The saying goes “defense wins championships.” With that said, Henderson State Coach Scott Maxfield hopes his defensive squad will be ready to step up to the challenge in 2010.
It was just three years ago Henderson State’s defense was ranked among the nation’s best holding teams to less than 100 yards rushing per game and 250 yards of total offense per contest.
Last year the defense went through some of the biggest changes in recent years, with numerous newcomers getting their first taste of college football on the Division II level.
“We went through a difficult year,” said Maxfield. “There were several new players, key injuries, and personnel changes. It was a lot to deal with for our less experienced players.”
That should change in 2010. The Reddie front seven returns a large group of players that earned plenty of playing experience.
It all begins up front with the defensive line as the Reddies return three starters including Luke Landri, Jamalus Varnado, and Pat Gladney.
Gladney played through injuries last but hopes to be at full strength for his senior season. Gladney played in nine games and had 14 tackles including four for lost yardage.
Landri totaled 20 tackles and 3.5 tackles for lost yardage a year ago, while Varnado totaled 23 tackles in nine games.
Newcomers looking to get plenty of playing time and have an impact are Tim Erwin and Clinton Wilton.
Erwin played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College where he was an All-Jayhawk Conference selection as a sophomore. Erwin totaled 54 tackles and 12 sacks for the Blue Dragons.
Wilton transferred from American River College and was a all-conference selection.
After a week of practice two players moved over from offense to defense in Lee Box and William Taylor.
Five freshman are also competing for playing time including Garrett Wright, Tyler Johnston, Justin Bradford, Daniel Lyles, and Ron Allen.
Wright was a four- year letter winner at Bald Knob High School where he was selected All-State and All-District his senior year after having 76 tackles and 17.5 sacks.
Johnston attended Rossville Christian Academy where he earned All-District honors twice in football and participated in the State All-Star game, while Bradford was a two-time All-District selection at Jena High School. Bradford totaled 60 tackles and 3 sacks his senior season.
Lyles lettered three years at DeRidder High School where he helped lead his team to a district championship while earning All-District Honors.
Allen was an All-District and All-Arcadiana pick at New Iberia High School. His team won the 2008 District 4-5A Championship.
DEFENSIVE LINE
33 TIM ERWIN (6-2, 240, Senior, Hoxie, Kan.)
COLLEGE: Transfers from Ouachita Baptist University . . . Played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College where he was an All-Jayhawk Conference selection as a sophomore . . . Totaled 54 tackles and 12 sacks for the Blue Dragons.
PREP: Prepped at Hoxie High School where he lettered four years and was a two-time All-League defensive end . . . Compiled 84 tackles and 9 sacks his senior season . . . Also lettered three years in wrestling finishing third in the state in his weight class having a 45-2 record . . . Was league champion in the shot put and was part of the 4 x 100 relay team which qualified for the state meet.
PERSONAL: Born April 30, 1988 . . . The son of Jim and Pam Erwin . . . Enjoys hunting and fishing . . . Engaged to be married on July 16, 2011 to Ryleigh Loy . . . Majoring in General Studies.
57 GARRETT WRIGHT (6-3, 225, Freshman, Bald Knob, Ark.)
PREP: A four year letter winner in football and basketball at Bald Knob High School . . . Selected All-State and All-District his senior year after having 76 tackles and 17.5 sacks . . . Led team to a 13-1 record an a conference championship in 2009 . . . Played in the Arkansas State All-Star game.
PERSONAL: Born July 27, 1992 . . . The son of Jeremy and Catrina Wright . . . Favorite movie is The Express . . . Majoring in Pre-Denistry.
78 TYLER JOHNSTON (6-5, 250, Freshman, Collierville, Tenn.)
PREP: Attended Rossville Christian Academy where he lettered four years in football, four years in track and once in basketball . . . Earned All-District honors twice in football and participated in the State All-Star game . . . Advanced to the state meet in the discus and shot put.
PERSONAL: Born Oct. 18, 1991 . . . The son of George Johnston and Pam Smith . . . Older brother Corey is a sophomore offensive lineman for the Reddies . . . Enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing video games . . . Majoring in Aviation.
88 LUKE LANDRI (6-2, 250, Senior, Concord, Calif.)
2009: Played in all 10 games totaling 20 tackles and 3.5 tackles for lost yardage . . . Also recorded two interceptions . . . Recorded a season best five tackles against West Georgia.
