Football spring drills begin

The Salina Journal

LINDSBORG—A week into spring football drills, Jamie Cruce and his staff are getting a hold on restructuring a couple of areas of need for next fall as his Terrible Swedes are looking to improve on their 8-3 season of a year ago.

The main focal points during spring ball will be replacing four starters in the offensive line, revamping a secondary and finding a replacement for All-American kicker Alex Fambrough, all departing via graduation.

"Losing four seniors off our offensive line, that's one of our main concerns," he said. "The new guys are going to battle for those spots are getting used to working together, making calls and getting adjusted."

With 2-time All-American running back Jr. Allen returning for his senior season, getting those positions up front is of paramount concern. Allen comes into next fall just 300 yards short of the career rushing mark at Bethany, something he has accomplished in just two seasons after transferring from Missouri Valley.

Backing Allen up again will be Tevis Linnebur (5-6, 205) and Anthony Grist (5-10, 215).

Also, keeping opposing defenses off quarterbacks Darby House and Zack Waggoner is major key as a host of talented receivers, led by All-KCAC Brandon Martino (6-1, 195) and Dre Thompson (6-3, 185), will be manning the flanks for Bethany. The third quarterback in the mix is redshirt freshman Caden Cowan.

The lone returner up front is Sal Ramirez, a 2-year starter at right tackle. Due to his flexibility could be moved.

Like his mentor, Ted Kessinger, Cruce might be more in the position of reloading than rebuilding as many of his top candidates were in place last fall as redshirts or in transfer situations.

One man who figures to fill in a spot is right guard Caton Scarry (6-2, 307), a transfer from Butler County. Others in the mix are James Berry (6-4, 295); Codi Larmer (6-3, 360); Zack Hopkins (6-2, 285); Jimmy Hopkins (6-2, 275); Josh Vilarreal (5-9, 275) and James Runnells (5-10, 285) and junior college transfer Joe Carrillo (6-5, 305).

Kyle Shirley (6-5, 267) returns as a blocking tightend while Haydon Parks (6-8, 235) is another TE, joining the football program after completing his senior year of basketball this winter. H-Back, Chad Wollenberg, (6-0, 234) also returns to give more blocking on the edge to help create running lanes for Allen.

Defensively, Cruce said it looks like he has a solid group of secondary players.

"We hope we are going to be talented there, we just have to make sure everyone gets on the same page. We'll have some ‘new' faces there, but guys who have played for us."

Brent Donaldson (6-2, 205) and Jarvis Carroway (5-11, 240) are a couple who have experience at safety while Tyrie Allen, a transfer from Nicholls State (5-10, 185) will get strong looks. DeWayne Autrey (6-1, 195), an All-KCAC performer two seasons ago, is also back and is expected to step in where his brother Ira played last year.

Up front, the middle will again be patrolled by Rocky Castro (5-7, 235) with Willie Sanchez (6-2, 280). On the flanks are Steve Williams (6-1, 212) and Julius Russell (6-1, 220). Another basketball player in the mix is Chris Dean (6-5, 275). Dean is one of the strongest men on the field, but needs to dust off his football skills according to Swede coaches.

Linebacker could be the strongest asset for Bethany as the corps is hubbed around Lindsborg native Mike Baker (6-2, 232) and Milton Collins (5-10, 185). Jeff Childs (5-8, 191); Oscar Segura (5-9, 181) and Cody Peabody (5-11, 180) return on the outside.

"We signed Cody Lyter (kicker) and the good thing about Cody is that he's a good kicker and punter. Alex was definitely a good kicker, but maybe not a great punter. Cody's a guy that can do both."

In all, Bethany is working spring ball with 80 players, including 15 transfers.

Spring drills will conclude with an inter-squad scrimmage Saturday, April 28.