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By Brian Pitts

Sports Editor

Every defense wants a thumper in the middle of the field. Davie has that box checked. Middle linebacker Elijah Chaffin is made of granite, he’s coming off a team-high 103 tackles, he’s picked up speed while adding 21 pounds and he’s nowhere close to a finished product.

He made those 103 tackles as a – gulp – freshman. It was the most by a Davie freshman in 16 years (Jared Barber had 148 in 2007).

“He is bigger and way more experienced,” linebacker coach Todd Bumgarner said. “He is always set on go. We are doing something new this year, but he has picked it up good and is starting to play faster and seeing things really well. I can’t wait to watch him play.”

After playing at 192 pounds in 2023, Chaffin is up to 6-4, 213 pounds. He combines that size with frightening intensity.

“Sometimes in the summer, we have to dial him back,” coach Tim Devericks said. “I mean, he’s ready to go. We say: ‘Hey, we’re not to that point yet.’ He understands but he just has one speed – and it’s we’re playing football, here we go.”

Offensive line coach Spencer Pasciolla said: “Trying to block Chaffin at the second level has been a tough ask for some of our guys, so we feel really good when we do get them. It let’s us know that we did something right because those guys are legit. He looks huge and his processing is getting faster. They’re going to a new defense this year, so everybody is trying to get on the same page. But as far as I can tell, he’s picking it up fast.”

The starting job beside Chaffin is a competition between senior Archer Richardson and junior Dylan Miller. Richardson was fourth last year with 63 stops, while Miller got some varsity experience as a sophomore. Davie will be in good shape no matter who wins that battle.

“They are battling it out to see who can take that spot,” Devericks said. “I’d say they’re both going to play a lot, so that’s a good situation. They are very comparable. Archer might be a little more physical and Dylan might be a little bit faster. That’s two good options for us.”

Keep an eye on junior Luke Wayne, who looks like a fantastic backup to Chaffin.

“Elijah has a good backup,” Devericks said. “Luke might be the best I’ve seen in a while at being able to work laterally, fit where the ball carrier is going and not get caught in traffic. He can find a way through there somehow and not get picked off by a tackle or something like that. He just has a knack for feeling where it’s going to be and a slight movement to free himself up not to get blocked. He also loves physical contact.”

Bumgarner added: “We have several good linebackers that should have good years. (Richardson, Miller and Wayne) are pretty solid.”

Two guys are pushing for the job at outside linebacker. Devericks is salivating over Jsiere Arnold, who has sky-high potential as a sophomore.

“Jsiere’s got all the tools,” Devericks said. “It’s just a matter of having him realize what he’s got in him. Sometimes he’s great and sometimes we have to prod him to get him there, and that’s part of being young. But he has all the physical tools.”

Junior Austin Heath is a big move-in who began turning heads immediately.

“He worked out with us all spring and summer (after moving to Davie County in the winter),” Devericks said. “Austin is a high-motor kid who makes things happen. He likes physicality. Both of those guys (Arnold and Heath) will play a lot this year.”