Position Breakdown 2011: Defensive Backs

Returning Lettermen: Jermaine Thomas, Isaiah Green, L.J. Jones, Derron Smith, Zak Hill, Terrance Dennis, J.B. Dock
Newcomers: Charles Washington, Beau Fryer
Lost: Desia Dunn, Lorne Bell, Justin Webber

Isaiah Green: Senior Not Green Anymore
Sr, 5-10, 180
Long Beach (Polytechnic HS)

Many fans still have nightmares about cornerback Isaiah Green being exposed in the embarrassing loss to boise state last season, but that’s not a true picture of Green’s ability. Green is one of the hardest workers on the team. He can be seen year-round in the grass lots surrounding Bulldog Stadium doing any number of drills, or just out with a couple teammates covering pass after pass. Green’s the defense’s fastest player, though he’s showed suspect hip flexibility in the past. As a senior, he’ll be expected to raise his level of play and that of his teammates, and should do a good job of it. Green had 34 tackles last season and ranked second on the team with 8 pass break-ups and 8 deflections (second only to Phillip Thomas, who’s out for the season with injury). For the Bulldogs to do everything they need to defensively, Green and his battery mates will have to be able to stick in man coverage, play fast and be aggressive. If they can’t, we’ll be looking at another subpar Bulldogs’ defense.

L.J. Jones: Jonesin' for a Playmaker
So, 5-11, 180
Encino (Crespi Carmelite HS)

One guy who’s going to help make sure the defense is far from subpar is L.J. Jones, who got his first taste of big-time college football last season. Jones was good enough to play as a true freshman, but the team didn’t have a need for him until last season. And he didn’t disappoint. Last season was a learning experience that helped season Jones, and he can be expected to have a breakout year of sorts this season. Jones is athletic enough to jump routes and force turnovers. He’s got natural corner instincts and will be a lock among the Bulldogs’ top three at the position. Last season, he totaled 14 tackles (one for loss).

Jermaine Thomas: Recognizing the Game
Jr, 5-11, 190
Duarte (Duarte HS)

As is widely known, the Bounce has long been a Jermaine Thomas proponent. Thomas was injured against louisiana tech last season and is still battling back toward 100%. It’s unclear if he’ll be full speed during Saturday’s opener at cal, but he’s getting close. Thomas remains the team’s top cover corner. He quickly made that fact known last season in the opening win over cincinnati. If you’re lucky enough to catch a ball on Thomas, you’re probably not going to get many yards after the catch. Thomas had 25 tackles and an interception last year, along with 5 break-ups, 6 deflections and a fumble recovery. While his stats aren’t all that impressive, consider how much less opposing quarterbacks throw to his side of the field because of his lockdown coverage. Most folks around the nation and even the so-called WAC experts haven’t yet caught on to Thomas’ ability. If he’s healthy, it’ll be a huge boost for the Fresno State defense – and not only in the passing game. He’s also the Bulldogs’ best run support corner, though Isaiah Green is right there with him.

Derron Smith: Putting on the Pounds
So, 5-11, 190
Banning (Banning HS)

Talk about immediate impact. Derron Smith stepped right in as a true freshman and started at safety in the team’s third game last season at ole miss after an injury to now departed Lorne Bell. Smith had 29 tackles (one for loss) while playing in every game of his first season. Want more good news? He had a stellar fall camp – even more so than last year’s – and looks to have gained 15-20 pounds. Alongside Phillip Thomas, Smith made up half of an overwhelming safety duo. Now, he’s got to carry the flag and act like a veteran with Thomas injured. Smith’s greatest strength is in pass coverage, as a ball hawk. He didn’t get an interception last year, but there’s a good chance he’ll have multiple picks in his sophomore campaign.

Cristin Wilson: Carrying the Flag
Jr, 5-8, 175
Stockton (St. Mary’s HS)

Suddenly, walk-on Cristin Wilson is the guy everyone’s talking about. With Phillip Thomas injured, Wilson becomes the new starter at safety and he’s never suited up for a college game in his life. Fans better hope he has nerves of steel because it’s a big-time game in a bowl-like atmosphere that he’s stepping right in to. Making matters even worse, he only had two days to mentally prepare himself to start. That’s a quick turnaround. Wilson obviously impressed coaches in camp, to be chosen as starter of the coach’s son Zak Hill and ultra talented true freshman Charles Washington. Wilson gives up about four inches of height to Thomas and isn’t nearly the hitter, but is a converted cornerback who offers coverage ability. The looming question is can Wilson do enough to allow the Bulldogs to play as aggressively as they need to and would like to? We’re about to find out.

