Ags have speed at corner spot
There’s no clear Heisman candidate at quarterback in the Western Athletic Conference in 2008-think Hawaii’s Colt Brennan. But that doesn’t mean the Aggies won’t be up against some teams that can chuck it.
That said, it’s a good thing Utah State is returning an experienced, speedy group of defensive backs to cover the potential aerial onslaught in the fall.
“A big bright spot for the corner position, coming out of spring, is this is probably the fastest group of corners we’ve had,” Aggie cornerback coach John Rushing said. “That gives us a chance to compete against the teams in this conference, because you’ve got to be able to run to cover the receivers in this conference.”
USU returns six secondary players that picked off a pass last season. Senior DB Roy Hurst and junior safety James Brindley led the Aggies last year with three picks each. Hurst returns to the defensive back field, but at corner, instead of his 2007 spot at safety.
Brindley is joined at safety by senior Caleb Taylor, a starter at the position last year. Senior outside-linebacker-turned-safety De’von Hall adds size, speed and experience as he shifts from the front seven to the defensive backfield.
“The experience builds confidence; you know what to expect,” Brindley said. “You can’t just come up here from high school, it’s a lot different. Experience puts a whole new level on it. You’re just so much more comfortable back there, and once you feel comfortable, that’s when you start making plays.”
Even before the addition of Hurst-who played corner his whole life until last season-the Aggie cornerbacks were equally as experienced as the safeties. They return two seniors who’ve seen significant playing time, in Joshua Taylor and Marquise Charles, as well as junior Keyjon Murphy and sophomore Chris Randle, who started two games at right corner in 2007.
Having depth, with four or five guys who have a combination of speed and size, at the corner position gives Rushing some options for different match-ups.
“If we’re playing a more physical, run team, I’ve got some great run guys. We can mix it up,” he said.
One question may be how Hall and Hurst adjust to their new positions.
Hall seems pretty comfortable, saying he thinks the move back to his natural position is something he’s been expecting for a while. And neither Hurst nor Rushing are worried about the senior’s switch back to corner.
“One thing is, Roy is an athlete,” Rushing said. “So he’s picking up things fast, as far as what we want from the corner position, as far as technique. And he’s played it before, so it’s not like he’s playing a position he’s never played before. He’s adjusting well … I wouldn’t have a problem throwing him in the game to play corner right now.”
With all the experience in the secondary, the Aggie DBs are looking to rack up more interceptions, giving the ball back to the offense, Rushing said.
“We play teams that throw the ball, and now we’re going to be fighting for (interceptions),” Brindley said. “Teams are going to throw the ball, regardless, so we’ve just got to make more plays on it.”
“This is a fun conference for a corner, and we’ve got a lot of guys who are going to get a chance to get out there and show what they can do,” Rushing said.
– da.bake@aggiemail.usu.edu