Winfield-Mount Union senior Sam Jennings is expected to have another productive season for the Wolves on the defensive side of the football. A first team all-district linebacker in 2014, Jennings finished third in the Class A District 6 with 100 total tackles last season featuring 74 solo.

Head football coach Scott McCarty says Jennings has embraced his leadership role both on and off the field, “In the weight room, in the classroom, and outside in the community, he is a leader.” McCarty said, “He is one of the first guys to help with youth camp, helping every day of camp, and the kids look up to him because he produces and he does things the right way.”

Jennings is one of a number of notable returning seniors who made impacts last season for the Wolves. Matthew Niebuhr and Darren Hunter join Jennings in patrolling Winfield-Mount Union’s linebacking core. Niebuhr led the Wolves with three fumble recoveries last season, tied for the fourth most in the district.

Garrett Baker and Zach Davis return to the Wolves’ secondary after leading the team with two interceptions a piece last season.

McCarty admits heading into today’s first day of practice, his line appears to be his biggest defensive question mark. A loss to graduation is Kyle Davis, who finished second on the team with 70.5 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Another is Colton Hinkle, who had 27.5 tackles and three tackles for loss in 2014. McCarty mentioned seniors Warren Krieger-Coble, Max Huston, and Collin Gerling along with junior Jordan Hudson as players to watch out for along the defensive line this season.

The Wolves are set to open the 2015 season in Marengo on Friday, August 28, facing the Iowa Valley Tigers.