Zak Hill: Call Him the Doctor
Sr, 6-2, 205
Fresno (Clovis West HS)

After missing all of last season with an injury, Zak Hill returned to camp ready to go and was injured again, missing several days of practice. He’s expected to play Saturday in the opener, but it’s not clear how much. Hill received significant playing time two years ago and was a big liability in pass coverage. And if he’s lost any speed since his injury, that liability will only be magnified. On the plus side, Hill, coach Pat Hill’s youngest son, is a very smart kid and doesn’t make a lot of mental mistakes. He might be needed badly if Wilson falters.

Davon Dunn: He's Dunn Sitting the Bench
R-Fr, 5-11, 185
San Diego (Lincoln HS)

Davon Dunn moved over to cornerback from wide receiver in the offseason and is one of the most gifted athletes Fresno State has had on defense in years. Dunn, the son of former Fresno State and NFL receiver David Dunn, originally committed to cal before changing his mind and choosing Fresno State. Having an athlete like him on defense is a sign the Bulldogs are putting more emphasis on shutting down opponents – great news. It was clear in spring camp that Dunn was good enough to be a starting corner right now. Fresno State is lucky enough to have three other deserving corners as well, but Dunn will be the fourth and will contribute. He’s a playmaker-type, who’s going to be aggressive going after the ball and cause a few turnovers in his career. And he’s also a dangerous return man.

J.B. Dock: On the Verge of Playing Time
So, 5-10, 170
Ventura (St. Bonaventure HS)

More proof of how talented Davon Dunn is is that he leaped past elder J.B. Dock on the depth chart. Dock will still get plenty of reps this season and is developing quite nicely, but doesn’t have the size of Dunn. Dock is a great fifth corner and may very likely develop into a starter in the next couple years. And give him credit for continuing to work hard, while the other corner who was part of his signing class, Erik Brown, saw that he was third on the depth chart and transferred. Dock performed far better than Brown in the past few camps and created separation. Now, he’s got to focus on getting experience under his belt and stepping it up another notch.

Terrance Dennis: Injured No More
Jr, 6-0, 180
Pomona (Diamond Ranch HS)

Terrance Dennis was expected to have made an impact at safety by now, but he’s still third on the depth chart. A nagging injury set him back last season, as he recorded just four tackles, but Dennis is still intriguing. With the Phillip Thomas injury, he, too, might get a look at a starting job if the team is searching for the right fit. Dennis isn’t the biggest defensive back, but does lay some hits.

Charles Washington: It's Go Time
Fr, 5-11, 190
Encino (Crespi HS)

If you want the Bounce opinion, Fresno State has to do everything it can to get Charles Washington on the field right now. It’s difficult for most true freshmen to come in right away and play, especially in big, high-pressure games like Saturday’s, but Washington has a college-ready body and, on film, looks like a star in waiting. His film showed similar qualities to those of Derron Smith, but in a bigger body. Washington is sound in coverage and big enough to step up on the run. If he’s at all capable of digesting the playbook and learning the schemes well enough to play this year, the ‘Dogs would be wise to get him some experience before the boise state game and others against spread-it-out opponents.

Sean Alston: In Good Hands With Alston
R-Fr, 5-10, 175
Alta Loma (Los Osos HS)

Sean Alston is another impressive young corner who should battle for playing time as soon as this season. He was the star of his first spring camp with an interception, and shows coverage skills regularly that this team needs. With the lack of turnovers forced by the defense in recent years, the Bulldogs have to focus on getting guys like L.J. Jones, Davon Dunn and Alston on the field.

Anthony Riggins: Dialing it Up
R-Fr, 5-11, 185
Fairfield (Rodriguez HS)

Anthony Riggins improved by leaps and bounds this fall camp. He’s got track speed, and turned that into legit game speed if camp was any indication. Another young, talented corner, Riggins looked to have grown up right before our eyes. This secondary lacks seasoned veterans, but makes up for it in upside.

Jonathan Norton: A Special Day at Camp
So, 5-8, 185
Moreno Valley (Moreno Valley HS)

Walk-on Jonathan Norton might be little in size, but he capitalizes big on his opportunities. During a spirited practice during fall camp, Norton had two consecutive pick-six interceptions – against two different quarterbacks, Kelly O’Brien and Marcus McDade. The defense mobbed the young walk-on, and Pat Hill blew the whistle, letting the defense end on a high note. Norton won’t see the field this season, but keep an eye peeled.

Beau Fryer: Who's the New Beau?
Jr, 5-8, 185
Manteca (Manteca HS)

Walk-on Beau Fryer joined the team in spring camp, and didn’t get many quality reps with anyone but the scout team. He’s also undersized, but has enough ability to work towards developing into a guy who gets a good look. (And no, before you even ask, Fryer is not Dwight O'Neil's twin).

