Published: October 23, 2009 10:38 am      

Princeton’s linebacking corps masters of defense

PRINCETON — After a slow 0-4 start, the Princeton Tigers football team has captured their last three games. The entire team — the offense, the defense, and special teams — have performed well. At the center of their success is the talented linebacking unit of Tanner Grose, Cameron Mallory and John Barnett.

During Princeton’s current three-game win streak, they have held their opposition to an average of 150 yards of offense per game. In addition, the Tigers have allowed their last two opponents (Nitro and Hurricane) to a touchdown each. It has been over five years since a Princeton team has held consecutive opponents to one touchdown.

“After we lost the fourth game, we realized that to have a chance to make the playoffs we had to win the rest of our games. Everyone has stepped up their effort. We are playing well now,” Mallory said.

“We (the linebackers) are the backbone of the defense. In addition, we are all seniors and co-captains. We needed to lead the way. We are playing as a team. I know that if I mess up, a teammate will take up the slack,” Grose said.

And, Barnett added, “Although we lost our first four games, I knew we were a good team. We just had to play harder.”

Princeton’s defense is designed to funnel opposing ball carriers to the linebackers, so it is expected that the linebacking trio will make many tackles. They have performed very well and have exceeded expectations. They have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence.

This season Barnett is the leading tackler on the team. Last season, he ranked second in number of tackles. In addition, this season he is a co-leader in quarterback sacks with three. He has also intercepted a pass. After high school, Barnett plans to attend college and major in computer engineering. He enjoys football, weight lifting, and running. He has competed in the Atlanta 10K race.

In the first game last season, Grose broke his collarbone and was out the rest of the year. “It was hard to be on the sidelines and not be able to help the team on the field,” he said.

This year, he ranks second on the team in tackles and is noted for his bone-jarring hits. He wants to be a doctor and someday operate his own medical practice.

Mallory is a workhorse. He is usually in the game and rarely on the sidelines taking a breather. He is also one of the top tacklers on the team and has recorded two sacks. He plans to major in engineering in college. He is also an outstanding pitcher/infielder on the Princeton baseball team.

They all would like to continue their football careers in college.

While they are primarily noted for their defensive accomplishments, the three have made significant contributions offensively as well.

Grose leads the team in the number of receptions and receiving yardage. Against Hurricane, he snagged a 24-yard pass for an apparent touchdown. A holding penalty wiped out the play.

Early in the season, Barnett saw some action as quarterback. Recently he has been playing wide receiver. Against Hurricane, he grabbed two passes for 25 yards.

“Playing wide receiver is a lot different than playing quarterback. I am having fun, and we are winning,” he said.

Offensively, Mallory has multiple tasks which he performs in an excellent manner. He is the lead blocker for the Tiger tailbacks, an occasional runner (he is averaging five yards per rush), and a capable pass receiver.

If the Tigers make the playoffs, the play of Barnett, Grose and Mallory will be major factors in the success. If the team fails to meet its goal, the trio will be among the leaders in a valiant attempt to extend the team’s season to the playoffs.