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From Will Henry; 247 Sports July 10, 2015
http://minnesota.247sports.com/Article/Fall-Preview-Defensive-Backs-38139369
Gopher247 takes a look at each positional group as we head into Fall practices.
Defensive Backs
Starters: Cornerbacks - Eric Murray, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Nickel - Jalen Myrick/Charlie Rogers (Projected), Safeties - Damarius Travis, Antonio Johnson
Backups: Craig James, Ray Buford Jr., Kiante Hardin, Alonzo Craighton, Antonio Shenault, Cavonte Johnson, Daletavious McGhee, Adekunle Ayinde, Dior Johnson, Jacob Huff
Newcomer To Watch: Charlie Rogers. Coming in from the JUCO ranks, Rogers is in a good position to takeover the role left behind by Derrick Wells. With Damarius Travis moving to Safety full-time, the defense is in need of a hybrid CB/S who can play the Nickel in subpackages. At 6'1 and 210, Rogers has the size and physicality to play the run from the Nickel and can run with slot receivers in coverage. Ace should have a big role on the defense this year.
Key Number: 4. The numbers of potential NFL draft prospects starting in the secondary.
2014 Stats: Eric Murray (7 PD, 69 TKL, 1 INT), Briean Boddy-Calhoun (9 PD, 51 TKL, 5 INT), Jalen Myrick (7 PD, 21 TKL, 1 INT), Craig James (2 PD, 8 TKL), Antonio Johnson (3 PD, 33 TKL, 1 INT), Damarius Travis (5 PD, 61 TKL, 2 INT)
Reason For Optimism: Minnesota is the only team in the nation who can claim they have both starting corners on the Bednarik and Nagurski Watchlist. Coach Sawvel has a real shot at having every Senior in his secondary drafted next April. This group could go down as arguably the best secondary in Minnesota history if everything goes according to plan.
Reason For Concern: The Gophers pass defense tailed off dramatically towards the end of the season, will be interesting to see if there is any hangover from last season. Minnesota will also be tasked with getting the young players snaps, so that they are prepared for next season when the 4 seniors graduate.
Big Question: None really. Can Eric Murray become more of playmaker? Can BBC build or replicate on his heroic efforts from last season? How does Travis respond to playing every snap? How high is Antonio Johnson's ceiling?
What To Expect: The strength of Minnesota's defense will be the secondary. The experience and talent in the defensive backfield is going to allow Tracy Claeys to be more creative in the front 7. I expect BBC to take a step forward and force teams to throw towards Eric Murray as well, where he will get his hands on a few more footballs. I also expect Damarius Travis to be the overall breakout player off the year and to establish himself as a legit NFL prospect. Look for young players like Craig James, Daletavious McGhee, and Ray Buford Jr. to get a lot of snaps in garbage time.
http://minnesota.247sports.com/Article/Fall-Preview-Defensive-Backs-38139369
Gopher247 takes a look at each positional group as we head into Fall practices.
Defensive Backs
Starters: Cornerbacks - Eric Murray, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Nickel - Jalen Myrick/Charlie Rogers (Projected), Safeties - Damarius Travis, Antonio Johnson
Backups: Craig James, Ray Buford Jr., Kiante Hardin, Alonzo Craighton, Antonio Shenault, Cavonte Johnson, Daletavious McGhee, Adekunle Ayinde, Dior Johnson, Jacob Huff
Newcomer To Watch: Charlie Rogers. Coming in from the JUCO ranks, Rogers is in a good position to takeover the role left behind by Derrick Wells. With Damarius Travis moving to Safety full-time, the defense is in need of a hybrid CB/S who can play the Nickel in subpackages. At 6'1 and 210, Rogers has the size and physicality to play the run from the Nickel and can run with slot receivers in coverage. Ace should have a big role on the defense this year.
Key Number: 4. The numbers of potential NFL draft prospects starting in the secondary.
2014 Stats: Eric Murray (7 PD, 69 TKL, 1 INT), Briean Boddy-Calhoun (9 PD, 51 TKL, 5 INT), Jalen Myrick (7 PD, 21 TKL, 1 INT), Craig James (2 PD, 8 TKL), Antonio Johnson (3 PD, 33 TKL, 1 INT), Damarius Travis (5 PD, 61 TKL, 2 INT)
Reason For Optimism: Minnesota is the only team in the nation who can claim they have both starting corners on the Bednarik and Nagurski Watchlist. Coach Sawvel has a real shot at having every Senior in his secondary drafted next April. This group could go down as arguably the best secondary in Minnesota history if everything goes according to plan.
Reason For Concern: The Gophers pass defense tailed off dramatically towards the end of the season, will be interesting to see if there is any hangover from last season. Minnesota will also be tasked with getting the young players snaps, so that they are prepared for next season when the 4 seniors graduate.
Big Question: None really. Can Eric Murray become more of playmaker? Can BBC build or replicate on his heroic efforts from last season? How does Travis respond to playing every snap? How high is Antonio Johnson's ceiling?
What To Expect: The strength of Minnesota's defense will be the secondary. The experience and talent in the defensive backfield is going to allow Tracy Claeys to be more creative in the front 7. I expect BBC to take a step forward and force teams to throw towards Eric Murray as well, where he will get his hands on a few more footballs. I also expect Damarius Travis to be the overall breakout player off the year and to establish himself as a legit NFL prospect. Look for young players like Craig James, Daletavious McGhee, and Ray Buford Jr. to get a lot of snaps in garbage time.