COLLEGE: Played at Diablo Valley Community College where he had 90 tackles, 30 tackles for lost yardage and 18 sacks his sophomore season . . . Named Conference MVP and earned All-Conference and All-State honors.
PREP: Lettered four years at Ocean View High School . . . Had 100 tackles and 20 stops for lost yardage as a senior, after recording 180 stops and 25 sacks his junior year . . . A two-time All-Conference and All-State selection.
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 20, 1986 . . . The son of Frank Landri and Teresa Perlite . . . Step father is Mark Perlite . . . Has two brothers, Derek Landri and Johnny Perlite . . . Brother Derek is a defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers and a former player for Notre Dame . . . Enjoys playing paintball and riding motorcycles . . . Majoring in General Studies.
93 JUSTIN BRADFORD (6-1, 240, Freshman, Jena, La.)
PREP: A two-time All-District selection at Jena High School . . . Totaled 60 tackles and 3 sacks his senior season . . . Also lettered two years in power lifting and was Louisiana State Runner-Up.
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 29, 1991 . .. Son of Robert and Carol Ann Bradford . . . Plays the guitar in his spare time . . . Favorite professional team is the New Orleans Saints . . . Undecided on a major.
95 JAMALUS VARNADO (6-1, 240, Senior, Oak Grove, Miss.)
2009: Totaled 23 tackles in nine games . . . Had a season best six tackles including two tackles for lost yardage against Valdosta State.
COLLEGE: Totaled 12 tackles as a freshman and 31 tackles as a sophomore at Pearl River CC . . . Recorded two sacks as a sophomore.
PREP: Lettered two seasons at Oak Grove High School . . . Totaled 113 tackles during his senior season with eight sacks as an All-Area and All-South Mississippi performer . . . Also named Most Valuable Athlete on his track and field team.
PERSONAL: Born June 28, 1988 . . . Son of Keithrruh Varnado . . . Favorite movie is 300 . . . Undecided on his major.
96 CLINT WILTON (6-5, 260, Junior, Hilo, Hawaii)
COLLEGE: Transferred from American River College . . . Team finished with a 6-5 record his sophomore season.
PREP: Lettered two seasons at Ponderosa High School where he helped lead his team to a 9-3 record and a league championship . . . Earned All-Conference honors.
PERSONAL: Born March 28, 1990 . . . The son of George and Lydia Wilton . . . Lists his favorite team as the Oakland Raiders . . . Majoring in Political Science.
97 DANIEL LYLES (6-1, 250, Freshman, DeRidder, La.)
PREP: Lettered three years at DeRidder High School where he helped lead his team to a district championship . . . Played for Henderson Alum Eric Parmley . . . Earned All-District Honors.
PERSONAL: Born Sept. 7, 1992 . . . The son of Larry Lyles and Ann Stahlman . . . Has two brothers, Allen and Robert . . . Enjoys hunting and fishing . . . Favorite professional team is the New Orleans Saints . . . Majoring in Sociology.
98 PAT GLADNEY (6-4, 275, Senior, Cotton Valley, La.)
2009: Suffered through an injury plagued season playing in nine games and having 14 tackles . . . Ended year with 4 tackles for lost yardage and two sacks . . . Totaled seven quarterback hurries and four pass breakups.
2008: Sat out the season.
2007: Turned in a solid year having 31 tackles including six for lost yardage . . . Recorded a forced fumble against Northwestern State and three quarterback hurries against Ouachita Baptist . . . Had five tackles in games against Texas College and Delta State.
2006: Ended season with 19 tackles and six stops for lost yardage . . . Totaled a career-best nine tackles against Paul Quinn College . . . Also record four tackles for lost yardage against PQC including two sacks . . . Had pass break-ups in games against Arkansas Tech and Ouachita Baptist.
Prep: An All-District defensive end and tight end selection . . . Earned All-State honors as a tight end . . . Totaled 76 tackles his senior season on defense.
Personal: Born May 18, 1986 . . . Son of Leonard and Rita Gladney . . . Majoring in general studies.
99 RON ALLEN (6-2, 180, Freshman, New Iberia, La.)
PREP: An All-District and All-Arcadiana at New Iberia High School . . . Helped lead team to the 2008 District 4-5A Championship . . . Also lettered in track.
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 4, 1991 . . . The son of Ron Allen, Sr. and Tiffany Bourgeois . . . Step mother is Twanna Allen . . . Has one brother, Qualyn, and one sister, Brianna . . . Also enjoys playing basketball . . . Majoring in Education.
