TOWSON, Md. - As the Tigers returned to the practice field for two sessions on Monday, they conducted their 12th and 13th sessions of the pre-season.
With each practice session, Defensive Coordinator Matt Hachmann learns even more about the Tigers' linebacking corps.
While the Tigers return a solid nucleus of veterans, there are four newcomers who have been very impressive.
A trio of transfer students has helped the Tigers improve their depth. Over the summer, the Tigers have added Telvion Clark, Monte Gaddis and Fred Overstreet as transfer students.
Clark is a transfer from Virginia Tech while Gaddis is a transfer from Dean Junior College. Overstreet joined the Tiger program from Rutgers.
"All three of those guys have made very good progress," says Hachmann. "They had a great experience in the scrimmage on Saturday. It was great to line them up and see what they could do."
While the transfer students bring experience to the roster, first-year freshman Bryton Barr has been one of the most pleasant surprises of pre-season camp.
The newcomers will be competing with returning veterans like Danzel White and Kenton Powell for playing time. Last season, White was second on the team with 77 tackles despite missing three games. He is a senior who has been a two-year starter. Powell was one of the heroes of the Tigers' 2011 Colonial Athletic Association championship team. He made 57 tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions.
When you throw in graduate student Ben Chroniger and red-shirt freshman Joe McCargo, you can understand Coach Hachmann's excitement.
"For the first time since we've been here, we have solid depth at the linebacker spot," he says. "The newcomers have created depth and competition for playing time and that's always a good thing."
The Tigers return to the practice field on Tuesday afternoon.
