OxfordPress.com

Michael Kidder is a prototypical middle linebacker.

He's 6-foot, 235 pounds, and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds.

But for the past three years, Kidder's been the anchor of Kings' defensive line.

"We wanted to get his speed closer to the line of scrimmage," Kings coach Andy Olds said. "We've taken a very good linebacker and turned him into a three technique. He accepts his role. He's the best player on the field defensively for us."

Kidder, who hopes to play linebacker in college, is a serious candidate to earn FAVC Cardinal Defensive Player of the Year honors.

He took some time to chat with The Pulse-Journal.

Style of play: "I always want to be the first person to make a play; the first to do everything. I'm really aggressive. That's what helps me do as well as I do."

On playing DL instead of LB: "Everybody wants to win. I'm doing what I have to do to help the team win."

Mentality as a DL: "Is he going to be better than me? Is he going to come off the ball faster than me? I have to take myself to the next level. I look and stare at the guy and see what his stance is. If he's nervous, I take advantage of that."

Being a senior: "It's really difficult, actually. Everybody expects you to do well. As a three-year starter, they don't expect me to mess up at all."

In the trenches: "It's scary because you really don't know who you're lining up against. You don't know how he plays — if he's weak or if he's strong. The first play is always the scariest. You don't know what's going to happen."

Your body on Saturday morning: "Really, really drained. Stiff, sore, can't walk. It's really difficult to get up."

Favorite football player: "Chad Johnson. I like how he trash talks. I trash talk a lot. I usually get a personal foul at least once a game."

Favorite sports movie: " 'Friday Night Lights.' It excites me. It's thrill-seeking to watch football. It reminds me when I play on Fridays."

Playing football at Kings: "Playing at Kings, you have to be smart, physical, and you can't be slacking at all or you'll be left behind."

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.