Washington junior Tanner Murphy (black No. 36) blows up a running play during Washington’s non-district football game versus the Solon Spartans. Photo courtesy of Susan Harshman/Washington Demon football.

Quality depth at several positions has caused an optimistic buzz around the Washington Demon football team this preseason. Arguably, the position with the most depth on Washington’s football team entering the season is at linebacker. On Saturday’s JET Physical Therapy Radio Coaches Corner, Demon head football coach Garrison Carter discussed his team’s defensive returners.

Carter says the Demons’ defense will continue to bring pressure, but their scheme will shift slightly. Washington’s defense this season will start with three down lineman leading the charge. The projected starters along the Demon defensive line includes first team all-district seniors Seth Townsen and Bryce Sinn. Senior Karlton Skuball will shift from a linebacker position last season to defensive line.

Carter says there are eight guys in Washington’s two-deep roster vying for the four starting spots in the Demon linebacker corp. Junior Tanner Murphy busted onto the scene last year as a sophomore, recording a team-most 64.5 total tackles and four sacks as an inside linebacker. Carter says the plan is to alternate seniors John Dillon and Will Marek at the other inside lineback spot. Dillon finished last season with 12 total tackles and one sack.

According to Carter, the competition at outside linebacker is even more intense. Seniors twin brothers Jake and Matt Reighard are competing for the position as well as juniors Jack Redlinger, Thomas Zimmer, and Mason Lett. Sophomore Tristan Westphal-Edwards is also vying for a starting spot at outside linebacker.

The Demons’ secondary will feature first-team all-state cornerback Javionn Willis, who will make the move to safety this fall. Willis made four interceptions during his sophomore season, making 14 total tackles. Senior Trey Van Weelden will also help Washington’s pass coverage as a safety.

The newest season of Washington Demon football is set to kick off August 26 as Washington travels to Albia for a non-district clash versus the Class 2A Blue Demons. Catch Demon football all season long on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com.