Pressure is a Privilege: The Motto Of Princeton's Inside Linebackers

Pressure is a privilege.

Princeton Football inside linebackers coach Mike Weick says it quite often and it resonates with his group that features senior captain James Johnson and Daniel Beard.

"I wouldn't say there's pressure of being an older guy but given my experience and seeing the linebackers that have come before me in that role, I know there is a standard of excellence that comes with being a senior linebacker," said Johnson, an All-Ivy Honorable Mention selection in 2019. "Rather than it being a pressure, it's our privilege to give back to the younger guys some of the experience that we've learned."

Johnson's older brother, Tom '19, was a two-time All-Ivy linebacker, while his youngest brother, Liam '24, is his teammate and also a linebacker.

He knows the standard.

After each win, the team raises Johnson on its shoulders, and it recites Princeton Cannon to raucous applause.

Beard, the person who is almost always next to him on the field, is not that type of guy

"They're like Yin and Yang," said Weick. "Daniel is Mr. Cool, Calm and Collected. He's a unique linebacker in that he has relaxed approach. He celebrates and plays the game with a great enthusiasm, but he's much more analytical and not quite as demonstrative as James is. His leadership by example."

Princeton's Yin and Yang make it work.

"We just play off each other well," said Beard. James is high energy and super loud, but I'm the quiet guy and I usually only say what I need to say. We keep each other in check."

"I think we complement each other," said Johnson. "In the linebacker room, we have some guys that are very talkative and some that just speak with their abilities. That's really heathy to have in the room considering how much we spent together."

Whether it's stopping the run or defending the passing game, the inside linebackers are asked to do a lot.

"We put a lot on his plate," said Weick about Johnson. "We expect him to be the coach on the field. "He may not be the biggest or the fastest guy out there, but he's the fastest processer of information and he plays with a relentless motor. He's like the Tasmanian Devil out there. Once he gets going, he's flying downhill, and he strikes people in a way that a much larger player would."

"He's a guy who sees the ball really well," said Weick about Beard. "He has some of the best instincts I've seen. He's able to sniff out plays and feel out different blocking schemes from lineman. He's unbelievable in how he reacts to the ball. We can get him out into space, and he can cover like a defensive back. It leaves us in nice situation where we don't have to sub him out because he's a three-down guy."

The standard goes beyond just Johnson and Beard.

Weick spurned praise on Tyler McDonald, Zach Beagle, Joseph Bonczek and Anthony Corbin as players who have showed leadership and ability to step in when asked.

"We have six guys who we feel comfortable with in varsity game and there's only so many reps that can go around, but those guys handle it with great maturity and everyone's number one goal is winning," said Weick.

Princeton's defense has shined this season as it ranks No. 1 in the NCAA FCS in fewest first downs allowed (47), rushing yards per game (28.2) and total defense (194.5). It's No. 2 in scoring defense (8.8 points per game), No. 3 in sacks per contest (4.25) and is No. 4 in fourth down conversion defense (12.5 percent).

Johnson and Beard were quick to speak glowingly about everyone on the defensive side of the ball.

"Confidence in the people around you," said Beard in why the defense has been so successful. "You know they're going to do what they're supposed to do on each play, and you only have to worry about your own job."

"All of the guys are playing as a whole and there is no specific group that takes all the credit," said Johnson. "In times of adversity, what makes me want to play for this team is I get to play for the guys around me. I love to play behind this defensive line because they've been so successful. I love playing in front of the defensive backs because I have full trust and faith in them that they'll do their job."

The previous two games have provided challenges for the Princeton Football team. The Tigers led by three points as the fourth quarter got underway against Columbia. The squad also trailed by two touchdowns against Monmouth.

Princeton responded each time.

The Tigers forced two consecutive three-and-outs by Columbia and countered with two Collin Eaddy touchdowns to put the game out of reach. After giving up a 16-play drive to begin the second half against Monmouth, Princeton forced five straight three-and-outs, turning a 21-6 deficit into a lead.

"I don't think we were ever worried," said Beard about the Monmouth contest. "We knew we were fine, we just had to play to our standards."

For a team that's 4-0, nationally ranked, and going for its fourth Ivy League title in eight seasons, the Tigers have every right to talk about their success. There's a reminder that the players see every day to prevent that.

"At the top of the locker room, it says I see better than I hear," said Weick. "Everybody can talk the talk, but the product you put out there, people need to see it. What you put on film, that's your product."

To date, the product has been outstanding.

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