Middle linebacker suits Lowell’s Jeron Cannon quite nicely.
After lining up as an outside linebacker and defensive back last season, the 6-foot, 215-pound junior has flourished inside for the Red Devils.
“I really like it,” Cannon said. “I think it’s way better for me, actually.”
Lowell coach Casey McKim likes the way Cannon has adjusted too.
“Jeron is definitely athletic, has played running back before,” McKim said. “He played outside linebacker/DB before, and the biggest thing is how quick and explosive he is. He gets to the ball carrier.
“He can make plays in open space, and he’s gotten bigger from last year, and you can tell he’s really strong and physical with it.”
Cannon said he has gained 35 pounds since last season, when he weighed around 180. The formula to bulk up seemed relatively simple.
“I’ve just been eating, really eating, and pushing myself in the weight room,” he said. “Just getting in there every day and really hitting it hard every day.”
Cannon has compiled 80 tackles with 11 for loss, which is tied for the team lead. He had been pacing the Red Devils (6-3), who will open Class 4A sectional play against West Side on Friday, in tackles throughout the season until fellow junior linebacker John Judd racked up 17 during their Northwest Crossroads Conference loss to Andrean last week to boost his tally to 88.
Cannon and Judd have been close since they played Pop Warner football together. They attended several camps together over the summer as they both pursue opportunities to play in college.
More Top Picks Best Hunting Blinds
“He’s a great leader,” Judd said. “He’s always there. He’s always trying to encourage people. If he notices we’re down or we’re lacking energy, he’s trying to bring it up. If one person’s bringing it up, then another person will, and then eventually the whole defense will, and we’re firing on all cylinders.
“He can be that guy that gets it started and gets us going. So he’s a great leader, heck of an athlete. He just gets the job done.”
Cannon has taken to that leadership role as an upperclassman.
“I’m really trying to be more of a leader on the field and with school stuff, in the classroom,” he said. “I’m really trying to help everyone get better — plus get myself better, of course.”
Cannon also has been efficient with his touches on offense, turning his lone carry and his lone catch into touchdowns, both against LaPorte.
Last season, Cannon had 45 tackles with three for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery after making the jump from the freshman team to a starting spot on the varsity team.
Cannon, who also wrestles and competes in track and field as a long jumper, has continued to build this season.
“I like how we’re all disciplined,” he said. “We all get to the ball, and we all make plays. We don’t get tired, and we just keep going.
“We want to try to be the best defense in the state.”
The Red Devils, who last won a sectional title in 2021, want to go all the way.
“We want the big trophy at the end,” Cannon said. “It’s going to take a lot of hard work, one game at a time. But that’s the goal, and I really think we can do it.”