Frontier Preview: League always produces great backers

When it comes to NAIA football, the Frontier Conference has produced some of the best linebackers in recent history, including just last year in Montana Western's Jason Ferris, who is now fighting for an NFL roster spot.

But even when greats like Ferris graduate, someone always seems to be the next star, and there's plenty of great linebacker candidates in the Frontier when football resumes in the spring.

And that includes in Dillon.

Ferris' impact will be almost impossible to replace, after he led the league in tackles for two straight seasons, won Defensive MVP honors and earned tons of national recognition. But Ferris was also part of arguably the best trio of linebackers in all of NAIA football a year ago, and his two sidekicks are both back.

Senior Joe Caicedo (6-1, 210) returns after stalling 89 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions a year ago. In fact, Caiceido was so good last year that, he likely would have been the Frontier MVP if not for his own teammate winning it. Next to Caiceido is junior Kyle Schulte (6-2, 220) who had 48 tackles last season, so, the Bulldogs are still loaded at linebacker.

Western isn't alone in returning good linebackers, though. Rocky Mountain College brings back three-year starter Dallas Mack (6-2, 210), who has battled injuries, as well Nolan McCafferty (6-0, 225), who led the Battlin' Bears with 88 tackles last season. RMC head coach Chris Stutzreim is also high on TCU transfer Alex Bush. Carroll College lost some stout linebackers last season, but Nate McGree (6-2, 225) should be a big time leader for the Carroll defense this season.

Another defense that is usually loaded with great linebackers is Montana Tech. But, head coach Kyle Samson said his team lost all three starters from last year's squad, so he'll look for guys like former Montana State Bobcat Blake Allred and Paul Sundquist to emerge this coming season.

Others to watch in the linebacker core in 2021 will be Eastern Oregon's Gunnar Blix (5-11, 235) and Terrell Payne (5-9, 200). College of Idaho graduated a great one in Forrest Rivers, but the Yotes return Graham Carnahan (6-0, 205), who racked up 70 tackles during their run to the Frontier title in 2019.

Of course, MSU-Northern head coach Andrew Rolin, and new defensive coordinator Rich Stubler know about losses to graduation. The Lights lost a pair of star linebackers in Jaren Maki and Jake Norby. But, at Frontier Media Day, Rolin said he doesn't think the cupboard is by any means bare.

Northern returns a pair of starters in sophomore Dylan Wampler (6-1, 220) and sophomore Sam Sanders (6-0, 225), who got extensive playing time as freshmen a season ago.

"Those two guys are going to be very good for us," Rolin said. "We'll need some more young guys to step up and emerge in camp. But, I feel really good about the talent we have in our linebacker group."

Editor's Note: This is the fifth installment in the Havre Daily News' preview of the upcoming Frontier Conference football season. For a look at the top returning defensive backs and special teams players in the league, see next week's HDN sports section.