By BEN JOHNSON

Press Sports Editor

Patrick Krempin probably couldn't have foreseen this happening after his junior year on the offensive line. Tahlequah's left tackle was asked to move from the offensive side of the ball to defense.

His mentality changed. It went from opening up holes in the running game and protecting the quarterback in the pocket to plugging the running gaps and blind-siding the QB on a blitz attack.

So how will Krempin succeed in his transition to the other side of the ball?

"As far as I'm concerned, just listen to coach," said Krempin talking about Tahlequah head coach Charlie Cooper.

Switching from one side of the ball to other could be a challenge for any player. But Krempin has relished the opportunity, saying there's a benefit to being on the defensive side.

"It's fun; I have a lot more freedom," said Krempin during a media-day type gathering at Muskogee's First Assembly Church in early August. "I don't have any limitations, really."

While sticking to strict fundamentals at left tackle, Krempin suggested that defensive linemen aren't as bound to certain guidelines, allowing for, perhaps, some artistic ability.

"I do have a job I have to do," he said. "But I'm free to complete that, doing whatever I can to get to the quarterback or whoever has the ball."

Regardless of which side of the ball he's on, Krempin just loves to go helmet to helmet with someone on the other team.

"If it were up to me," he said, "the whole game would just be me and somebody else just lining up and hitting -- that's my favorite part."

When describing Krempin, Cooper wasn't short on words for his senior starter on defense.

"Patrick Krempin, he didn't play defense last year, but he's got extremely good feet," Cooper said. "He can really run, he's got good size and he looks to me like a self-made defensive player."

With Krempin switching to defense, Cooper said he likes the potential of his defensive line.

"I think our defensive line has a chance to be pretty decent," said Cooper, who returns to Tahlequah after coaching the Tigers from 1980 to 1992.

Krempin's other defensive end mate will be senior Jose Winkler.

"He's a big strong kid," Cooper said of Winkler. "He can also play inside because he's very physical. And when his motor runs hard, he's a pretty good player."

In the middle at nose guard and defensive tackle will be Jake Chuckluck and Kris Kosterlistzkey. Backing up the two juniors could be a host of sophomores: Jarel Todd, Chance Stayathome and Eric Cooper.



Linebackers

One potential area of concern for Cooper is his linebacking group. He's got players to choose from, but it's a matter of seeing those guys perform.

"We're not as comfortable there as we should be," Cooper said.

Some names Cooper tossed around was Jeremy Dry, Caleb Morton, Dakota Hiatt, A.J. Campbell, Kodey Kelley and Rodney Madden.

"Jeremy does a good job," Cooper said of the 5-8, 190-pound senior, who could also see time in the offensive backfield at fullback. "He's strong, very quick and physical."

With a host of names to choose from, Cooper confident the coaching staff will find the proper personnel come Sept. 3 at Fort Gibson.

"We'll pick two out of that bunch somewhere," he said. "We'll find two of them that can play."



Defensive backs

Tahlequah's defensive backfield could consist of plenty of two-way players -- guys that will likely vie for some time on offense.

Headlining the back end of the defensive unit will guys like Tim Justice, who did not play with the Tigers last year.

"He's very talented as a defensive back," Cooper said. "He just has to get caught back up with the game. That'll be the big problem with him."

Colin Downs, who should get some carries on offense, will join Justice, according to Cooper.

At one cornerback position, Cooper expects Blake Campbell and Tanner Weston to be his shut-down guys on the edges.

Adding depth will be Tyler Eisensmith, who's listed as a wide receiver and a free safety on the Tigers' roster, Alan Nelson and Dane Whitehorn.