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"Once he figures that out, he's got good speed and he's tough and he'll make an impact," Craig said. Senior Robert Webb (5-10, 192) ro- tates in at defensive end and does a good job of playing technique. Sophomore Jose Palacios (5-5, 186) has shown glimpses of being able to play defensive tackle or nose guard. Senior Kaiden Vernnon also may see time on the defensive line and will play a lot on special teams. Offensive starters Saul Urena (5-11, 215), Brock Gold (5-10, 271), Noah Race (6-0, 250) and Noah Beyers (6-0, 210) have also gotten defensive reps in the interior. Linebacker Stone Stephens, a senior, is a three- year starter at linebacker for the Pan- thers. Stephens (6-0, 193) will head up the linebacking corps from an inside backer position in 2022. "He's a great kid overall," Craig said. "Great student in classroom — I can't stay enough good things about him. He'll be the leader of our defense. Most kids look to him for inspiration and leadership. He's a really good Friday night player for us, and it makes a huge difference he's played so many years and knows what to expect." Manning another linebacker posi - tion will be junior George LeRoy (5-10, 183). LeRoy can play inside or outside linebacker. "The kid's got a really high motor," Craig said. "He plays fast. He runs to the football. He's got a lot of energy out on the football field. You know he's never going to give up on a play." Senior Dallion Miller (6-1, 205) has seen a lot of playing time at linebacker the last couple of years. "He's got good size and good speed," Craig said. "He needs to develop more consistency with his daily skill set, but he's got a lot of tools." Sophomore Kimber Haggard (5-10, 185) gives the Panthers a good frame and "looks the part" of a linebacker, Craig said. "He be a guy that develops into a really good player," Craig said. "Ob - viously coming in as a sophomore he needs to develop strength and speed. He could eventually step up and be a good player." Sophomore Gage Jones is another up and coming sophomore. "( Jones) plays the position really physical," Craig said. "He still needs to work on strength and speed as well, but he's got a great attitude. He's a great kid with a bright future long term play - ing that position." Craig said running back Jed Derwin (5-8, 195) will play some inside line- backer out of necessity. "He's played there his whole career," Craig said. "He's physical there, just like he is on the offensive line." Junior Alberto Olivas (5-7, 161) and sophomore Uriel Paddila (5-5, 152) also work at outside linebacker. Craig said junior Anthony Sandoval (5-10, 187) may make the move from safety to outside linebacker as well. "Anthony is a physical kid," Craig said. "He's suited to play that position because of his size." Alec Pearson (5-11, 147), a sopho - more, also may find his way into the playing mix in the linebacking corps. Safeties Senior Daxton Moody (5-11, 160) returns to the starting lineup at bandit after missing most of last season with a leg injury suffered at Harrison. "He's worked there all summer and has a good understanding of what we want defensively," Craig said. "He's the quarterback of our defense. He makes sure we're lined up right." We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. Tackling your Insurance Needs ® Proud to support our local hometown teams! Jimmy Allen 816 S. Mount Olive St. Siloam Springs, AR 72761 479-524-4183 JAllen@ShelterInsurance.com www.shelterinsurance.com 2022 Football Preview C8 n Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Herald-Leader/Westside Eagle Observer DEFENSE Continued from Page C7 See DEFENSE on Page C9 Jonathan Johnson - Defensive coordinator/ outside linebackers Justin Wood - Offensive coordinator/Offensive line