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The saying goes “defense wins championships.” With that said, Henderson State Coach Scott Maxfield hopes his defensive squad will be ready to step up to the challenge in 2010.
It was just three years ago Henderson State’s defense was ranked among the nation’s best holding teams to less than 100 yards rushing per game and 250 yards of total offense per contest.
Last year the defense went through some of the biggest changes in recent years, with numerous newcomers getting their first taste of college football on the Division II level.
“We went through a difficult year,” said Maxfield. “There were several new players, key injuries, and personnel changes. It was a lot to deal with for our less experienced players.”
That should change in 2010. The Reddie front seven returns a large group of players that earned plenty of playing experience.
It all begins up front with the defensive line as the Reddies return three starters including Luke Landri, Jamalus Varnado, and Pat Gladney.
Gladney played through injuries last but hopes to be at full strength for his senior season. Gladney played in nine games and had 14 tackles including four for lost yardage.
Landri totaled 20 tackles and 3.5 tackles for lost yardage a year ago, while Varnado totaled 23 tackles in nine games.
Newcomers looking to get plenty of playing time and have an impact are Tim Erwin and Clinton Wilton.
Erwin played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College where he was an All-Jayhawk Conference selection as a sophomore. Erwin totaled 54 tackles and 12 sacks for the Blue Dragons.
Wilton transferred from American River College and was a all-conference selection.
After a week of practice two players moved over from offense to defense in Lee Box and William Taylor.
Five freshman are also competing for playing time including Garrett Wright, Tyler Johnston, Justin Bradford, Daniel Lyles, and Ron Allen.
Wright was a four- year letter winner at Bald Knob High School where he was selected All-State and All-District his senior year after having 76 tackles and 17.5 sacks.
Johnston attended Rossville Christian Academy where he earned All-District honors twice in football and participated in the State All-Star game, while Bradford was a two-time All-District selection at Jena High School. Bradford totaled 60 tackles and 3 sacks his senior season.
Lyles lettered three years at DeRidder High School where he helped lead his team to a district championship while earning All-District Honors.
Allen was an All-District and All-Arcadiana pick at New Iberia High School. His team won the 2008 District 4-5A Championship.
DEFENSIVE LINE
33 TIM ERWIN (6-2, 240, Senior, Hoxie, Kan.)
COLLEGE: Transfers from Ouachita Baptist University . . . Played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College where he was an All-Jayhawk Conference selection as a sophomore . . . Totaled 54 tackles and 12 sacks for the Blue Dragons.
PREP: Prepped at Hoxie High School where he lettered four years and was a two-time All-League defensive end . . . Compiled 84 tackles and 9 sacks his senior season . . . Also lettered three years in wrestling finishing third in the state in his weight class having a 45-2 record . . . Was league champion in the shot put and was part of the 4 x 100 relay team which qualified for the state meet.
PERSONAL: Born April 30, 1988 . . . The son of Jim and Pam Erwin . . . Enjoys hunting and fishing . . . Engaged to be married on July 16, 2011 to Ryleigh Loy . . . Majoring in General Studies.
57 GARRETT WRIGHT (6-3, 225, Freshman, Bald Knob, Ark.)
PREP: A four year letter winner in football and basketball at Bald Knob High School . . . Selected All-State and All-District his senior year after having 76 tackles and 17.5 sacks . . . Led team to a 13-1 record an a conference championship in 2009 . . . Played in the Arkansas State All-Star game.
PERSONAL: Born July 27, 1992 . . . The son of Jeremy and Catrina Wright . . . Favorite movie is The Express . . . Majoring in Pre-Denistry.
78 TYLER JOHNSTON (6-5, 250, Freshman, Collierville, Tenn.)
PREP: Attended Rossville Christian Academy where he lettered four years in football, four years in track and once in basketball . . . Earned All-District honors twice in football and participated in the State All-Star game . . . Advanced to the state meet in the discus and shot put.
PERSONAL: Born Oct. 18, 1991 . . . The son of George Johnston and Pam Smith . . . Older brother Corey is a sophomore offensive lineman for the Reddies . . . Enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing video games . . . Majoring in Aviation.
88 LUKE LANDRI (6-2, 250, Senior, Concord, Calif.)
2009: Played in all 10 games totaling 20 tackles and 3.5 tackles for lost yardage . . . Also recorded two interceptions . . . Recorded a season best five tackles against West Georgia.
