2022 Frontier Conference Football Preview: LB

For years now, the Frontier Conference has pumped out some really good linebackers, even one's who have went on to professional football careers. Included in that is the program at Montana State University-Northern, and the Lights have a star linebacker who will headline this year's class of outstanding returners.

Dylan Wampler is already a two-time NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and has twice been named All Frontier Conference for the Lights. Now entering his final season at Northern, he is arguably one of the best defenders in all of the conference.

Last season, Wampler finished second in the Frontier with his 10.2 tackles per game. He also finished the season with a league-high 112 stops to go along with 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions. And being so consistent, that makes Wampler a leading candidate for the league's top defensive player going into 2022.

Of course, there are a lot of good linebackers around the league this season.

College of Idaho returns Dylan Martinez, who led the Frontier with 10.8 tackles per game last season on his way to All-Conference honors. He also had 109 tackles and 10 TFLs in his breakout season.

Carroll College's Rex Irby is also back. Playing the STUD position for the Fighting Saints, he's not only a great tackles, but an outstanding pass rusher. Irby finished 2021 with 6.5 asks and 65 tackles for a Carroll defense that also boasts outstanding sophomore Tucker Jones.

Montana Tech has a pair of stars in the middle of its defense as well, including former Montana State commit Blake Allred, as well as fellow junior Cole Wyant. Allred finished up last season with 48 tackles and Wyant added 44. Rocky Mountain College always seems to have a star LB, and 2022 will be no different with the return of Nolan McCafferty. After racking up 79 tackles and 8.5 TFLs last season McCafferty earned All-Conference honors and returns as Rocky's leading tackler.

While many teams return stars at LB, others will look to develop new standouts. Montana Western lost a pair of All-Americans at LB in Joe Caicedo and Kyle Schultz, so junior Braden Smith may be the next one to step up. Eastern Oregon too lost some star defenders. but the Mountaineers do return All-Conference performers Solo Taylor and Hayden Brandon, who combined for nearly 200 tackles a year ago. Southern Oregon senior Jake Regino will also be one to watch this fall.

Editor's Note: This is the fourth in the Havre Daily News series on the top returning players by position in the Frontier Conference. In Monday's HDN, we'll take a look at the top wide receivers and tight ends in the league.