Britz, Scribner take pride in coaching D-linemen

Travis Britz isn’t one to let an opportunity slip past him.

Cut on a Sunday by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following three preseason appearances in 2016, the Kansas City native drove through seven states - only stopping to sleep in his Ford Explorer - so he could be back to class on Tuesday.

No money, no degree, and no patience for a practice squad invite, Britz’ only opportunity at that moment was to go back and finish what he started at Kansas State. Two semesters later he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in secondary education and by the spring of 2019 he earned his Master’s in Academic Advising, all while working under the direction of legendary head coach Bill Snyder.

“He’s the one who taught me about taking care of business, being determined and diligent, and being an effective leader,” said Britz, who started coaching ACU’s defensive tackles in January. “He’s successful because he’s disciplined, and he always knew how he wanted to attack something. I’ve applied his lessons to how I coach, and now it’s my turn to share his wisdom with my players.” 

A four-year letter winner and three-time All-Big 12 performer who helped the Wildcats win the 2012 Big 12 Championship, Britz made it to the NFL as a tryout. 

He wasn’t drafted, nor did he receive an offer as an undrafted free agent. He was called in to challenge a player for one specific spot. 

Winner takes all.

Britz won the day, and for a short time learned from head coach Dirk Koetter and teammates Gerald McCoy, Jameis Winston and Mike Evans. In preseason week two vs. Jacksonville he ran down a 20-yard screen that helped preserve a 27-21 win, and the following week he played opposite Cleveland’s 10-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Joe Thomas.

“Watching Joe Thomas and how he sets, how patient he is with his hands, and seeing what the best offensive lineman in the game is capable of up close was a great learning experience,” said Britz, “and then talking with Gerald McCoy about how we get off the ball more efficiently, what we should be thinking about, how we see our opponent when watching and breaking down film.”

Britz may not have received the glory that comes with an NFL career, but he acquired knowledge and philosophies that are beneficial to both players and coaches.

One of the most important lessons Britz underlined was courtesy of Tampa Bay Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, who addressed the players at a rookie symposium.

“What I learned from his story was that Hall of Famers get cut too,” said Britz. “So, whether you play in three preseason games or for 14 years, you’ve got to enjoy the process. 

“Something we talk about all the time is understanding why you're doing something, and right now I'm trying to create the best content through my players. It's not about how long they can play, or how many tackles and sacks they can make. It’s about waking up, having fun, and doing what you love.”

Britz’ d-line colleague Cody Scribner also is a Kansas City guy by way of Overland Park, Kansas. 

And while Scribner never made it to the NFL, he did make it to Abilene’s legendary Shotwell Stadium in 2010 as a linebacker with the Central Missouri Mules.     

With first-year offensive coordinator (and current Wildcat associate head coach) Josh Lamberson dialing up plays for senior quarterback Eric Czerniewski, No. 8 Central Missouri upset No. 2 ACU, 55-41, in a second-round playoff game.  Interestingly, the Mules would be eliminated the following week by the Adam Dorrel-coached Northwest Missouri State Bearcats, 37-20.

Scribner finished the ACU game with 4.0 tackles, one of which was a seven-yard sack.

“A new staff came in our senior year and helped us make the playoffs,” recalled Scribner, who led the Mules in tackles in 2009 with 79. “We played West Texas A&M the first round at home and then came down and played here at Shotwell against a really strong Wildcats team. Our offense just scored more points. It was a fun and tough game.”

Scribner went on to coach the Mules for one season (2011) prior to spending four seasons at Arkansas-Monticello (2013-16) and three at Kansas (2017-19). ACU offensive line coach Mario Jeberaeel worked alongside Scribner in both Monticello and Lawrence.

A decade would pass between Scribner’s first and second trips to Abilene as he was hired a mere two weeks after Britz had accepted his position in early 2020.

By coming on board together, Britz and Scribner have worked in tandem and speak with one voice to their defensive linemen. Britz, who coaches the tackles, knows what the ends are doing, and Scribner, who coaches the ends, knows what the tackles should be responsible for. They also handle some special teams’ elements (field goal block, kickoff return), while Britz additionally coordinates team chapel and assists with the equipment room.

“We're both speaking the same language to our players,” said Scribner. “So, it's common for them to know exactly what we want to do: our first step being the attacking step, having presence of punch, being physical with our hands, and being laser focused. We’re always on the same page and we're constantly talking.”

