Editor’s Note: This is part two of a two-part series previewing the 2008 Central College football team.

Most of Central’s experience is in the defensive line.

Senior J.J. Owens (6-1, 245) is a returning starter. He was in on 35 tackles, including three for loss with a sack and a fumble recovery. Seniors Garrett Hill (6-4, 230) and David Cain (5-9, 225) are also back. Hill had 27 tackles, including 18 solos with four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Cain made four tackles. Sophomores Austin Hill (6-5, 215) and Aaron Steenhoek (6-2, 205) saw varsity action as freshmen as well.

And the Dutch will pick up another returning starter — from 2005. Jon McWilliams (6-3, 215) made some significant noise as a sophomore that year with 36 tackles, including 26 solos with nine tackles for loss, three sacks and two pass break-ups.

McMartin is excited about his return to the field three years later.

“I am confident Jon will handle it well,” coach Jeff McMartin said. “He’s worked hard and has a great motor.”

Other candidates include senior Aron Burk (6-3, 245), juniors Stephen Cain (5-6, 185) and Caleb Bonjour (6-1, 255) and sophomores Matt Poortinga (5-11, 230), Sean Rea (5-10, 230), Russell Whitney (6-2, 185) and Trevor Hixon (5-7, 230).

“They all bring a lot of competitiveness,” McMartin said.

Senior Ryan Thompson (6-0, 215) is a three-time letterwinner and was a starter last year before suffering a season-ending injury early in the season. He made 17 tackles in 12 games as a freshman and had 35 stops as a sophomore in 2006.

“Ryan’s looked really good,” McMartin said. “He will be ready to go.”

Other seniors who saw action as reserves are Justin Ver Steeg (6-2, 225), Jeremy Swafford (5-10, 195) and Ramy Mosbah (6-1, 220).

Junior Zach Van Arkel (5-11, 200) and sophomore Greg Best (6-2, 210) earned significant playing time. Van Arkel had 17 tackles, including 12 solos while Best had 30 stops with 15 solos, a sack and a fumble recovery.

Other sophomores include Kevin Haupt (6-3, 195), Cole Henderson (6-2, 190), Ted Dirkx (6-2, 210), Derek McLaughlin (6-1, 200), Seth Kassis (5-10, 200) and Cheyenne Cochran (5-8, 190).

“We have a very talented group of young linebackers and an athletic group of freshmen will battle as well,” McMartin said.

Solving Central’s stinger position, a hybrid strong safety/outside linebacker/defensive end, will be instrumental in determining the Dutch defense’s fortunes.