Player Development Expected To Pay Off On Defense

Southlake’s defensive roster will showcase speed and athleticism as it gains experience.

After graduating the overwhelming majority of its defensive roster, including 10 of its 11 Week One starters, the Southlake Carroll defense is relying on the continued development of its younger players. 

Gone are All-State performers like Dustan Mark (Princeton University) and Eric Garza (University of Texas) from a team that gave up just 14 points per game. However, this year’s squad still has high expectations.   

First of all, they’re bringing back lineman and all-around offense disruptor 6-foot-1, 230-pound Austin Davidge, who compiled 48 tackles including 12 tackles for a loss during his All-District junior campaign. Davidge will be joined up front by 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive lineman Zach Hays. The team looks to surround their strength and athleticism on the defensive front with a bevy of newcomers who will rely on speed and smarts as they assume vital roles.  

“I think we did a good job with the sophomore crew that are now juniors,” says head coach Riley Dodge, “the majority of them were on varsity and played huge roles for us in special teams.”

Those on the come-up saw plenty of varsity snaps in crucial back up and late-game action a year ago. And even though they weren’t on the field full-time, they were around the varsity unit every day from practice to meetings and game day. Now it’s time to show what they can do.

“They know how we operate on a day-to-day basis and they’ve had an amazing spring and offseason,” says Dodge. “I’m excited about this group as a whole.”

This group includes up-and-coming linebackers Marcus Brouse and Robbie Ladd. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, Brouse saw the most action as a sophomore playing in 10 games and recording 19 tackles. Ladd was more of a stat sheet filler for the JV team, where he had 76 tackles and four sacks to his name.

In the defensive secondary, juniors William Chen and Luke Langford will be patrolling as safeties. Chen appeared in seven varsity games last season and is amongst the team’s leading returning tacklers with 19. Langford didn’t have as much varsity action, however his 4.4-second, 40-yard speed will ensure he makes plenty of plays over the season to come. 

When the coach speaks about the offseason, he’s definitely appreciative of what new strength and conditioning coach Doug Castleberry has brought to the playing field.

And it’s not just Castleberry drawing praise. This year’s defensive squad is already impressing their coach.

“I think when it's all said and done, it's probably our fastest defense we've had. They're just inexperienced right now. Athletically, it's a group that can really run sideline to sideline, I'm excited to show what they’re capable of.”

Players to watch:

#90 DL Austin Davidge

The team’s lone returning starter from the 13-2 squad, 6’1”, 230-pound Davidge has the experience and drive to play a big leadership role this season. His 12 tackles for a loss a year ago were second only to Dustan Mark’s 18. 

#8 S Luke Langford

At 6-foot-1 and nearing a 40-inch vertical leap, Langford has the size and range to be a disruptive force for opposing receivers in his junior season.

#12 LB Marcus Brouse

One of the team’s more experienced linebackers, the compact and powerful 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior saw action in 10 games last year. 

#13 DL Zach Hays

A superior athlete who is also a four-star kicker, Zach Hays has grown into a 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive power who is expected to wreak havoc in the backfield.

#9 S William Chen

Appearing in seven games as a sophomore, Chen delivered 19 tackles and seems poised to take it to the next level.