Apr. 11—GRAND FORKS — The UND football program is making a change during spring ball, shrinking the number of starting linebackers from four to two.
After more than 30 years of the 3-4 defense, new head coach Eric Schmidt is implementing the 4-2-5.
Despite half of the opportunities for linebackers in the new defense, Grand Forks Red River product Paine Parks has risen to the top of the depth chart and has been in the starting rotation opposite captain Malachi McNeal.
Parks, a 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior, has played mainly special teams the past two seasons as McNeal and now-graduated Wyatt Pedigo dominated the playing time at his position.
"Paine brings athleticism," UND first-year linebackers coach Ben Watkins said. "He had a really good winter. He was able to really improve his body and gain muscle mass and get quicker. That's showing on the field here this spring, as well. He has a chance to play a lot. Now, his thing is continuing that progression and building off what he's done this winter. He's done a good job and should have a breakout year."
Parks, who was an all-state selection in high school as a defensive end, is excited for the program's new defensive setup.
"It's been a good first nine practices," Parks said. "I'm really excited for what we've got going on here."
Communication is a big part of Parks' linebacker role.
"We've got to cover more space now and set the guys up front; the movements up front are really important," Parks said. "We have to communicate up front and behind us in the secondary. It's a lot but it's good. We're getting a good grasp of the defense right now. The middle linebacker is the captain of the defense. You have to get everybody going, and I really like that leadership part of it. I want to embrace that part of it."
Watkins, who Schmidt pulled from Northern State to be his assistant special teams coordinator at Fresno State before bringing him back to the Dakotas after taking the head job in Grand Forks, said he's proud of the work Parks is doing to rise to the top of the depth chart.
"He and Malachi have the best feel for the defensive scheme," Watkins said. "He's coming along. We just have to keep that progression going."
Said Parks: "I just put a lot of credit in my faith and putting my head down and working hard every morning. The Lord is first and foremost for me. It's been a long process, but I've enjoyed the process. I'm looking to get better every single day and seeing what I can do to help contribute to this football team because it means the world to me."
UND is nearing the end of the spring practice schedule with two more weeks remaining.
The team will conduct a Spring Showcase at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 25, at the Pollard Center.
