CEDAR CITY, Utah — As the Thunderbirds enter the third week of fall camp, Southern Utah head coach DeLane Fitzgerald is encouraged by the progress being made on the defensive side of the ball, particularly the athleticism and depth across the unit.
The improvement up front has been noticeable, with the defensive tackles providing a solid presence and the defensive ends continuing to develop into a dependable group. Fitzgerald has also been pleased with the energy and playmaking mentality of the linebackers.
"Our D-tackles up front are doing a solid job," Fitzgerald said. "They're solid. We think we're more than serviceable at the defensive end positions. Our linebackers want to make plays and play with some enthusiasm."
Perhaps the biggest difference Fitzgerald sees from previous seasons is the athleticism in the secondary.
"We're so much more athletic on defense than we've been in my four years here," Fitzgerald said. "We've tightened down coverage some, but we're just a lot more athletic back there."
That athleticism has given the Thunderbirds another element to build around as they continue preparing for the upcoming season. While there are still areas that need to improve, Fitzgerald believes the overall makeup of the defense gives the unit a strong foundation heading into the final stretch of camp.
The progress has also been aided by the continued development and chemistry of the defensive coaching staff. With Josh Runda joining the staff this season, the defensive coaches have continued to build on the foundation established last season.
"I think that group of coaches has really gelled since the middle of last season," Fitzgerald said. "They get along really well, they work really hard together, and they complement each other. If one guy has a strength, it helps make up for somebody else's weakness. They're a really galvanized group, and they do a nice job working together."
Gallery: (8-17-2026) Fall Camp Photos
That cohesion will matter as the Thunderbirds transition from the developmental portion of fall camp into preparation geared toward the season opener.
With the first game now just 12 days away, Fitzgerald knows there is still plenty of work to be done across the team.
"We're not ready yet," Fitzgerald said. "We're playing in 12 days, and we're not ready to play."
The message entering Week Three is clear: the intensity and urgency must continue to increase.
"There needs to be a heightened sense of urgency throughout our entire team," Fitzgerald said. "We've got to wake up every day and get one percent better."
That daily improvement will be critical as Southern Utah works through the final days of camp. The Thunderbirds will continue to use each practice to evaluate personnel, build consistency, and prepare players for the increased demands that come with game day.
While Fitzgerald is encouraged by the defense's progress, he knows the next 12 days will be about more than installing schemes or evaluating individual positions. The focus will be on building a complete team ready to compete when the lights come on.
The Thunderbirds open the 2026 season on August 29, when they travel to the University of Montana. The game marks the first for the T-Birds back in the Big Sky Conference for the Thunderbirds.
Thunderbirds Coaches Show
Don't miss your chance to hear directly from Coach Fitzgerald on the Thunderbirds Coaches Show, presented by Café Sabor. The show airs live every Tuesday at noon from Café Sabor. Can't make it in person? Catch the show online the following day at WatchSports.com, YouTube, and KSL Sports.
Tickets
Single game and season tickets for the upcoming Southern Utah Football campaign are now available, giving fans the chance to lock in their seats for an exciting new era in Cedar City. With the Thunderbirds' return to the Big Sky, now is the time to secure your spot at Eccles Coliseum and be part of the action all season long. For more information and to purchase, visit tbirdtickets.com.
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