Scribner also compared the d-line unit to a pride of Lions. On their office door is taped a picture of lions charging toward the camera with this simple message, ‘Surround Yourself with People Who Are on The Same Mission as You.’

The lions, much like this year’s defensive line, are characterized by Scribner as, ‘young and hungry.’

“They have a really strong base thanks to (defensive coordinator) Clint Brown, but they've been hungry to get better. What I’ve been most proud of is their willingness to take coaching, to learn, to push themselves to be better, and to have that championship mindset as a group. I’m seeing guys grow and develop their football IQ. It’s a progression and we're all moving in the right direction.”

“I've been so impressed with these kids because of how they’ve handled the highs and lows of this season,” added Britz, “and it takes some serious love for the game to be able to deal with such a roller coaster of emotions.

“These kids haven't put on pads for more than 20 days, and yet they're still chomping at the bit to go and play football because they love the game, they love each other and they'll do anything for their teammates. They all have a collective goal which is really awesome to see. It’s something I haven’t seen at that many football programs. But this environment definitely has been enjoyable.”

This year’s defensive line is composed of 20 players, many of whom are brand new to the school. No starters are returning from last year’s unit, which was responsible for 207 tackles, 27 (of 37) sacks and 33 quarterback hurries.

ACU averaged 3.0 sacks per game in 2019 to rank 10th in the FCS and third within the Southland Conference. Three Wildcat defensive linemen also ranked among the league’s top-20 sack leaders led by Temisan Kuyatsemi (0.77 sacks per game).

The Wildcats’ most veteran and experienced defensive ends are seniors Garviea Freeny (21 tackles in 11 games) and Reynel Previlon (11g) and sophomore Osaretin Obadeyi (10g). Returning defensive tackles include seniors Lakendrick Jones (11g), juniors Michael Gayden (4g) and Quent Titre (15 tackles in 12g) and sophomore Will Morgan (8g).

Whether young or old, Coach Britz has been impressed by all in his position room.

“All of them really have done a great job, been attentive, and showed they want to be good,” he said, “and they're good people too on and off the field.”

Britz added Morgan and Titre have taken over leadership of the room by providing consistency. He also shared some praise for newcomers Jack Schultz (College of the Canyons), Dre Jones (Highland) and freshman Austin Lozano (Hamlin HS).

“He’s going to be a heck of a football player down the road for ACU,” said Britz of Lozano.

Across the room, Scribner boasts about the unit’s selflessness.

“There is a willingness to learn and a willingness to help each other,” he said. “They all understand that it's a team effort, that's just not one person. It's the entire unit – the pride – making sure that everybody's improving so we can be better as a team.”

Scribner also appreciates the balance of classes within the defensive ends room with there being three freshmen, three sophomores, a junior, two seniors.

“Garviea, Reynel and Osaretin all have shown growth this year,” said Scribner, “and we've added considerable depth with some of the other guys who joined us this summer. Transfers Kadron Johnson (Navarro) and Marqués Brown (Fort Scott) have stood out, and we have three freshmen who've all done a great job: Damian Hart, Cameron Byrom and Dennis Herrold.”

Another d-lineman to closely watch is Nebraska transfer Jordan Paup.

“His growth has probably been the biggest among all the defensive line players,” said Scribner.

Britz and Scribner start by recruiting those who possess all the natural traits characteristic of great defensive linemen. Tackles should be tall, athletic, broad shouldered, fast and flexible. Ends, meanwhile, need the strength and athleticism to take down elusive running backs, towering tight ends, or immovable offensive tackles. 

But they’re also trying to find guys with that little extra bit of desire and determination to be good.

“That’s really what I want to see from a defensive tackle,” said Britz. “A desire to get to the play, a desire to get off the block, and a desire to get to the quarterback. And when you narrow it down, the guys you actually want are the ones who will be a good fit for the program, be determined to get better in everything they do, and be a good leader and bring others with them.”

Scribner too lists ‘determination’ as one of his three main principles along with ‘respect’ and ‘honesty.’

“I'm here as a servant to help them become better … and that includes being honest in a respectful manner,” he said. “I'm going to be here working for them. I'm where my feet are in terms of what I want to do … and we're going to work tirelessly as a staff to accommodate the players and make them the best they can be."

ACU is two weeks away from its season opener Saturday, Sept. 19 at UTEP, which will be covered by 98.1 FM – The Ticket and ESPN+. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. CT / 7 p.m