Isiah Childs is keen to make a meaningful impact in his final college football season.
This senior made the switch this offseason from a crowded running back group to a linebacker unit that needs to replace three starters. He was listed as a key player for the Montana Grizzlies’ season opener last Saturday but had to head to the locker room before getting a chance to play defense.
He made his presence felt by returning his first career kickoff for 26 yards at the start of the game and is actively involved in all four special teams roles: punt return, punt coverage, kick return, and kick coverage. He was recognized on the All-Big Sky preseason team for his contributions to special teams.
Childs originally aimed to play running back in college and tried to remain at that position for as long as possible. He even turned down an offer from Kansas State, an FBS team in the Big 12, because they wanted him as a linebacker.
He decided to attend Akron, an FBS team in the Mid-American Conference, and played as a running back during his redshirt season in 2020. However, after the assistant coach who recruited him departed, the Zips intended to transition him to linebacker.
Seeking a school that would let him remain a running back, he transferred to UM before the 2021 season. Over the past three seasons, he has rushed 138 times for 604 yards and scored seven touchdowns, along with making nine catches for 58 yards.
Childs recently spoke with 406 MT Sports about his position change ahead of No. 3 Montana’s game against North Dakota on Saturday at 5 p.m. MT in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Q: Although our camp interview was canceled due to lightning, you were elected team captain afterward. How did you find out, and what does that honor mean to you?
A: “We voted for it after our last practice in camp, and it was a true honor for me. My teammates recognized that I could lead them in special teams, which I take very personally. It reflects my hard work and dedication, and my teammates and coaches trusted me in that role. This season, I plan to continue doing whatever it takes to uphold that responsibility.”
Q: How did the idea of changing to linebacker come up, and what were your thoughts?
A: “Coach Hauck suggested it, and I was fully on board. I just wanted to get on the field and seize the opportunity to play. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete, and I’m confident in my ability to play this position. My goal is to help my team win, so I would play wherever they needed me—be it guard, quarterback, or otherwise.”
Q: How has the transition been since moving to linebacker in the spring, after not playing the position for several years?
A: “It’s been going really well. I’ve focused on improving my eye discipline and reading my keys. Having played running back, I understand how a running back operates and how offenses function. Tackling was the toughest adjustment, but I’m getting better every day and am excited to show my skills.”
Q: You mentioned eye discipline and footwork; how do these compare between linebacker and running back?
A: “They are definitely similar. As a running back, you need to read your keys—like if your guard is pulling, you stay close to his hip. In defense, you also watch pulls. The main difference is that on defense, you’re often moving backward in coverage while on offense, you’re moving forward. But the key-reading aspect is quite similar for me.”
Q: How does it feel to be delivering hits now instead of taking them?
A: “It feels much better! It’s less taxing on my body, and I love being the one to make the hits rather than getting hit.”
Q: You’re back on special teams; how has that helped with your transition to defense?
A: “It’s been really beneficial. Special teams often require switching between offensive and defensive roles. I consider myself an athlete and am always ready to make plays, so it wasn’t too challenging. Trusting my training has been key.”
Q: You were also named All-Big Sky for special teams this summer. What does that recognition mean to you?
A: “I was quite surprised because I didn’t play much on special teams early last year. I kept telling myself that I needed to create opportunities to make plays. Special teams is all about effort and attitude. I believe as long as I manage my effort and attitude, I can achieve anything.
“When I learned about the honor, I was shocked and didn’t expect it. It reflects my coaches’ trust in me to be in the right position to make plays.”
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