Folsom defense will be inexperienced but strong

With only two or three players returning on defense, the outsider might think the weakness of Folsom's High's football team this season will be defense. However, the Bulldogs are not worried about their defense, and, in fact, the players on the field think the unit will be just fine. EJ Coleman, who last year played tight end, has moved over to defense and will be the team's starting middle linebacker. "I really like the position," Coleman said. "We've got a very young defense, but I think we'll be good. We're a very close unit; we're like a big friend group, we hang out together. We communicate a lot." Added Jason Hill Jr., a returner at cornerback, "We lost a lot of seniors, but I'm confident in our team. We've got a lot of strong people on defense. We have a great personal connection as far as this year's seniors on defense. I've got no worries about our defense. We're definitely going to hold it down on the back end." Folsom head coach Paul Doherty is not concerned about losing so many players to graduation last year. "I'm not concerned about our defense," Doherty said. "On paper, that's the group that has the most to prove, but they're coached so well on that side of the ball. Coach Irsik does a great job of putting guys in positions to be successful. He plays to their strength, and he's incredibly versatile." Folsom's top returner is Lua DeBerry-Tupou on the line. Last year, DeBerry-Tupou was the team's third-leading tackler with 50 and led the team with tackles for a lost with 15.5. His size at 6-3, 255, and strength made him a tough guy to block. He's back for his senior year and is ready to wreak havoc. Fellow lineman Ryan Hardeman (6-1, 215) broke his leg in the first game of the season a year ago. He's hungry to have a huge senior year and has the capability of doing so. Another player who saw the field last year is senior August Dupree. (6-3, 225). "Our defensive line is really good, better than most years," Defensive Coordinator Jordan Irsik said. "Lua is the best defensive linemen in the section, Ryan Hardeman is a phenomenal player and August Dupree is back having played a lot of snaps last year. "We've got two newcomers in Gabe Anderson and Dante Kendrick who figure to make an impact." Coleman is the new middle linebacker and lining up next to him will be senior Dylan Wolfe and junior Nick Wegner. "This is a revamped group," Irsik said. "EJ had a great offseason and he's a D-I caliber player. He will do a good job for us. Nick had a great offseason in the weight room; he's super intelligent and we're excited about him. Dylan gives us a little more dynamic ability. He can do a lot of things." The Bulldogs are high on their secondary, as Hill Jr. and Brooks Dupree return. At safety the Bulldogs will have Matsen Wurm and Daniel Eagleton. "Having Jason back is good," Irsik said. "He's committed to Stanford. He's super intelligent and is starting to be a vocal leader. Wurm is also an intelligent player and a good leader who plays downhill and is physical. "Daniel started a playoff game at corner for us last year. He'll play safety for us and he's a long and rangy kid that's got good ball skills. Brooks is another corner, as is Travis Beatty and both are really good players. Travis brings a different element to us in that he's faster than any corner we've had in the past." Doherty is excited to see the defense play. "We've got a ton of up-and-coming guys," Doherty said. "Gabe Anderson and Dante Kendrick on the line look good. I'm excited to see what our linebackers do. Our secondary looks incredible. Daniel Eagleton is a Division I caliber guy. Travis Beatty is probably more of a receiver but he's playing lights out at corner this season. Matsen Wurm is another veteran who will be carrying the load for the first time this fall." Irsik is confident in the group. "The defense has grown a lot in the offseason," Irsik said. "They had a really good offseason in the weight room. They learned the system and they're figuring out how to be leaders. They're a little green, but they're a talented group. I think they will surprise people with how they do. I have confidence in them."