Justin Beriault is usually the first name people come up withtrying to figure out Ball State defensive players. That's nosurprise considering Beriault is a four-year starter and anall-conference player. However, one player generally overlooked isthe unit's other senior -- defensive tackle Conrad Slaughter.
Slaughter is a three-year starter who also played in every gamehis freshmen season. Despite having only 12 tackles this season, heis tied for the team lead with four tackles for loss. Over hiscareer, the senior had 80 tackles, 15 for loss.
Head coach Brady Hoke said Slaughter is a big part of theCardinals' defense.
"Conrad has really been a very solid player for us," he said."His leadership is really been great up front for the young guysand how his work ethic is in practice."
According to Hoke, preparation is one of Slaughter's bestskills. That process includes watching game film, strength work,and conditioning. Slaughter also makes sure he helps prepares hisyounger teammates.
"As a young group like us, the main problem is getting thatconfidence and being sure about what defense we're running,"Slaughter said.
With six sophomores and freshmen starting on defense, thedefense has seen some growing pains this season. The Cardinals haveyielded 38 points and 470 yards per game. While Slaughter feelsthat the defense must work on consistency, he is optimistic.
"It's a game-by-game thing," he said. "You have to build off thenegative and positive from the last game and contribute it to thenext game. It's the most we can do for now."
Though a senior, Slaughter still considers himself a sophomoreunder Hoke's system. He played his first two years under formerhead coach Bill Lynch, until Hoke took over before his junior year.Slaughter and Hoke agree that the transition between head coacheswas not easy.
"I expect an awful lot, and I think early we probably clashed alittle bit because of a new coach, a new beginning, a newtransition, a different way of doing things," Hoke said.
Since then, Hoke has been satisfied with Slaughter'sprogression. Although not a vocal player, Slaughter still plays hispart as mentor to the underclassmen.
"I just go out there and tell them what to expect," Slaughtersaid. "If I see something, I try to let them know."
Slaughter and the rest of the Cards would like to get a coupleof more wins this season, starting with Eastern Michigan today.Personally, Slaughter would like to see the defensive line becomestronger.
"Seeing the young guys go out there and perform at their bestand play the kind of defense we really wanted," Slaughter said."That would be the best for me just seeing the whole defense lineexcel and get better as the games go on."
And Hoke agrees.
"That education process is important because not only are theylearning the right way to do it but they are also learning for thefuture," Hoke said.
"There's not a guy I'm more fond of than Conrad Slaughter andhow he plays and how he leads."
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