Blazer Names to Know: DC Rick Christophel

Five days 'til Norman. I've layed off the Blazer coverage the past few weeks after covering the backfield, wideouts, and the defense, so here in the final push I'll run down some of the coaches and the three QBs. During pre-season preperations the Blazer defense outshined the other side of the ball for the first time in years. New (sort of) defensive co-ordinator Rick Christophel likely has something to do with this. Returning to the post after two years as the senior associate athletics director, Christophel looks to take a senior laden defense that ranked 56th in the nation in total defense and 59th in stopping the run last season and turn it into a strength for the Blazers. Christophel presided over a defense that ranked 5th overall and was the top ranked run defense in 2001 before changing hats again (during his nine year tenure with the Blazers he's also coached wide receivers, offensive tackles, tight ends, and running backs). With Christophel back with the defense and the hiring of Ron McCrone as the new linebackers coach, there is hope that our biggest weakness last season will become our biggest strength.