Football | 09/17/20 | 5:13 PM

HELENA, Mont. -- The second line of defense. The generals. The 'backers.

Whatever you call 'em, the Carroll College Fighting Saints linebacking corps will be formidable in 2021. 

We previously took a look at Carroll's defensive line. In concert with the linebackers, the Saints are once again putting together a stout front-seven. 

"I thought last year we had a real solid front seven, and I think that really continues on to this year," Saints coach Troy Purcell said. "We have young talent and we have two seniors in that group." 

Randy Bandelow is in charge of the linebackers once again and what he's looking for in a successful linebacker is straight forward. 

"We're looking for dudes that like to run and love to hit," Bandelow said.

The group, as it installs new defensive coordinator Wes Nurse's system, is especially focused on communication, making sure calls are clean and terminology can be effectively executed. 

"This time of year is, and it's coach Nurse's first season, it's getting the communication and getting the checks in right," Bandelow said. 

The Saints graduated talented interior backers Chase Bowen and all-conference Dylan Kresge. In their stead, the Saints are looking for big production out of hyper-athletic backer Nate McGree and tough-as-nails Colin Sassano. Thomas Robitaille figures to be involved even more and take a step forward in 2021. 

For McGree, he'll move from his outside spot to the interior in 2021, taking on more responsibility as an inside linebacker. McGree finished No. 6 on the team in total tackles a season ago with 47. He added 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one interception and a fumble recovered. 

"He'll make our defense that much faster," Purcell said. "He's very athletic. He's a good leader. He'll put the defense where they need to be." 

Sassano added in 20 tackles, a sack and an interception, while Robitaille racked up 10 tackles. 

Bandelow is looking for more from Robitaille, and underclassmen Jacob Resch and John Thomson in 2021, the latter two who had solid roles on special teams in 2019. In fling especially, young backers Tucker Jones, Austin Bedke and Nick Anderson have made some plays. 

And with a dynamic defense being built by the mind of Nurse, players from the secondary could be lining up at the LB level, or linebackers could be moving down to the d-line. With deep and flexible personnel, the Saints' defense will offer all sorts of different looks for opposing offenses.

KEY RETURNERS: Nate McGree, Colin Sassano, Thomas Robitaille.

KEY ADDITIONS: Jake Resch, John Thomson, Tucker Jones 

NOTES: The Carroll College fall football scrimmage will be closed to spectators. Those wishing to watch the Fighting Saints play can join a viewing party at Muni's Sports Grille. The scrimmage is scheduled for September 26 at noon.