Competition on Defense

Spring football starts this week which means the competition will begin for starting spots on the field next fall. When looking where the competition should heat up the most, look no further than the defense. After losing 7 starters from last season, players will be competing all over the place for starting spots. Every position will essentially be up for grabs except, in my opinion, the defensive tackle spots and Tyler Replogle at linebacker. I will be writing about all the position battles this spring. As of today here is who I think will win out for various spot.

At the defensive end position I think Fred Jones will lock up one of the spots. He is battled through some injuries the last few seasons and has patiently waited his turn behind Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. He got in a few games towards the end up last season and showed some promise. He is one of the bigger defensive ends on the roster. The other spot will be a battle between Darius Johnson, Eric Thomas, Terrance Thomas (although he won't be practicing this spring), Deonte Mack and red shirt freshman Javon Cornley. Darius Johnson might be a slight favorite at this point. Look for Lynch to move around some defensive tackles between other positions on the d-line like Nick Sliger and Mick Mentzer.

At linebacker I think JUCO Jeff Thomas will win one of the spots next to Repogle. He is a bigger linebacker, roughly 250 pounds, who will likely drop down and play around the low 240 pound range. His tape shows that he is a pretty big hitter and a physical player. The other spot will likely be an open competition between red shirt freshman Damon Sims, Dimitrius Carr-Watson, red shirt sophomore Chad Sherer and a variety of others.

At safety I think Mitch Evans will lock up one of the spots although he won't be practicing this spring. Chris Adkins also brings experience to the position as well. Jerimy Finch will have a shot to compete as well. Many incoming freshman will be able to compete to see playing time as well.

At corner I think Andre Kates will be a sure thing at one of the spots. He won't be here until the summer but was voted the JUCO player of the year by a sporting magazine. Many other players with experience will be competing such as Donnell Jones, Adrian Burks, Richard Council, JUCO Yatta Kiles and some incoming freshman along with red shirt freshman Lawrence Barnett.

Position battles will be heating up all over the defensive side of the ball and I will keep you updated.