BOYETTE COACHING TIGER "D" IN 2007

written by: Matt Wyatt
NEMCC Sports Information Director

BOONEVILLE, Miss.-- He coached offensive linemen for 14 years, most recently at Northeast Mississippi Community College for the past four seasons (2003-2006). Now Northeast Tigers assistant Brad Boyette has switched sides, traded his offensive playbook for one of the defensive variety, and will coordinate the Northeast defensive unit in 2007 alongside head coach Andy Greening.

"It's a lot different," Boyette explained. "I coached offensive line for 14 years. I knew how to fix problems. It's now a constant thought process for me, making sure I'm not missing something."

Obviously the X's and O's of the game are different on the other side of the line of scrimmage for Boyette, but the mentality with which the Olive Branch, MS, will approach the game will stay the same. "I'm an energetic, aggressive coach," he said. "That carries over just fine to defensive football. I'm enjoying being able to approach football from an attacking standpoint. This is going to be a fun year for me."

Contributing to this year's fun for the Northeast defense are a strong group of defensive lineman, which Boyette refers to as the "core" of his unit.

"The defensive front is the strength of our defense," said Boyette. "That's a good thing because our middle linebackers are young and still have a lot of catching up to do. Our secondary has a chance to be really good."

Boyette's defensive line sports size, strength, and potential. Erick Smith (6'3 310, New Orleans, LA), Brandon Miller (5'9 250, Grenada, MS) and B.J. Taylor (6'3 290, Tuscumbia, AL) are the frontrunners at the tackle positions. The Tigers will have solid depth at defensive end this fall, led by University of Louisville transfer Jonathon Holsten (6'6 250) from Tallahassee, FL. Joining Holsten at end are Mario Addison (6'3 240, Birmingham, AL), Preston Jones (6'3 245, Greenville, MS), and Emmanuel Dudley (6'2 275, Columbus, GA).

"Holsten was a great addition," said Boyette. "We got him here at the start of week two, so our biggest challenge is getting him in shape, acclimated to the heat, and making sure he learns our terminology and (play) calls."

"We were also lucky to get Emmanuel Dudley in here for spring practice. He played end in the spring but can really play two positions, end and tackle."

Boyette's oustide linebackers boast experience in sophomore Jerrell Nobles (6'3 230, Mobile, AL), and the teams second leading tackler a year ago, sophomore Courtney Sanders (6'0 190, Columbus, MS). Boyette hopes that these two experienced defenders will help a wide-eyed group of freshman trying to become the team's starting middle linebacker.

"Our primary focus right now is at "mike" (middle linebacker)," Boyette said. "With three freshmen there, it's day to day which one is on top. Right now no one has seperated himself. We've got Maurice Gray and Trent Jones as one and two right now."

"Courtney Sanders and Jerrell Nobles are both returning starters, but the scheme is different than it was for them last year so they're facing a learning curve as well."

The Tigers' secondary has high hopes this year in Boyette's scheme, and will depend on experience and speed. Sophomores Tim Bush (5'9 185, Columbus, MS), Marco Ewing (5'10 185, West Point, MS), and C.J. Foster (5'9 170, Tuscumbia, AL) man the top three spots on the cornerback depth chart. While Corey Sanders (5'11 180, Columbus, MS) and Mike Randle (5'11 190, Amory, MS) have nailed down starting nods at free, and strong safety.

With less than two weeks before the team's season opener at Jones County Junior College on August 30, Boyette's goal remains to prepare his Tiger defense for one of the state's top returning ball carriers in JCJC tailback Jasper Ducksworth.

"We'll have our hands full," Boyette stated. "But that's the way it will be every single week in this league. We'll face a good back every Thursday night. We are working hard, and I think Northeast fans will be proud of what they see this year."

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