Sept. 14, 2002

By Mike Leflar
Athletic Communications Graduate Intern

They do not build lifetime bonds standing shoulder to shoulder in the trenches. On occasion they stray early from the huddle to mark their territory, waiting for a duel, already aware of their assignment after hours of film study and nightmares of getting burnt deep.

The on-field life of a defensive back is spent on an island, one-on-one, staring into the eyes of the enemy. They are essentially the last line of defense and they are well aware of it.

While defensive backs are conditioned to have a short memory, seniors Jamie Anzalone, Herb Kennedy, Brian Lutz and Bill Stocker cannot get the lack of respect given to them out of their minds.

Anzalone, Kennedy, Lutz and Stocker have given four years to the Leopards' football program, but before they go, each agrees that there is something left to prove.

"People are talking about how great the offense is, and they deserve the credit, but they are saying that the defense is going to give games away," Anzalone said. "This season we have more talent and desire at the corner and safety positions than in the past, and it is going to show."

Lafayette's defense as a whole has a chip on its shoulder. The 2002 Leopards want to avenge last season's struggles in which they surrendered over 30 points per game, and the defense did not wait until September's season opener to take out their frustration.

According to Anzalone, Kennedy, Lutz, and Stocker, an intense rivalry between the first-team offense and defense evolved in the preseason.

"There is definitely a rivalry in practice between the offense and the defense," Stocker said.

Kennedy upped the ante and called the daily underlying rivalry "a fight for bragging rights."

Kennedy also said that the media barrage has awakened him and his fellow defensive backs, and that this season is about pride.

Anzalone put the competition into perspective.

"We wanted to make practice more competitive because we hear from everyone that in practice we are playing against one of the best offenses in the league. Competing with them only makes us better."

The intensity is palpable at practice because of the sense of urgency that these four seniors bring every day, and Lafayette defensive coordinator John Loose recognizes that.

"These guys have worked hard and have something to prove," Loose said. "All four are entering their fourth year with this program and are ready to step up in their own ways."

"We don't feel that our defense is a weakness any longer," Stocker said. "We made a commitment as a whole to prove to everyone that this is going to be a strong defense. We take everything we hear personally."

Stocker himself made the biggest commitment to the Leopards' defense. His highly-publicized move from running back after suffering a serious lower back injury in 2000 has resurrected the starting free safety's career, and breathed some new life into the Leopards' defense.

"It was hard at first, but I have picked up the position pretty well," Stocker said. "I am confident that I will do a decent job this year."

Balancing Stocker's inexperience at free safety are cornerback Kennedy and strong safety Anzalone.

Kennedy started all 10 games at corner last season, and has started in 23 of 28 career contests at Lafayette.

Meanwhile, Anzalone saw extended action last season off the bench, starting two of 10 games, and is starting this year.

"Billy and the younger guys are asking a lot of questions and picking my brain, and I am doing my part to help them understand the defense we run," Kennedy said.

Anzalone complimented Stocker's ability to adjust and his overall nose for the ball.

While Anzalone, Kennedy and Stocker will start in the defensive backfield, Lutz has different responsibilities in ensuring the Leopards' success.

The hardworking senior has accepted his role as a backup safety, and has been a leader from the sidelines.

"It's tough being on the sidelines, but I try to help these guys out when I can," Lutz said.

According to his defensive coordinator, Lutz also sets a great example in practice and on the scout team for the underclassmen to emulate.

"Brian has a tremendous attitude when it comes to his role on this team. He works so hard and really pushes guys in practice when he works with the scout team," Loose said.

Head coach Frank Tavani is also impressed with Lutz's dedication to the program and the school. "Brian is the ultimate team player. He is unselfish and also puts the program before himself."

Even more, Lutz's sacrifices have not gone unnoticed by the defensive backs he competes with for playing time, including Anzalone.

"In my mind, Brian has made a bigger commitment than anyone on this team," Anzalone said. "Over his career he has not recieved the playing time that he hoped for, but he has never complained. He still approaches every game, practice, and meeting with the same positive attitude."

Off the field the four have bonded over the past four years, and their play this year should benefit from that.

"I cannot remember any weekend in four years without these guys around, whether it be socially or spending time on the road together for football," Anzalone said. "That chemistry should help us trust one another, and it will make the season a lot more fun too."

In fact, Anzalone and Lutz are roommates this year, after Lutz spent last season living with Stocker.

"The four of us really complement one another on and off the field," Lutz said.

"These four seniors have been through a lot together, on and off the field," Loose said. "They understand what it takes to win and know they have to focus on their individual roles for this team to succeed."