By DARREN WILCOX
Experience and talent are two words that describe BYU’s returning starters at outside linebacker.
Senior Spencer Reid and junior Brad Martin are two of the mainstays of the Cougar’s defense, both on and off the field. Both were chosen to be captains this season, the only two defensive players voted as captains.
Reid, from Pago Pago, American Samoa, is 6-1, 245 pounds and started his first game for BYU back in 1995. Martin, from Clovis, Calif., is physically similar to Reid at 6-1, 240 pounds. He also got his first start in 1995 after redshirting the ’94 season.
In BYU’s 4-3 defense, the linebackers play a major role. The 4-3 gets it’s name from the number of players used on the line and as linebackers. In BYU’s case they play four down lineman and three linebackers.
Reid covers the strong side, or the side the tight end lines up on. This means he frequently ends up covering a taller man, as most Division I tight ends are over 6-4. Martin, on the weak side, watches the run and helps to stop anything developing on his side.
According to Reid, Martin has many skills which make him an effective linebacker.
“Brad has good feet and he’s a great leader out there,” said Reid of his counterpart. “He is really intense and covers the run well.”
Both players have experience as starters and both will be expected as captains to set the example for the rest of the defense. According to Byron Frisch, starting defensive end, both Reid and Martin play important roles within the defense.
“Brad and Spencer are motivators for the defense,” Frisch said. “They lead by example as co-captains.”
Called the mentors of the defense by another player, Reid said he and Martin have a specific goal for the season.
“Basically, we want to be able to dominate more than last year,” Reid said. “We’re looking forward to having a good year.”
Martin and Reid will get an early test against Washington Saturday. Reid will draw coverage on Washington’s All-American tight end, Cameron Cleeland. At 6-4, 275 pounds, Cleeland is a favorite target of quarterback Brock Huard.
“Washington is where it all starts for me,” Reid said. “We need to be mentally prepared and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes we did last year.”
With experience and talent behind them, the linebacker duo of Martin and Reid will be the leaders of a defense that will look to build on last season’s success.
