It’s the last day of fall camp so we’re breaking down the defensive position groups after 15 practices this month. Texas State returns most of its starters on a defense that finished fifth in the Sun Belt in total defense last season.
Defensive Line:
The one starter not returning from last season is on the defensive line, Dean Taylor, who had to medically retire with neck issues. Taylor started the first four games before he was replaced with Caeveon Patton. Patton, now a junior, has been a steady contributor with the first unit at defensive end with sophomore Nico Ezidore inside at nose tackle, although they will switch positions situationally. Both have disruptive size at 6’2” 290 pounds that will eat up space and allow the linebackers more freedom.
Senior Ishmael Davis is on the other end to round out the three primary down linemen. He is going into his sixth season with the Bobcats after a redshirt in 2014 and a medical waiver for the 2017 season extended his eligibility. Davis is another big body at 6’2” 260 pounds who led the Bobcats in sacks last season with 3.5. Aside from Bryan London II, Davis is the steadiest defender the Bobcats have.
To spill the starters, senior end Kumonde Hines, sophomore nose tackle Gjemar Daniels and sophomore end Jakharious Smith have seen a lot of reps. True freshmen Jordan Revels and Devin Henderson have received praise for their progress from defensive line coach Tremaine Jackson.
Linebackers:
Possibly the strongest unit on either side of the ball, there’s no better place to start than with senior Bryan London II in what will be the final season of a legendary Bobcat career. With 342 career tackles, he needs just 106 more this season to become Texas State’s all-time leader in tackles, surpassing Greg Pitts 447 career total from 1999 to 2002. London has eclipsed 106 tackles in a season twice in his three years, including last year when he led the Sun Belt with 109.
Right behind him at 108 tackles last season is fellow senior inside linebacker Nik Daniels. Daniels finished second in the conference in tackles in his first full season as a starter. London and Daniels in the middle of the defense is going to be a problem for other teams. Senior Malik Alley and junior Markeveon Coleman have been inside with the second unit.
The outside linebacker spot isn’t as locked in as the two inside spots but that’s due to crowding on the depth chart and a change from four linebackers last year to three this year. Senior Frankie Griffin Jr., who is going into his sixth season with the Bobcats after a redshirt in 2014 and a medical waiver for 2015, received the most first team reps after being a solid starter the last three seasons. Fellow seniors Gavin Graham, Hal Vinson, and Clifton Lewis Jr. have supported Griffin and could be heavily featured in the rotation this season. More depth means more rest. This is a good problem for the Bobcats.
Defensive Backs:
While the offensive line was the surprise on the offense, the defensive backs have been the surprise on defense. Senior safety JaShon Waddy is the one consistent piece on the backend of the defense. Waddy isn’t flashy but he takes care of the subtle details in this defense that make it work. Next to him at safety has been a combo of senior Jalen Smith and true freshman Kevin Anderson. Smith brings an experienced presence while Anderson is a hard hitter that flies around the field. Sometimes Anderson is out of position, but he’s made up for it with many timely interceptions throughout camp. Junior Josh Newman has been in the mix at safety as well.
In a new scheme, the Bobcats have moved senior JT Taylor to nickel corner after he started at safety last season. They seem to stay in the nickel package, so Taylor rarely comes off the field and has looked decent in his new role playing a corner/safety hybrid.
At corner, Jarron Morris has picked up where he left off last year. The sophomore seems to be glued to his receivers’ hip and routinely knocks passes down. The other corner spot is a bit of a surprise with true freshman Khambrail Winters emerging with the first group. At 6’1” 200 pounds, Winters is the biggest corner out there despite being fresh out of high school. He is still raw and sometimes out of position, but there is a lot of potential there with that size and speed. Junior Kordell Rodgers has been solid with the second unit after being a starter at safety and corner last year. If Winters struggles, the Bobcats will have Rodgers to replace him. DeJordan Mask, another true freshman, has been running with the second unit with Rodgers, while sophomore Kieston Roach has been third unit.
