Linebacker Jared Pedraza anchored the Redhawks’ defense against Eastern Illinois University, recording nine tackles while covering the field from sideline to sideline.

Pedraza, a graduate of Northwestern State University, is currently the Redhawks’ fourth-leading tackler. Surprisingly, he started as SEMO’s backup linebacker, but Pedraza dedicated himself to improving his game in the offseason and continued his improvement throughout the season.

Head coach Tom Matukewicz is impressed with the efforts Pedraza has made to become a better player, especially given the adversity he has faced.

“Yes, I’m so proud of him. He was the leading tackler at Northwestern State. He came in as a substitute, but then came back in and really made a lot of plays for his teammates,” Matukewicz said.

Pedraza credits his success against EIU to his strong effort and the defensive coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Ricky Coon and inside linebackers coach Connor Benado, who put him in the right positions to make plays.

“I try hard and do what I was trained to do. Coach Benado and Coach Coon have put us in a position to do what we need to do and it all comes down to execution,” Pedraza said.

Throughout the game, Pedraza demonstrated his high football IQ and instincts by quickly identifying plays and blocking them with accurate, well-executed tackles, earning him the recognition of Coach Benado.

“He’s really instinctive, so get him involved in our plan and get him to understand what we’re doing and how we’re naming things. Then his instincts take over. “He has improved his tackling,” said Benado.

With 34 tackles at the halfway point of the season, Pedraza is now the Redhawks’ fourth-leading tackler and ranks 11th in total tackles in the Ohio Valley Conference. Despite his strong performance against EIU, Pedraza remains focused on the ambitious goals he set for himself as a transfer this season.

I mean, I would love to be an all-conference guy. Personally, I feel like I’m slowly getting into my rhythm,” Pedraza said.

As Pedraza feels his momentum increasing, so does the rest of the defense. He believes the Redhawks can maintain their defensive momentum by focusing on their individual responsibilities, which will ultimately lead to greater success for the entire team.

“Just doing our one-of-eleven, trusting each other, loving each other and not letting the guy next to us down. I feel like none of us are selfish, and if someone is doing better than the other that day, it doesn’t matter. We all eat, so as long as we come out victorious, that’s all that matters,” Pedraza said.

Pedraza will look to continue his impressive performance this Saturday when the Redhawks’ dominant defense takes on the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Houck Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m