2025 Preseason Preview –  SMB Wolfpack

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a large group of returning starters and a significant number of young players gaining valuable experience last season. The SMB Wolfpack are poised for a bounce-back season, with increased depth and renewed details on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, the focus is on ball protection and ensuring that the team's best athletes are in positions to make plays. Success for the offense will depend on minimizing turnovers, executing efficiently, and getting their top playmakers involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some players to watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line is one of the team's strengths, with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1289992' first='Levi' last='Reed']</strong> leading the charge. A senior with good size at 6'3", 250 pounds, Reed brings valuable experience, having started last season despite missing a few games due to injury. His play with good leverage and technique makes him a standout in the trenches. Alongside him, <strong>Jordan Ellis</strong> played tackle as a sophomore last year and has emerged as a key player. Ellis is a leaner, longer tackle with an excellent understanding of facing and positioning. Together, these two will provide stability and leadership for the line</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athlete<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1338141' first='Jonah' last='Schimelpfenig']</strong> returns after playing several skill positions last year. The junior playmaker brings his leadership and athleticism to the Wolfpack offense. Schimelpfenig<strong> </strong>is a talented runner and will be a key part of the Wolfpack's attack. Fellow weapon <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1792020' first='Ty' last='Malone']</strong> is back and will play receiver but also contribute as a defensive back. Both have proven themselves as capable playmakers. Malone will be a junior this year, giving him more opportunity to step up and make an impact in 2025. Junior receiver <strong>Shyam Patel</strong> is expected to be a key contributor as well. The Wolfpack offense will look to get creative, using its versatile athletes to stretch defenses and make plays in space.Defensively, SMB's focus is on being gap-sound and stopping the run, with an emphasis on making sure their athletes can cover well and play fast in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive philosophy is aggressive but measured, seeking to apply pressure without being reckless. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648445' first='Aiden' last='Wilson']</strong>, a senior safety, is the anchor of the defense and will play a crucial role this season. Wilson was a leader last year and continues to bring a downhill, aggressive style of play while also excelling in pass coverage. <strong>Malone</strong> will contribute on defense as well, bringing his physicality and leadership. He was injured in the middle of last season. Coaches are excited for him to return. The Wolfpack defense will also feature several players up front who can disrupt opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->