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RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University football team donned pads for the first time in preseason camp on Monday.
 
They'll need those pads as the coaching staff looks to develop depth at linebacker during preseason practice.
 
"We're going to be physical, we're going to be fast and we're going to be fun to watch," Co-Defensive Coordinator and linebackers coach Shannon Morrison said.  "We want to get off the spot, get downhill and make as many plays behind the line of scrimmage as we can."
 
Morrison, who spent the previous two seasons coaching the defensive backs, switched over to lead the linebacker corps before spring practice.
 
Three of the six linebackers on the 2017 season-ending depth chart have departed.  However, two of the three starters are back in Gavin Bryant (r-Sr., 44 tackles) and Corey Glass (Sr., 39 tackles).  Bryant, a transfer from Tennessee, came on strong near the end of the season, starting each of the final four games.  Glass played in all 11 games and started seven times.
 
"I'm looking for leadership out of our returning starters," said Morrison.  "Those guys have to step up.  We have a lot of new faces that we're going to have to count on.  Those guys are going to have to be the leaders and show the young guys what to do, and how we do things.  So far they're doing it."
 
The 2018 season begins for the Colonels on August 30 when Morehead State visits Roy Kidd Stadium.  For season ticket information, contact the EKU Athletics Ticket Office at 859-622-2122.
 
Brentton Ervin (r-Jr., 16 tackles, 3 TFL) and Steven Crowder (So., 8 tackles) both played in all 11 games last year, but saw most of their action on special teams.  Quinton Locklear (r-So.) missed the entire 2017 season with an injury and has yet to play in a game for the Colonels.
 
A group of newcomers will be counted on to strengthen the depth at the position.
 
Darien Tipps-Clemons spent his freshman season redshirting at Michigan State in 2017.  He was rated as the 71st best outside linebacker prospect in the nation by Scout.com as a senior at Piqua High School.  Matthew Jackson and Andrew Dziuk spent the 2017 season redshirting at EKU and are ready to play after a year of development.  The group also includes true freshmen Jakari Lumsden and Trey Mullins.
 
"I'll limit reps for the guys that I know can play and give more reps to the younger guys," Morrison said in regards to developing depth among the linebackers.  "I know they can play, so we'll save their legs a little bit and get the young guys into the heat of the situation." 
 
All practices are scheduled to be held at Roy Kidd Stadium and are open to the public.  Those who attend are asked to sit in the stadium seats.  Scrimmages are scheduled for Sunday, August 12 and Saturday, August 18.
 
The Eastern Kentucky University football program features the "Best Tradition In FCS Football", having won two national championships, 21 conference titles and made 21 playoff appearances.  No other FCS team has won at least two FCS national titles and 20 or more conference championships.  EKU has had 66 All-America selections and 33 NFL draft picks.
 
Preseason Camp Schedule
(Note: dates and times are subject to change)
Practice 4            Tuesday                 August 7        9:20 a.m.
                          Wednesday            August 8        Off
Practice 5            Thursday               August 9        9:20 a.m.
Practice 6            Friday                    August 10       9:20 a.m.
Practice 7            Saturday                August 11       9:20 a.m.
Practice 8            Sunday                  August 12       9:50 a.m. (SCRIMMAGE)
                          Monday                August 13       Off
Practice 9            Tuesday                 August 14       9:20 a.m.
Practice 10          Wednesday            August 15       9:20 a.m.
Practice 11          Thursday               August 16       9:20 a.m.
Practice 12          Friday                    August 17       9:20 a.m.
Practice 13          Saturday                August 18       9:20 a.m. (SCRIMMAGE)
Practice 14          Sunday                  August 19       10:15 a.m.