Typically, when only two starters remain on the defensive side of the ball from the previous season, there would be cause for concern. As the football team faces an opposing challenge in rebuilding the defensive corps, it is reassuring that senior middle linebacker Chris Costello can be counted upon as a returning building block. A preseason All-American honorable mention, Costello led the Red with 90 tackles and nine tackles for a loss in 2008.

Flanking Costello on either side will be senior Aaron Levine at strong-side linebacker and junior Brandon Lainhart at weak side linebacker. Levine, primarily a special teams player last year and Lainhart, who was sidelined all of last season with an injury, will see their first significant minutes at the linebacker position this season.

Any gym teacher will tell you — a fundamental part of nearly every athletic activity is proper footwork.

No one knows that better than sophomore Clayton Hemminger.

The sprint football linebacker may be a trim 175 pounds (172 on game days), but he has the size and strength of a varsity tailback. That, however, hasn’t prevented him from being light on his feet.

“Last year, I was always on my heels, and I didn’t always know what to do,” Hemminger said. “Now, I stay on my toes the whole game. I stay aggressive the whole game.”

In shape: Sophomore Clay Hemminger’s strong start might be due to improved conditioning in 2008.

Aggressive is an understatement.