New starters will be “asked a lot from them” in 2024.

With the Colts running primarily a 3-4 defense, the outside linebacker position is a very important one, and Coach Austin Hernandez (the position group’s coach) knows that this group will be relied on to make plays in 2024.

“With the two starters from last year graduating, we will have new faces that need to make plays this year,” says Hernandez. Junior Chris Ewart and sophomore Wyatt Mann will be the main starters at the outside backer spots.

Ewart started a few games at inside linebacker last year before having the injury bug plague the back half of his 2023 season. Hernandez says he is “started to become more vocal and is understanding the responsibility that comes with being an upperclassmen.”

Mann on the other hand, only saw significant varsity snaps during the final game of the season in 2023. Coach Hernandez says he “is a big kid with plenty of potential. Even with his little game time experience, he knows we will counting on him this season.”

With the both Mann and Ewart also expected to be significant contributors on offense, Hernandez mentions that several younger players “have the opportunity to fight for backup roles” to provide depth behind the 2 starters.