Gridiron: Landers to play key role in new look Indians defense

Not only is anticipation building for fans of the Jackson Indians, but the players are also feeling it too.

One of those players is senior defensive lineman Reid Landers.

After spending the last three seasons under coach Brent Eckley, Landers said adjusting to new head coach Ryan Nesbitt has been a challenge, but one he feels will pay off.

“Coach Nesbitt has a different style compared to Coach Eckley,” Landers said. “I do feel this season will be better because of all the hype surrounding the season. I think we’re more energetic and I feel like we appreciate the game a little bit more.”

For Landers and the Indians, the mindset is simple: the work has to be done.

“It’s definitely been a switch,” Landers said. “In my mind, it’s the same job that has to be done. Whether it’s the same coach or a different coach, we all have to be leaders here and that’s how it works.”

Landers’ focus as one of the stalwarts on the defensive line is about making sure they all do their job.

“Our performance impacts the defense very heavily,” Landers said. “If we do our job correctly it makes it to where the middle linebackers always have a hole open.”

During a recent scrimmage, Indians quarterback Adrian Fox said the defensive line that features Landers is “one of the best” he’s ever faced.

“I think we all challenge each other pretty well,” Landers said.

Not only is Landers one of the important pieces of the defense, but he’s also one of the leaders for the Indians.

“Last year there were a lot of skipped reps and things like that,” Landers said. “This year, I think the way that we work is going to be shown on the field.”

The Indians have made some schematic changes to their defense according to Landers.

“We definitely have switched up our defense a lot,” Landers said. “It’s more centered on blitzes now instead of trying to cover everybody. You’re going to see a lot more blitzes from the outside.”

As the summer has progressed, Landers likes how the defense has progressed as well.

“We went to a team camp up in Kansas City and got some really good reps,” Landers said. “I think our defense matched up really well. We still have some things to work out but I feel like we can really attack those areas.”