Loaded at Safety, Questions at Corner for Marauders (Video)
8/17/2010 1:27:14 PM | Football
Millersville, Pa. - On one hand, defensive backs coach Aubrey Kelly is elated about his unit. On the other, he's a little nervous. Despite losing All-PSAC East First Team pick Julius Carter, the Marauders safeties are talented and exude depth. Cornerback, however, is a different story.
Nine times opponents hooked up for passes longer than 30 yards, and the defense ranked 15th in the 16-team league in passing defense last year. To make matters worse, starter Christian Rodriguez and veteran Dan McClellan, both of whom were slated as starters, will miss the season. That leaves only sophomore Jamie Hoffman with extensive playing experience at the position. Hoffman started four games in the middle of the season and totaled 18 tackles as a redshirt freshman.
After a brilliant spring, newcomer David Rene appears to be one of the front-runners for one of the two starting jobs. The Bethlehem Catholic product joined the team for spring practices and quickly became a player to watch, picking off a pass in the spring game.
Redshirt freshman Rees Judge also produced a fine spring game, picking off Bill Shirk twice. During camp, he's been working with the No. 1 defense at times. Coaches also hope that sophomore Alfred Williams can gain a grasp on the defensive scheme. Williams redshirted in 2008 and missed 2009 with a leg injury, but he is athletically gifted and has size at 6-1.
Another answer may be a familiar but forgotten name. Two years ago, John Wynder started four games in the secondary, and after missing all of last season, he is back in the mix. A player that Colby calls “steady and solid,” Wydner came on strong at the end of the year, making nine tackles against Kutztown and five more and a pick against East Stroudsburg. He's built like like a strong safety at 6-1, 200 pounds and can give receivers fits at the line of scrimmage.
Kelly also likes true freshman Keith Hibbs from Franklin High School in Baltimore.
Carter isn't really gone, either. With one more semester before graduation, he's helping Kelly as a student assistant coach.
Sutjak, entering his third year as the starter at free safety, has become one of the most productive tacklers in recent Millersville history. He's tallied 165 tackles in the last two years including 92 in 2009. He's rangy and a dependable tackler with 10 or more stops three times, but with only two career interceptions, coaches hope he can create more turnovers.
Taking over for Carter at the “whip” position is Tillman. As he learned the defense, Tillman earned more and more playing time in 2009. He finished the year with 35 tackles and made plays in big moments. He forced a fumble which set-up the game-winning touchdown against Assumption and intercepted a pass in overtime against Kutztown. He is a tremendously physical player that loves to play near the line of scrimmage and deliver a blow to the ball carrier.
Two years ago, Vanderpool displayed ability by earning four starts as a true freshman. A combination of size and speed, Vanderpool totaled 29 tackles and picked off a pass, but he suffered an injury that kept him out the entire 2009 season.
Redshirt freshmen Nate Green and Ren Hoilman will also vie for playing time.
Position Group Preview Schedule
Aug. 18 - Linebackers
Aug. 19 - Special Teams
Aug. 20 - Quarterbacks
Aug. 23 - Offensive Line and Tight Ends
Aug. 24 - Wide Receivers
Aug. 25 - Running Backs
Wednesday, August 05
Monday, January 19
Saturday, November 15
Saturday, October 04
