Safeties
Posted on May 18, 2008
The safety position are very key to the 4-2-5 defense and the rotations demands that there are 9 solid players filling those positions at all times on the depth chart. During the spring it was obvious that Brian Bonner & David Roach will be missed as players and leaders, however it also became obvious that this will be SR Stephen Hodge’s team in the fall. The hard hitting defensive QB from Tatum has already been named to numerous preseason awards watch lists and expectations are high for him and all of the defense this coming season. Along with Hodge expect Corderra Hunter and Stephen Coleman to top the chart however they will be pushed hard by TeJay Johnson, Johnny Fobbs & Tekerrien Cuba. One of the keys to the success of the 2008 season will be how well this group performs, especially Hunter & Coleman.
The Current Depth Chart:
Strong Safety
Stephen Hodge SR-returning sack leader on the defensive with 8
Andy Burrell SR-Walk on from Paschal, plays smart and had a good spring
Colin Jones SO-future leader on the defense, good speed and likes to hit
Weak Safety
Corderra Hunter JR-Great size & speed, but has switched from CB to S which slowed progress.
TeJay Johnson SO-Played as a true freshman and looked great in the spring.
Tekerrien Cuba FR-RS freshman with high expectations. Tall and has great hands and quickness.
Free Safety
Steven Coleman SR-returning INT leader along with CB Rafael Priest. Erratic play on the field has kept the coaches from being completely comfortable with him at the position. Played strong in the spring after getting pushed hard by the youngsters.
Johnny Fobbs FR-RS freshman who showed a lot during the spring.
Chez Thomas FR-Another highly regarded RS freshman.
Others on the Roster
Sir DeMarco Bledsoe FR-Injured in Baylor game but expected back for summer and could jump into the depth chart quickly.
Chris Scott FR-true freshman, but expected to contribute early. A hard hitting back but needs some time to learn the defense.
Needs in the 2009 class
A good combination of youth and experience on the depth chart with 3 seniors and 5 freshmen and two more freshmen pushing for PT. Depending upon how comfortable the staff is with the youngsters will determine what they will look for in the incoming class. Expect at least on true freshman and possibly a JUCO to add experienced depth if they can find one who has played in a similar defense. Also this class will have several athletes in it that could easily switch to the safety positions if needed.
Offers:
Others:
JUCO
Marc Kinney 6-2/205/4.5 Cisco CC (TX)
Jasper Simmons 6-1/210/4.47 Hutchinson CC (KS)
Len Armstrong 6-3/200/4.46 Gulf Coast CC (MS) Dec grad
Aaron Brown 6-1/210/4.55 Saddleback CC (CA) Dec grad
Brandon Brown 6-2/205/4.55 Highland CC (KS)
Devynn Brown 5-0/190 El Camino CC (CA)
Alphonso Bruton 6-2/210 El Camino CC (CA)
Rex Burkhead probably the coaches’ favorite right now and would compete at multiple positions, but safety is most likely his calling. Steven Terrell is another hot prospect and would be a great pick up for the staff. Brent is more of a long shot as is Naaman Forest’s Terrence Bullit, but Joseph Bonugli from San Antonio Warren may be lesser known, but is a true playmaker on the field. Justin Lilley is a kid you will probably start to hear more about in the near future. The JUCOs are harder to read, but listed are some of the better prospects from areas the coaches usually look. Texas Tech scooped up Ryan Clark out of Navarro who was definitely on the coaches list.
Comments
Leave a Comment for Feisty
Feisty loves comments--leave him one!
Feisty, how about this guy (sometimes #11, 13 or 14):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCtfl3JR6Xs&feature=related