Kirton on the move to defense

Published 3:20 pm Thursday, April 3, 2008

Today marks the start of spring football for the Huskies, who will start practice in an hour or so. Unfortunately, that practice is closed to us other than the first few minutes, so I won’t be able to tell you much of what happens.

A few players talked with the media today, including Johnie Kirton, who is making the switch from tight end to defensive tackle in his senior season.

Kirton, who spent last quarter in South Africa, said he was excited about the move to defense.

Here’s a partial transcript of the interview:

How did the decision come about?

“We started talking about it before I left for Africa. It was up to me at that point. I did some talking with family and friends and some of the old players that have been around here. Basically what it came down to was asking the coach what he needed from me. I made the switch to tight end because he needed it for the team. [Definsive line experience] is something we lack so I made the switch.”

Kirton, who played defensive end in high school, said he think he can adjust back to defense quickly:

“I think it’s just getting back into the swing of the technique and things like. The biggest thing I agree with the coaches as far as offense you’ve got to think a lot more. Not that I’m saying I can’t think, but it’s just the fact that on defense, you can just go get the ball. If you’re around the ball, you’ve done your job or if you take the ball you’ve done your job. The technique is what I’ve got to pick back up.”

What will be the most challenging part?

“Just picking up the defense. But we’ve got a new D coordinator, so everyone’s on the same page.”

Are you excited about the move?

“I am. The teammates, they give me a hard time since they heard about it. But it’s a positive thing from them. They’re telling me every day that they see me being a beast and doing good things my last year. I’m excited to play on the other side of the ball.”

Is there any frustration with moving positions again after spending time learning to play tight end?

“It’s just all excitement. I need this team to win as much as anybody else does. Going five years and not really doing much per se isn’t any fun. I want to at least leave a trademark or a spot on the beginning of this legacy of us coming back.”