Muleskinner

Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Drew Woolery: Muleskinner The Mules' defense wants to celebrate more than tackles this year.

Sure, the Mules' defense doesn't want to let the Minnesota State Mavericks score many points tonight.

Then again, the defensive unit has bigger goals on its mind than just stopping a team from scoring. The Mules defensive players want to force turnovers and put points on the scoreboard themselves.

Just ask junior cornerback Randy Shepherd. He, along with the rest of the defense, wants to make things happen in tonight's 7 p.m. season-opener at Walton Stadium.

"We have to get into the end zone," Shepherd said. "We caused turnovers last year, but we have to find a way into the end zone. We want to be the top-ranked defense."

Shepherd said the team not only wants to become the MIAA's top defensive unit, but aslo to continue its success from last year. In 2007, the Mules were ranked third in total defense, and third in the MIAA in scoring defense. By allowing just 21 points per game last season, the Mules also forced 34 turnovers.

"Swarming to the football is our main focus," Shepherd said. "We had a big year last year, but we want more."

Coach Willie Fritz said he feels his defense will have to carry the Mules this season with solid play. One reason for Fritz's feelings is due to the Mules having 12 returners on the defense that each started at least one game last season.

Although Fritz likes his core group of players, he understands that his defense must be better this year.

"I thought we were very opportunistic last year," Fritz said. "We got back to being amongst the league leaders in sacks and takeaways, but we need to take that next step to become a dominating defense."

The biggest hole the defense will have to fill this year will be replacing Kendall Ricketts. The three-time All-American free safety graduated from UCM with the most tackles recorded in Mules' history. Now, Fritz plans on having the entire Mules secondary pick up from Ricketts' absence.

"Nobody is going to fill Kendall Ricketts shoes," Fritz said. "We're going to have a successful secondary by having a bunch of guys play well."

Even if the Mules have just one concern heading into tonight's game, one thing is certain: the Mules' defense is ready to make plays.

"I think we have a chance to have an excellent defense," Fritz said. "This year, we're going to need to be excellent."

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