hunsanger (Sterling Heights, Mich./Stevenson) each did solid work in the offseason and should see extra playing time. Jorge Gomez (Oxford, Mich.), who was hurt for most of last season, also is another good secondary player. Mike Nowicki (St. Clair Shores, Mich./South Lake) is another player who may get a starting nod in the fall.

“We have many good athletes on this team. Now it is just a matter of getting everyone on the same page to play as one cohesive unit. If that happens we will be an excellent football team.”

Outlook || Offense || Defense