Breaking down Kenwick Thompson and the new-look ECU defense

Much of the focus and optimism surrounding the 2016 ECU Pirates has gone to the offense, and rightfully so. But changes have also taken place on the other side of the ball.

New defensive coordinator Kenwick Thompson, who finds himself at the helm of the Pirate defense after two seasons as Vanderbilt’s associate head coach/linebackers coach, brings with him not only a new attitude, but a new 3-4 scheme that was highly successful for the Commordores last season.

Now the question is, can he work the same magic for the Pirate defense?

It Starts at the Top

Part of what made Thompson so successful with the Commodores was his ability to maximize everything around him. The ability to get the most out of what you’re given is a must, especially at a place like Vandy. When you go up against the talent and speed of the SEC on a weekly basis and you don’t have equivalent talent and speed, you have to be able to work with what you have. In his two years at Vanderbilt, Thompson showed that he certainly has that ability.

Part of the package is the 3-4, relying on a linebacker-heavy system that creates a lot of movement and confusion for opposing offenses. The Commodores were great at limiting opponents, finishing 22^nd nationally in points allowed at 21 per game and sixth nationally in red zone defense.

The other part of the equation is developing talent. Under Thompson’s guidance, Vandy linebacker Zach Cunningham blossomed into a first team All-SEC selction in 2015, finishing with 103 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also has coached the likes of Keith Smith at San Jose State, who was first team All-MWC for four straight years and boasted the Pac 12’s top linebacking corps at Cal in 2011.

Thompson also has demonstrated the ability to effectively recruit, serving as recruiting coordinator at both Cal and San Jose State.

Pieces In Place

Certainly, the cupboard is not bare for Thompson at ECU. The Pirates may have lost top tackler Zeek Bigger, but they return a slew of talented underclassmen. One that figures to benefit most prominently under Thompson should be junior inside linebacker Jordan Willliams.

Jordan Williams plays the BLB position for ECU who fills the stat sheet. Comes up with huge sack on the A gap blitz. pic.twitter.com/C5Jc1koo1F

— Zak Hicken (@zakhicken) October 10, 2015

Williams was the second-leading tackler for the Pirates in 2015, making 81 stops last season. Williams has all the tools needed to make the leap in 2016. Another key returning linebacker is sophomore Yiannis Bowden. Bowden was second on the team in sacks last season, finishing with 3.5.

Thompson’s proven track record of getting linebackers to the next level of their potential should have Williams, Bowden, and the rest of the Pirates linebacker corps licking their chops for the upcoming season.

As for the rest of the defense, the Pirates return their leading tackler among defensive linemen in Fred Presley, as well as talented JUCO commit Darius Commisiong. Another key returnee is DaShawn Benton, who spent last season as a safety and led the Pirates with two interceptions.

As it stands, we’re still a long way from seeing just how well the Pirates will stack up on defense. There will be plenty of tests along the way, but if Thompson can replicate his success at his other stops (which is a very good bet, given his history), ECU should definitely have high hopes for its defense in 2016.