LORETTO, Pa. – In a 3-4 defense, the linebacker position takes on even more responsibilities in both run defense and pass coverage.  That means it's important to have good leadership and experience in the middle so that everyone knows their assignments.  The Saint Francis football team has a lot of experience at the linebacker position in 2015, with a pair of seniors and a pair of juniors leading the way.
 
The group also has a strong Hawaiian influence with Solomon Leaeno (Kapolei, Hawaii/James Campbell), Max Ma'afala-Maiava (Pearl City, Hawaii/Aiea ), Wesley Nagaseu (Waipahu, Hawaii/Waipahu) and Semo Sila (Honolulu, Hawaii /Farrington) all hailing from the Aloha state.
 
"Coach [Villarrial] has done a great job of recruiting [Hawaiians]," said Ma'afala-Maiava. "He had a former friend from Hawaii, so Coach V knew our style of family, our brotherhood; that we stick together. We bring our culture along with us. We're not afraid to speak what we are and show our culture. For a collective group of us Hawaii boys, it's always family first. As far as us being together, it's a great thing."
 
The unit helped the Saint Francis defense to rank among the Top 50 rushing defenses, allowing only 162.1 yards per game and 27th in the nation in total defense, giving up 337.2 yards per game.  Four opponents were held to under 100 yards rushing, including Virginia-Lynchburg who had -17 yards.  Saint Francis held five teams under 300 total yards.
 
The Red Flash also ranked 14th in the country in pass defense, allowing 175.1 yards per game, and 22nd in pass efficiency defense.  SFU allowed over 200 passing yards in only four of their 11 games and held opponents to under 100 yards in two games.
 
"At linebacker, it's crucial to have leaders that understand the defense," said Linebackers Coach Evan Knight. "I want them to carry everybody else along with them. If we see someone lined up wrong, we have to get them fixed. We have to know where everyone needs to be."
 
Leaeno and fellow junior Nagaseu patrol the middle of the linebacking corps.  The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Leaeno ranked third on the Red Flash with 67 tackles in 2014, including 25 solo and 4.5 for loss.  He also broke up two passes and recovered a pair of fumbles.
 
A Waipahu native, Nagaseu recorded 50 stops last season, including 23 solo and 5.5 for loss.  The six-foot, 240-pound Nagaseu started all 11 games in 2014.
 
On the outside are Ma'afala-Maiava and Sila.  The six-foot-one, 196-pound Sila made 11 starts last year with 41 tackles.  He recorded 18 solo stops, 5.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks.  Sila also broke up four passes, forced two fumbles and intercepted a pass against Clarion.
 
In three years at Saint Francis, the senior, Ma'afala Maiava, has 92 career tackles, with 36 solo, four for loss and 1.5 sacks. 
 
"I know what to expect from them on Saturdays," said Defensive Coordinator Michael Craig. "They love to compete and they compete hard. We have some good young ones that came in this camp and they're showing me a lot. I'm very happy, very pleased with the depth we're creating at that position."
 
The Saint Francis football team continues training camp this week as they prepare for their season opener against Georgetown on Sept. 5 at DeGol Field.