Jared Pedraza shines as SEMO's defense extends its dominance

Linebacker Jared Pedraza anchored the Redhawks' defense against Eastern Illinois University, racking up 9 tackles while covering the field from sideline to sideline.

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

Head coach Tom Matukewicz is impressed by the effort Pedraza has put in to become a better player, especially given the adversity he has faced.

“Yeah, I’m so proud of him. He was the leading tackler at Northwestern State. He came in, in a backup role, but then ended up coming in and he has really made a bunch 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, for putting him in the right positions to make plays.

“Giving effort, and doing what I was coached to do. Coach Benado, and Coach Coon put us in good positions to do what we need to do, and it's all about executing,” Pedraza said.

Throughout the game, Pedraza showcased his high football IQ and instincts by quickly recognizing plays and shutting them down with precise, well-executed tackles, earning recognition from Coach Benado.

“He's really instinctive, so getting him into our scheme and getting him to understand what we're doing and how we're calling things. Then his instincts take over. He's improved his tackling,” Benado said.

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 like to be an all-conference guy. Personally, I feel like I'm starting to catch my groove,” Pedraza said.

As Pedraza feels his momentum building, so does the rest of the defense. He believes the Redhawks can sustain their defensive surge by focusing on their individual responsibilities, which will ultimately drive 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 does better than someone else that day, it doesn't matter. We all eat so as long as we come out the win that's all that matters,” Pedraza said.

Pedraza aims to build on his impressive performance this Saturday as the Redhawks' dominant defense faces off against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles at Houck Stadium, with kickoff set for 3 P.M.