Bobcats' Defense Starts and Ends with Heart
SAN MARCOS - Its 6:30 in the morning, one brother wakes the other one up; time to go to Bobcat Stadium and work. For Texas State Bobcat middle linebackers Gabe Lloyd and Bryan London II, this is how a typical day begins.
“The first one up usually goes and knocks on the other’s door to make sure they’re getting up. It’s time to grind.” London says, breaking down an average day for the two.
At the heart of this relationship, and the Bobcats defense, is an infectious sense of brotherhood. The two linebackers have grown accustomed to each other and formed an unbreakable bond – something that has rubbed off their teammates.
“You know, ever since we met, day one, it has been big-bro little-bro,” London II said at media day. “We were just thrown in the same [meeting] room and shared some laughs and it was quick, really. We got close quick.”
He added that his development has been greatly aided the senior Lloyd’s leadership, who joined Texas State before last season after spending his first two years in JUCO.
“When I first got here, Gabe was just really pushing me to be better-and it helped me out a lot through the year.”
They have equally grown from this relationship, as Lloyd, entering his senior season at Texas State, has learned a handful from London, a redshirt sophomore, as well.
“I was never one to be much of a dancer; I still can’t dance great,” Loyd said. “When I am on the field and Bryan starts busting a move, it energizes me. He just has this type of swagger that oozes out of him and now I got to step my swag up on the field.”
The swagger of the middle of the defense has embodied has energized a Texas State defense that has high remarks nation-wide this season.
The Bobcats head into a week three matchup against Appalachian State with a stifling defense, thanks in part to the strong play of their linebackers. They are ranked 12th nationally in third-down conversion percentage (20.7), ninth in sacks and 20th against the rush. They have allowed a staggering 1.85 yards per carry to opposing rushers and a flat 75 yards per game.
Lloyd understands how vital their relationship is to the defense,“As inside linebackers, it’s on us to keep the defense in check. It’s on us to be the heart and keep everyone focused.”
With their swagger, trust and heart at the forefront, the defense has come together as one unit. Lloyd said after Texas State’s home opener against Houston Baptist that it starts with trust. After the game he preached that all three levels of the defense trust each other, which has paramount importance in execution of schemes.
This defense is deep, and talented. In week one, the Bobcats top three tacklers were from all three levels of the defense: defensive end Ishmael Davis (9), Safety A.J. Krawczyk (7), and London II (7). In week two, London II and Loyd led the Bobcats in tackles, with London II registering 12 and Loyd 10.
But the defense is not just about number two and nine. There are nine other players on this defense, and they have been balling-out as well this season.
Pro Football Focus College football had two Bobcats in their Sun Belt defense of the week for week two. Defensive back JaShon Waddy and defensive end Dean Taylor came in with high rankings for their efforts against Colorado. Waddy had a 79.8 overall grade and Taylor an 82.9. Taylor is a backup to Jordan Mitte.
Starting outside linebacker Easy Anyama – who is questionable to play against Appalachian with a groin injury - won the Sun Belt defensive player of the week after his week one performance. A performance that included five tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and a blocked kick.
“We just try to push each other to be a better linebacker everyday. Every day is a competition,” London said.
That mindset has not been lost at any level of this ferocious defense.
Every snap, push up, sprint, and lift is a challenge. The Bobcats defense doesn’t do it alone anymore. All eleven starters, all eleven backups, have aided in this defensive resurgence in 2017.
If you have yet to see this live, this Saturday at 6 p.m. is your chance. The vaunted Bobcat defense will face an Appalachian State (1-1) that ranks 44th nationally in total offense.