Jeff Koonz Discusses Competition at Linebacker, Replacing Casey Legg + More

Inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator Jeff Koonz spoke with the media on Tuesday.

Development of Lee Kpogba and the other inside linebackers.

"The whole linebacker room, the basis has been fundamentals. That's the biggest thing that we had to improve this offseason. Lee [Kpogba], especially, has done a really nice job of focusing on his footwork, which is something that we watched from last season that got him in trouble at times. He's still playing physical. He's still playing extremely hard. We haven't had as many takeaways as we would like. They kind of come in bunches and he kind of flashed today in that area as well. Behind him we've had a ton of guys getting a bunch of reps. Tirek Austin-Cave has been getting reps, Josiah Trotter, Caden Biser has been limited so we're working through that. But I think the guys have done a good job of pushing each other and competing."

Replacing Sam James and Bryce Ford-Wheaton's impact on special teams

"You know what? The exciting thing is we've got a ton of young guys that are ready to fill into those roles. You have two upperclassmen that are training to live out their dream at the next level and both of those guys improved their [draft] stock because of what they did on special teams. The young guys have seen that, our new transfers have seen. They understand that's a part of who we are when we walk in the door. We've had a lot of guys scratching and clawing trying to take advantage of the special teams opportunities they've had and be that next guy. We have a lot of promising guys that I'm really excited about."

Replacing Casey Legg at kicker

"Michael [Hayes] has done a really good job. He was really, really productive where he was before he came here. He's got experience. He's kicked in live setting in a big crowd, a big environment, a big atmosphere. The cool thing is, Danny King is competing with him and having his best spring that he's had since I've been here. They're battling, they're competing. I feel really good about coming out of spring, coming out of fall camp."

Punter Oliver Straw's freshman year, what to expect this fall

"I wasn't surprised. What I think we did a really good job of though is we really cultivated what he was going to be really good at early on and we really hung our hat on what he was going to be really good at. He has the ability to do so many different things. We'll be able to add some more on him, be able to move the launch point a little more, do a little different things directionally as he continues to master what he's doing."

WILL Linebacker competition

"The last couple years we've had Exree Loe, who's been a familiar face. He's graduated and trying to get his shot right now. We've got some young guys who are getting a ton or reps at that position. Jairo Faverus , who has been healthy and practicing really fast. Really high knowledge. I like where he's grown with his journey being a European player coming as a DB, moving to linebacker, and overcoming an injury a couple of years ago. Now he's kind of getting in a rhythm. Trey Lathan is having a very solid spring. Flashed on Saturday. Definitely had his best day once we went live. Really excited about what he's doing. Probably a little further ahead in the run game than he is the pass game, but making strides in the pass game. [We've] started out Ben Cutter there and just like I talked about with Josiah [Trotter], it's the first time I've had two high school kids. Both super talented. Both really physical. And both really have the tools that you want."

Ja'Shaun Poke at returner

"That's something we identified this year in the portal. We tried to bring in some skill whether it be in the secondary or at receiver that also had return skills. I'll get a better evaluation of him in the second half of spring. But off of film, he's exactly what you want. He's got legit, raw speed. He's done it in ruckus environments."

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