TicketsFootball Outlook: Secondary
Contact: Tom Hathaway
8/19/2004
Doug Monaghan |
While two of the four starting positions in the secondary need to be filled, the unit should quickly catch up to the rest of the defense if the group continues to make the progress shown during spring practice.
Doug Monaghan, a three-year starter at strong safety, is unquestionably the leader of the secondary. He possesses great football intelligence and finds a way to get to the play, as evidenced by his 259 career tackles.
Daven Holly, another senior who started at cornerback last year, has demonstrated the ability to make the big play with his fine assortment of skills.
Tedric Harwell, moved to defense from running back early last season, enters the fall with the starting nod at the other cornerback spot after a fine showing in the spring.
Dominic Ross has the edge at free safety. Moved from outside linebacker during the spring, Ross adjusted to the new position quickly while exhibiting his fine athletic skills.
Antoine Horton, a hard-nosed competitor who has excelled on special teams, will most certainly see action as a fifth defensive back. John Bowie, likely the fastest of the secondary vets, will also compete for playing time at corner, with JaJuan Hall seeking action at free safety.
Newcomers will play a pivotal role in developing depth in the secondary.
Cornerbacks
2003 Starters: Daven Holly (5-11, 184 Sr.), Zach Norton (graduated)
Returning Vets: Tedric Harwell (5-11, 190 Sr.), John Bowie (5-11, 1o90 So.), Antoine Horton (5-10, 185 Sr.), Jeremy Jackson (5-10, 190 Sr.)
Strong Safety
2003 Starter: Doug Monaghan (6-3, 211 Sr.)
Returning Vets: Jonathan Jackson (5-10, 186 Sr.), Anthony Williams (6-1, 194 Fr.)
Free Safety
2003 Starter: Franklin Callicott (graduated)
Returning Vets: Dominic Ross (6-0, 201 So.), JaJuan Hall (6-0, 186 So.)
Newcomers: DeAngelo Smith (6-0, 180 Fr.), K.L. Smith (6-0, 170 Fr.), Haruki Nakamura (5-10, 180 Fr.), Lamonte Nelms (6-3, 210 Fr.), Tyjuan Jones (6-3, 210 Fr.)