Defensive end Daniel Webb’s family is hardly one that lacks an athletic background.

Defensive end Daniel Webb’s family is hardly one that lacks an athletic background. Both his father, a linebacker for Stephen Austin University, and his grandfather, a high school coach in Texas, have ties to football. Now, Webb is a big reason why ESU is enjoying one of the best seasons in years.

“I grew up playing all kinds of sports, but hockey was always the biggest one for me,” said Webb, a senior integrated studies major. “It wasn’t until eighth grade that I turned more to football, and it’s been that way ever since.”

Webb was born in Greenville, Texas, but was raised from third grade on in Fort Collins, Colo. In high school, Webb participated in both football and track. During his senior season, Webb won several awards, including his team’s awards for MVP, defensive MVP and inspirational player.

Senior defensive tackle Casey Finlayson said that Webb has been a big reason for the change in mindset on defense this season.

“The guy is just constantly making plays,” Finlayson said. “He is a great leader both on and off the field that always puts the team first.”

Defensive line coach Matt LoPorto has seen Webb grow since arriving in 2006 when LoPorto was still playing. LoPorto has seen Webb grow from a great role player to a fifth year senior leader of this team.

“He was a crazy little kid coming in,” LoPorto said. “It’s amazing how much better he understands the game now. The guy just has a non-stop motor, has as much heart as any player, and plays every snap like it’s his last. A guy like that is irreplaceable because he is such a great example of why you play football.”

Currently Webb leads all MIAA players in tackles for a loss and sacks. However, Webb said that he doesn’t focus on personalize accolades, and the success of the season will only be measured by how the team ends the season.

“I just want to go out with a bang for my senior season whether it be by a bowl game or the playoffs,” Webb said.

Webb, who plans on moving back to Fort Collins as a fire fighter or smoke jumper, is planning on attending Hutchinson Community College after graduation.

As for football, Webb hasn’t ruled out playing after this year.

“It’s something where if the right situation presented itself, I definitely would at least be interested,” Webb said. “Right now we are just taking it one game at a time to hopefully make a postseason push.”

Chris Hopkins

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Finlayson is the anchor for the defensive line at Emporia State. Photo by Kellen Jenkins/The Bulletin.

In summer 2004, Burlington High graduate Casey Finlayson was elected to play in the 2004 Kansas Shrine Bowl as a defensive end. After a player profile from the Emporia Gazette and despite many offers, Finlayson had decided that the upcoming game would be his last.

But he was wrong.

At 24, Finlayson is the anchor for the defensive line at Emporia State.

After graduation, Finlayson attended Flint Hills Technical College where he aspired to work with technology at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington. During that time, Finlayson  spent many hot days roofing houses when most were taking the summer off.

“I decided roofing houses wasn’t for me in the long-run, and I wanted to push myself at the next highest level of football,” said Finlayson, a senior environmental biology major.

During the 2006 season, Finlayson walked on for the Hornets and was a full-time starter last year, missing only one game due to a sprained shoulder. Finlayson believes the defensive line should be a point to watch this season, as should the entire team, with many returning players. This should lead to more consistent play not just on the defensive line, but across the board, he said.

Defensive Line Coach and former Hornet linebacker Matt Loporto has seen the transition from the player Finlayson started as, to the leader that he is today.

“Casey is a wily old vet, not the biggest, not the most skilled, but does the dirty work, everyday,” Loporto said.“He is the epitome of what being a defensive lineman is all about.”

Loporto recalls that since the day Finlayson came in, he has strictly led by example and work, and despite putting on 50 pounds, Finlayson has not lost his athletic ability.

“Those two years were probably the best thing for him at the time because it allowed Casey to mature as a football player and as a person. In return, he has came to work harder than ever, and it has been fun to watch him transition from a good to a great player,” Loporto said.

Senior defensive lineman Daniel Webb has been able to see the leadership role Finlayson has taken.

“Everyone respects him as a player and person, and knows that he will be a big part of success this season,” Webb said.

When asked if this really is his last season this time, Finlayson said,“This is my last year for sure this time. The body has one more season in it.”

Chris Hopkins/The Bulletin

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