RICHMOND, Ky. - This is the second part of a two-story preview for the 2012 Eastern Kentucky University football team.

The Defense
Even though the offense has been getting the majority of the publicity heading into the season, the defense has plenty of playmakers on its side of the ball under second year coordinator Tony Hatmaker. EKU’s 4-3 defense led the OVC in scoring defense (23.3 ppg) and turnovers forced (31) one year ago.

The three starting linebackers could possibly be the most dynamic group in Richmond since the mid-1990s. Junior Ichiro Vance will line up in the middle for the second straight year. He posted a team season-high 19 tackles in the win over Missouri State last year. Senior Kevin Hamlin, a 2011 All-OVC newcomer selection, will once again cover the weak side. Hamlin was involved in six turnovers in his first season on the squad. He led the OVC in interceptions (four) and also posted two fumble recoveries. Finally, junior Anthony Brown is making the move from defensive lineman to strong side linebacker. Brown tallied 10 sacks in his first two years on the team and finished with a personal-best 13 tackles in the FCS playoff game against James Madison.

“Moving Brown is going to do a world of good to the defense,” EKU head coach Dean Hood said. “Our sam linebacker spot is a critical spot in the defense and he showed in the spring that he can lock it down.”

Two preseason All-OVC honorees are set to line up in the defensive backfield. Senior Justin Bell has proven to be a game changer at one corner back position. He got his hands on a first quarter interception versus Tennessee State last year and returned it 79 yards for a score. Bell was also credited with the goal-line stop on the final play in the 52-48 win over Jacksonville State. Brooklyn Fox, the team’s third leading tackler in 2011, is scheduled to start at free safety for the third straight year. He recorded three interceptions last season, one of which came at Kansas State.

The other two defensive back positions are up for grabs. Sophomore Brandon Stanley is the leading candidate to fill the shoes of two-time All-OVC pick Patrick McClellan at strong safety. Trey Thomas, who saw action in 10 games last year as a true freshman, is the front runner at the other corner back spot.

There are a few changes on the defensive line due to the departure of two All-OVC performers – tackle Emory Attig (graduation) and end Anthony Brown (move to linebacker). Senior Robert Knowles and junior Shawn Shupperd both have plenty of experience at defensive end and should do just fine anchoring those positions. In the interior, junior David Carter will fill one spot while the other will be contested by redshirt freshman Bryce Krebs, sophomore Caleb Coulliette and Virginia Tech transfer Courtney Prince.

“Losing Emory Attig was probably the biggest loss to our football team because of his leadership and consistency,” Hood said. “We need our redshirt freshmen and transfers to rise up and make some plays for us.”

The Special Teams
Junior punter Jordan Berry truly makes the word ‘special’ stand out in special teams. The 2011 All-OVC punter finished 25th nationally in punting one year ago (41.0 yards per punt) and set an EKU single-season record as a freshman in 2010 (42.9 ypp). He can do a variety of kicks ranging from traditional to rugby and has even practiced punting left-footed. Berry also serves as the holder on field goal attempts.

Kicking is an area of concern for EKU headed into the 2012 season. Junior Luke Pray only converted 10-of-20 field goal attempts last year with a long of 49 yards.

Numerous players are in the running for kick and punt return duties. Seniors Justin Bell and Cameron Bailey, as well as newcomer Deshaun Sands, took a lot of repetitions during spring practice. Bell nearly returned a punt for a touchdown in the FCS playoffs versus James Madison.

The Schedule
The 2012 schedule opens with three consecutive non-conference games including the opener at Big Ten opponent Purdue on Sept. 1. Purdue head coach Danny Hope previously served as head coach at Eastern Kentucky (2003-07) where he guided the Colonels to the 2007 OVC championship. Hope graduated from EKU in 1981 and was a part of the Colonels’ 1979 NCAA Division I-AA national championship team.

The following week, Eastern opens its home schedule against Morehead State (Sept. 8). The Colonels and Eagles last met on the gridiron in 2008.

EKU concludes its non-conference schedule on Sept. 15 in its first-ever meeting against Coastal Carolina. The Chanticleers, who have earned trips to the NCAA FCS playoffs in 2006 and 2010, finished 7-4 overall and 3-3 in the Big South this past fall.

Family Weekend is set for Sept. 22 when the Colonels open Ohio Valley Conference action against Jacksonville State. Eastern has won four of the last five meetings versus the Gamecocks, including a thrilling 52-48 win at JSU in November.

Back-to-back conference road games follow the Jacksonville State tilt before Eastern Kentucky returns to Roy Kidd Stadium on Oct. 13 for its Homecoming game versus Austin Peay. The Governors have not defeated EKU in Richmond since 1977, but did come away with a 23-17 win over the Colonels in Clarksville this past season.

On Oct. 20, Eastern Kentucky takes on 2011 OVC co-champion Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tenn. The Golden Eagles earned the league’s automatic playoff berth last year thanks to key victories over EKU and Jacksonville State.

Two of the Colonels’ final three games are at home featuring OVC foes Eastern Illinois (Oct. 27) and Murray State (Nov. 10). This will mark the 68th consecutive season Eastern Kentucky and Murray State have met on the football field. Both schools are original members of the Ohio Valley Conference which formed in 1948. The two teams have combined to win 29 OVC crowns.