Tackle-machine Donte Hamilton leads the Central Washington linebacker corps as we inch closer to the start of the 2021 season.
 
Hamilton, a fifth-year senior, will lead a rather inexperienced group into a new season. And Central couldn't ask for a better leader, as the coaching staff recently awarded him the coveted No. 44 jersey, signifying his place as the Wildcats' defensive leader.
 
But it's more than just leadership for Hamilton. It's also production. A one-time first-team All-GNAC selection, Hamilton shined during Central's loss at Montana last April collecting 18 tackles, including 11 solo stops.
 
Even though he played in just three games in 2019, Hamilton still made his presence known. His 17 tackles at Idaho in the season opener led the Wildcats to a near upset. He followed that effort with 13 tackles the next week against No. 2 Ferris State.
 
He was all over the field in his first season with the Wildcats, finishing the season with 87 tackles, three sacks, a pair of interceptions and two fumble recoveries to earn first-team all-conference honors.
 
While much of the linebacking crew is a bit of an unknown quantity, redshirt junior Daeon Hudson is expected to join Hamilton as one of the top linebackers.
 
A converted defensive back, Hudson has played in 19 games over the past two full seasons for the Wildcats. In April, he made 11 tackles at Montana, and he finished the 2019 season with 40 total tackles.