NEDERLAND — Nederland’s defensive leading man is sort of a throwback. He’s the strong, silent type, a 6-3, 230 pound hunk of few words and much action.

Senior defensive end Koby Couron is all that and more, anchoring the Nederland defensive line for a second straight season.

“There’s a quietness about him,” Nederland head coach Larry Neumann said. “ That doesn’t lead to the intensity with how he prepares. He’s been a leader by example. I told him many times in the offseason that he’s earned the right to lead this team from what he’s done last year and in working towards this year. He compliments everybody. There’s no ‘me’ in Koby Couron.”

Couron has improved on his very successful junior campaign. He’s quicker than he was and maybe a little stronger. But, the biggest difference is he’s not as overshadowed by a senior like Corbin Carr.

On this year’s line, he combines with Brock Pryor, Caleb Malveaux and De Shawn Washington to be arguably better than last year’s group. Typically of his style, Couron credits someone else for that improvement.

“I think this group is better,” Couron said. “We’ve got more experience this year. With De Shawn, it may be his first year, but he played a heck of a game. In his first real start, he had five sacks. Once he learns the position, there’s no telling where he’ll go.”

For Neumann, the signs that Couron could have a special senior season started in the offseason.

“He had a great offseason,” Neumann said. “Koby has always been a hard worker. He’s really developed himself. I told him in the offseason that he’s about to have a great senior year. He’s such an unselfish guy and has really worked hard to be good this year.”

Those workouts are already paying dividends, as Couron had 10 tackles, including two for a loss, and three sacks against Crosby last week.

Couron admits his favorite part is when he gets a “jet” call and is able to go all out after the quarterback. But, Neumann says the thing that makes him special is his willingness not to pile up statistics. If there’s a double-team block to take out, he’ll give up his body for it and let his teammates make a play.

“If you’ve ever seen him defeat a counter sweep, you’ve seen that (unselfishness),” Neumann said. “The way we play it, taking on the pulling guard and tackle, it’d be easier to try and make the tackle than giving your body up. He takes on those blocks all the time.”

The growth in the defensive line has also been about Couron’s growth. In his second year in the starting lineup, Couron has taken his athleticism and combined it with the experience of a year’s worth of repetitions in practice and games. The result can often terrorize opposing offenses.

“He knows the position,” Neumann said. “He just has a feel for things. It’s natural and instinctive on how he takes on the blocks. It used to be mechanical, and he’s more natural now. That doesn’t happen unless he’s worked hard and gotten that experience.”

Couron admits that he’s not the most vocal leader, but says on this particular defense, with all the experience they have returning, players lead in various ways.

“We love starting the game on defense,” Couron said. “ Getting a three-and-out right off the bat is great. We know it’s our last shot, so we’re going to give it everything we’ve got. We’re excited for what we think we can do. We do have certain people who step up and lead, but it’s really a group effort.”

Part of that leadership is making goals and working towards them. Couron said this team has some lofty expectations and knows what it needs to do to get there.

“Our first goal is obviously to make the playoffs,” Couron said. “Our second is to win district again, to be the undefeated district champs. The third is to win a state championships.”

While Couron would like to play football at the next level, he hasn’t gotten too far down the road on making a college decision yet. He’s focused on playing well this season, taking his team deep into the playoffs and seeing how things shake out.

“I’m thinking about playing college somewhere,” Couron said. “Right now, I’m just worried about playing in high school. The further you go in the playoffs, the better looks you’ll get. It’d be nice to say we won a state championship in our senior year.”

BULLDOG BITES: Koby’s parents are Kevin and Barbara Couron. ... Last season, Couron had maybe his biggest game against Stratford, when he was almost unblockable. That included knocking Stratford’s highly regarded QB Jeremiah Briscoe out of the game. ... Couron has worked at tight end some this fall, as the coaching staff looks to develop some depth behind Washington. The two seem to follow each other around, playing similar offensive and defensive positions while also seeing time for the Nederland basketball team in the winter. ... Couron was selected to the District 20-4A second-team last season at defensive end . . . Nederland, after being ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press Texas High School pre-season poll, moved up to No. 10 this week.