2023 Roster

“The line has improved a lot,” Ramirez said. “We got one of our big linemen, Adamo, back healthy from a knee injury. So I think we’re going to dominate this year.”

Tons of returners will take the field on defense. On the line, defensive ends Cyrus Gradoville and Jordan Cook, also returning from an ACL tear, will be rushing the edges. The two are learning under former Saugus defensive line coach Rocco Cordola.

“We’re looking really good,” Gradoville said. “Rocco’s taught us a whole bunch of new stuff and we’re here every single day getting better. We’re going to have a pretty good year. I think we’re going to be able to get pressure consistently this year.”

Espinoza moves back into the linebacker group full time while Milan, Lotz, Miller and Gibson will man the secondary. “I’m really thinking our defense is going to stand out this year,” Gibson said. “We’ve changed so much from last year. We’ve changed a lot of our previous players’ positions and I really think that that’s going to do a lot of damage to the other teams.”

The Coyotes’ depth feels stronger, with most players coming back bigger, faster and stronger. Practices have in turn been intense. “It’s been a lot more intense, especially compared to last year,” Gradoville said. “We’re going at it every day and the heat gets to you. Once you’re competing with your brother as much as we are, it becomes a little hectic but of course it’s always fun.”

Shakir has seen the intensity in every practice and loves the energy his team is building in the offseason.

“I like (the intensity) a lot because that shows now they’re practicing what they preach,” Shakir said. “They say they’re ready for it and now that it’s here, they’ve intensified

2023 Roster

even more and upped the tempo. Everything is going at a faster pace.” Defenses should prepare to play faster as Castaic is all about tempo.

“Our up-tempo, 100%,” Gradoville said on what will set the team apart from others. “Every practice, we’re up-tempo and we’re a quicker team in my opinion. We like to use our speed. We have that tempo