Position Breakdown -- DB

[purplestorm]

Well, here's another defensive area that leans to the younger side as a unit, however we have some pretty darn good safeties that are upper classmen. Our corners are all unproven, although talented, nonetheless. Like the defensive line unit, we have some strong leaders in the defensive backfield and we will need them because some of our backups are either lacking in experience or they are very young. This is my best guess as to how things will shake out this year and, as always, heights and weights are within an inch and five to ten pounds:

Ralph Green -- projected starter -- CB -- 6'3"-210lbs -- Junior -- MS (this guy is HUGE for a corner)
Adam Jones -- projected starter -- FS -- 6'2"-205lbs -- Junior -- TX (NFL future if he stays healthy)
Chase Collins -- projected starter -- SS -- 6'0"-190lbs -- Senior -- LA (as tough as they come and pretty darn good, too)
Jermaine Walker -- projected starter -- CB -- 5'11"-185lbs -- Sophomore -- TX (silky smooth on the cover and will only get better)

Sylvester Grimble -- CB -- 5'11"-180lbs -- Junior -- LA (another very talented corner who could step in as a starter easily)
Darius Poullard -- FS -- 5'9"-180lbs -- Junior -- LA (maybe the most athletic safety in the crew)
Brian Joseph -- SS -- 6'0"-200lbs -- Senior -- LA (he's paid his dues as a 5th year Senior and deserves to play as much as possible; very talented)
Joseph Mobley -- CB -- 6'1"-190lbs -- Freshman -- TX (the sky is the limit for this kid and he will be a very talented combo when Ike Warren starts across from him)

Ike Warren -- CB -- 6'1"-195lbs -- Freshman -- TX (probably the most talented guy in the defensive backfield, but he's young and needs some time to grow)
Desmond Lacey -- FS -- 5'11"-190lbs -- Sophomore -- TX (East Texas superstar in HS; he will be a factor as a Junior and Senior if he stays healthy)
Jahvez Barnes -- SS -- 6'1"-185lbs -- Junior -- LA (special teams specialist; he can run and he will light you up on kickoffs)
Manny Mukes -- CB -- 5'9"-190lbs -- Sophomore -- LA (talented; much akin to Grimble, only a year younger)

Here are a couple other names you could see playing in certain games or on special teams:

Caviaan Rachal -- 5'8"-165lbs -- Sophomore -- LA (homegrown talent and talented; we can't have enough of these guys)
Shane McClendon -- CB -- 5'9"-170lbs -- Sophomore -- MS (talented and can play WR if needed)

Here are those who probably will be redshirted this season unless they are needed in case of emergency:

D'Ronne Littleton -- CB -- 6'0"-175lbs -- Freshman -- LA (one of the most talented CB's out of Acadiana this year; totally overlooked)
Darian Raymond -- CB/S -- 6'0"-165lbs -- Freshman -- LA (home grown talent and talented; again, we can't have enough of these guys)
Ryan Reed -- FS -- 6'1"-190lbs -- Freshman -- LA -- (this kid will be a household name on both sides of the ball before he leaves; very, very fast)
Nick Forde -- SS -- 6'1"-190lbs -- Freshman -- LA -- (listed as a RB on the roster, but recruited as a safety; the fact that he can play both says everything)
Ian Edwards -- CB -- 6'1"-190lbs -- Freshman -- TX -- (just like Littleton, but only from the Dallas area; the bigger guys whiffed on this young man; he's very good)

The fact is we don't have a bad player or even an average player in the bunch. However, another fact is we have lots of inexperience at cornerback and good, solid experience at safety. If you'll notice, our height is getting taller and some of these younger guys will fill out in a year or so. So, what does this mean? I have no idea, but we'll find out soon. I do know this, the future is bright in the defensive backfield, however. We have some guys dressing out that can flat-out play football. 

*** Older players have to perform because the younger guys will be pushing them hard. This is a good thing. 

[NSU2003]

Purplestorm, you the man...