WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Every defense needs a voice in the middle — someone responsible for getting the call, making the checks and making sure everyone is in the right place.

For West Liberty, that responsibility belongs to Sam Hobbs.

A transfer from Cal, Hobbs has quickly emerged as the central figure in Chad Salisbury's new defensive scheme and will be counted on to serve as the Hilltoppers' quarterback in the middle of the defense. "Sam Hobbs is a transfer from Cal," Salisbury said. "He's kind of the glue of the defense. He's calling the fronts and he's played a lot of good football, so I like him in the middle there."

Hobbs brings plenty of experience to the position. Over three seasons, he has accumulated 87 tackles, including 46 solo stops and 41 assists. His production has increased each season, highlighted by a 48-tackle campaign in 2025 that included 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He also forced a fumble last season and had a 44-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.

That experience will be particularly valuable as West Liberty installs a defensive system that Salisbury described as multiple. The versatility of the scheme puts a premium on linebackers who can communicate, recognize formations and handle different responsibilities.

Hobbs will be the primary inside linebacker, but Salisbury has been encouraged by the emergence of Cam Turner, a young linebacker from West Allegheny who has made a strong impression during camp. "We've had a young kid show up and be really great," Salisbury said. "Cam Turner from West Allegheny, he's had a good camp. He should play a lot."

Turner has done more than simply earn playing time. Salisbury said the young linebacker has already demonstrated an ability to take on the communication responsibilities normally associated with an experienced player."What's been great about Cam is, as a young guy, he has assumed that role and when he's in there, we don't lose much," Salisbury said. That could prove to be one of the most important developments of preseason camp.

With Hobbs serving as the defensive leader, the Hilltoppers have another player capable of stepping into that role when Turner is on the field. Salisbury said Hobbs and Turner will form the primary inside combination, with Dominic Maultsby providing depth at the position. "Maultsby's a backup inside," Salisbury said. Maultsby saw action in 11 games during the 2025 season, recording five tackles, including a tackle for loss and a sack.

The Hilltoppers also have flexibility in Jamison Holliday, who Salisbury believes can contribute both inside and outside. "Jamison Holliday is somebody who he's able to play inside and outside because he's a little more of a skilled player," Salisbury said. Holliday played eight games in 2025 and finished with 46 tackles, including 1.0 tackle for loss and a half-sack.  Salisbury believes moving Holliday into a more traditional linebacker role will allow the Hilltoppers to take better advantage of his physical abilities. "He was a little out of position last year," Salisbury said. "I think we're putting him more in a linebacker-type position. He was in that nickel position covering people a lot, and I think I like him more inside. I think he's a tough kid."

The Hilltoppers also have another intriguing young option in Alex Pate, an outside linebacker-type player who has impressed the coaching staff early. "We've got a kid named Alex Pate who's been really good for us, freshman kid, outside backer-type guy," Salisbury said. "He's been really good." Pate and Turner are part of a younger group that Salisbury believes can develop into an important part of the defense, but the immediate responsibility falls on the more experienced players — particularly Hobbs.

In Salisbury and Anthony Kellar's defense, the middle linebacker isn't simply another position. He's the communicator.

"Sam and Kohl are the guys with the coach column in their helmets," Salisbury said. "So Sam is the quarterback of the defense, if you want to say that. I mean, he's a leader out there."

That means Hobbs will be responsible for taking the call from the coaching staff, getting the defense into the proper alignment and making sure the players around him understand their assignments. "He's getting the call from Coach, getting them in the right sets," Salisbury said.

For a first-year defensive staff implementing a new system, having an experienced voice in the middle could be invaluable. And if Turner can continue to develop into the same kind of communicator, West Liberty will have something every defense wants — multiple linebackers capable of taking control when the game speeds up.

West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.