COLLEGE: Played at Diablo Valley Community College where he had 90 tackles, 30 tackles for lost yardage and 18 sacks his sophomore season . . . Named Conference MVP and earned All-Conference and All-State honors.
PREP: Lettered four years at Ocean View High School . . . Had 100 tackles and 20 stops for lost yardage as a senior, after recording 180 stops and 25 sacks his junior year . . . A two-time All-Conference and All-State selection.
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 20, 1986 . . . The son of Frank Landri and Teresa Perlite . . . Step father is Mark Perlite . . . Has two brothers, Derek Landri and Johnny Perlite . . . Brother Derek is a defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers and a former player for Notre Dame . . . Enjoys playing paintball and riding motorcycles . . . Majoring in General Studies.
93 JUSTIN BRADFORD (6-1, 240, Freshman, Jena, La.)
PREP: A two-time All-District selection at Jena High School . . . Totaled 60 tackles and 3 sacks his senior season . . . Also lettered two years in power lifting and was Louisiana State Runner-Up.
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 29, 1991 . .. Son of Robert and Carol Ann Bradford . . . Plays the guitar in his spare time . . . Favorite professional team is the New Orleans Saints . . . Undecided on a major.
95 JAMALUS VARNADO (6-1, 240, Senior, Oak Grove, Miss.)
2009: Totaled 23 tackles in nine games . . . Had a season best six tackles including two tackles for lost yardage against Valdosta State.
COLLEGE: Totaled 12 tackles as a freshman and 31 tackles as a sophomore at Pearl River CC . . . Recorded two sacks as a sophomore.
PREP: Lettered two seasons at Oak Grove High School . . . Totaled 113 tackles during his senior season with eight sacks as an All-Area and All-South Mississippi performer . . . Also named Most Valuable Athlete on his track and field team.
PERSONAL: Born June 28, 1988 . . . Son of Keithrruh Varnado . . . Favorite movie is 300 . . . Undecided on his major.
96 CLINT WILTON (6-5, 260, Junior, Hilo, Hawaii)
COLLEGE: Transferred from American River College . . . Team finished with a 6-5 record his sophomore season.
PREP: Lettered two seasons at Ponderosa High School where he helped lead his team to a 9-3 record and a league championship . . . Earned All-Conference honors.
PERSONAL: Born March 28, 1990 . . . The son of George and Lydia Wilton . . . Lists his favorite team as the Oakland Raiders . . . Majoring in Political Science.
97 DANIEL LYLES (6-1, 250, Freshman, DeRidder, La.)
PREP: Lettered three years at DeRidder High School where he helped lead his team to a district championship . . . Played for Henderson Alum Eric Parmley . . . Earned All-District Honors.
PERSONAL: Born Sept. 7, 1992 . . . The son of Larry Lyles and Ann Stahlman . . . Has two brothers, Allen and Robert . . . Enjoys hunting and fishing . . . Favorite professional team is the New Orleans Saints . . . Majoring in Sociology.
98 PAT GLADNEY (6-4, 275, Senior, Cotton Valley, La.)
2009: Suffered through an injury plagued season playing in nine games and having 14 tackles . . . Ended year with 4 tackles for lost yardage and two sacks . . . Totaled seven quarterback hurries and four pass breakups.
2008: Sat out the season.
2007: Turned in a solid year having 31 tackles including six for lost yardage . . . Recorded a forced fumble against Northwestern State and three quarterback hurries against Ouachita Baptist . . . Had five tackles in games against Texas College and Delta State.
2006: Ended season with 19 tackles and six stops for lost yardage . . . Totaled a career-best nine tackles against Paul Quinn College . . . Also record four tackles for lost yardage against PQC including two sacks . . . Had pass break-ups in games against Arkansas Tech and Ouachita Baptist.
Prep: An All-District defensive end and tight end selection . . . Earned All-State honors as a tight end . . . Totaled 76 tackles his senior season on defense.
Personal: Born May 18, 1986 . . . Son of Leonard and Rita Gladney . . . Majoring in general studies.
99 RON ALLEN (6-2, 180, Freshman, New Iberia, La.)
PREP: An All-District and All-Arcadiana at New Iberia High School . . . Helped lead team to the 2008 District 4-5A Championship . . . Also lettered in track.
PERSONAL: Born Aug. 4, 1991 . . . The son of Ron Allen, Sr. and Tiffany Bourgeois . . . Step mother is Twanna Allen . . . Has one brother, Qualyn, and one sister, Brianna . . . Also enjoys playing basketball . . . Majoring in Education.
