New DC looking to help Hounds pick up play

CLOVIS — Jamison “Jamie” Bisch was hired by Eastern New Mexico University football coach Tye Hiatt in February to try and help solve the Greyhounds’ problems on defense.

Included was a secondary which allowed nearly 250 passing yards per game and 27 touchdowns in 2021.

The Greyhounds have added some pieces to that end, but they are hoping several of their returning players will be able to step up to the challenge.

“I like our group of kids,” Bisch said on Saturday as the team conducted a practice session at Clovis High’s Leon Williams Stadium. “We have a lot of guys in the secondary who love football, work hard and have some talent. They’ve been a real joy to work with.”

Bisch, the team’s associate head coach and defensive coordinator, is coming off a successful run at Division II Bemidji State (Minn.), where he helped the Beavers earn a No. 19 national ranking and reach the second round of the D-II playoffs last season.

So far, players say they like the coach’s intense style.

“Coach Bisch is bringing a lot to the table,” said safety Cameron Santa Cruz, a redshirt sophomore from Eunice. “Last year we struggled on defense a little bit, but this year I think we should be really good. He puts us in the right position to make things happen.”

Bisch said the Hounds have tweaked the defense more than making wholesale changes.

“We’ll be pretty multiple as far as getting out of even fronts or odd fronts,” he said.

Junior free safety Zerrian Meander said the Hounds will try to disguise coverages as best they can.

“There’s a lot more options, coverage-wise,” said Meander, who is from Amarillo and played high school ball at Canyon Randall. “I don’t think teams will be able to figure out what we’re doing.

“When we came back from winter break, they (coaches) did a great job of helping us get better. I know they have my back and I have theirs.”

Bisch, whose wife is from the area, said he’s somewhat familiar with the Lone Star Conference from his teams having occasionally faced them in the postseason. He said he’s looking forward to the challenge.

For now, though, it’s a day-to-day thing.

“It’s been fun from Day 1,” he said. “Right now, though, we’re not worried about the fall. We’re thinking about today, and that’s all I want our guys to think about.”

Santa Cruz is also optimistic about what’s ahead for the team.

“We’ve really come together,” he said. “We lost a couple of seniors from last year, but we’ve got some new players in who will step up for us. I’m looking forward to the season.”

The Hounds are in their penultimate week of spring ball, to be capped by the team’s intrasquad game on April 29 at Greyhound Stadium.

The open the 2022 campaign on either Sept. 1 or Sept. 3 against New Mexico Highlands. The LSC and home opener is set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 against Midwestern State.