Tyler Stirewalt: He Converted
Jr, 6-2, 200
San Bernardino (Aquinas HS)

Converted quarterback Tyler Stirewalt doesn’t have the speed or athleticism to be an impact safety at this level, but he gets a spot on the team – something many of us would and should covet.

Phillip Thomas: He Will Be Missed
Jr, 6-1, 205
Bakersfield (Bakersfield HS)

Fresno State received the most devastating defensive news it possibly could have late Wednesday, when its best player, best NFL prospect and potential leader Phillip Thomas was lost for 8-12 weeks on an injury in non-contact drills. Just how good is Thomas? The Fresno State secondary would get a 9 out of 10 rating with him. Without him, that rating drops to at least 7 of 10. You can’t help but feel bad for Thomas as a person. He was entering a season in which he would have likely gained national notoriety for his ability as hands down the best defensive back in the WAC and one of the best in the nation. Thomas does it all. He’s as good in coverage as the team’s best corners, and he’s as big a hitter with as good of instincts as the defense has had in years. And all that was obvious after his sophomore season – there’s no telling how much he would have turned up the dial in this, his junior year. Now that year will likely be lost. Thomas has already redshirted and greyshirted, and he won’t be eligible for medical hardship waiver.

Position Rating:

Position Breakdown 2010: Defensive Backs

Returning: Lorne Bell, Phillip Thomas, Desia Dunn, Jermaine Thomas, Isaiah Green, L.J. Jones, Justin Webber, Terrance Dennis, Erik Brown, J.B. Dock, Cris Wilson, Zak Hill (injured)

Newcomers: Derron Smith

, Ed Dillihunt, Sean Alston, Anthony Riggins

Lost: A.J. Jefferson (Cardinals), Moses Harris (Rams), Damion Owens, Marvin Haynes

Lorne Bell

FS, Sr, 5'10", 205

Simi Valley (Simi Valley HS)

Fresno State lost more "impact" players in the secondary than any other spot on defense -- but don't think it's a bad thing. This unit will be much improved, and leading by example with his pulverizing, run-stuffing hits is free safety Lorne Bell. Bell was second on the team with 65 tackles (5 for loss) and an interception last season coming back from an injury. Watching him practice when he first arrived on the team, he looked to be much more of an interception threat, but down the field pass coverage has proved to be his weakness. S

till, the coaching staff typically leaves him in the game on passing downs.

DaCo on Bell: Lorne Bell is known for providing more sour candy faces (faces you make after a big hit) than a WarHead candy (which wouldn't be a bad nickname for him, now that I think about it). Bell is also finally 100% healthy and is no longer wearing an ankle brace for an ankle injury that was once career-threatening. Bell is truly shy off the field, and is a quiet assassin on it. Yet another Bulldog worthy of a man crush.

FSDogs1 on Bell: Poll the entire team on who is the hardest hitter and it's a safe bet you'll get a unanimous response of "Lorne Bell." Wisconsin's 2009 team would probably say the same.

Phillip Thomas

SS, So, 6'1", 205

Bakersfield (Bakersfield HS)

"P.T." will get a whole lot more p.t. this season than last. And he had a solid 2009 campaign,

with 30 tackles and a team-best 2 interceptions (one returned for a TD). Thomas replaces Moses Harris in the starting lineup, immediately improving the pass coverage capability at the safety position. In spring camp, Thomas even saw time as the nickelback on passing downs, but that was before Zak Hill was lost for the season with injury.

DaCo on Thomas: The past is the past, but Phillip Thomas has been the best free safety on the team for at least two years now. He's a pure athlete with pass defending (and intercepting) instincts, traits that could be used in the secondary right about now.

FSDogs1 on Thomas: Make no mistake, Moses Harris was as good a student-athlete representative for the school as there has ever been. But he was a bit overrated as a player, and Phillip Thomas will be an upgrade at the position.

Desia Dunn

CB, Sr, 5'9", 190

Stockton (Edison Senior HS)

One of the better walk-on stories in recent years, Desia Dunn has turned in to the most seasoned corner on the squad. He was as consistent as anyone last season, and has shown exponential improvement over the past three seasons. If the d-line puts consistent pressure on the opposing QB, Dunn will stick to his man. It's when receivers have too much time to run around that Dunn gets into big-play trouble.

DaCo on Dunn: Dunn prefers man press coverage. He is quick in and strong in isolated spaces, but can be vulnerable to the deep ball against the burners. This offseason, Dunn increased his speed and should have his best season, especially when you consider his supporting cast is much more capable.

FSDogs1 on Dunn: At 5-9, Dunn gets into mismatches periodically against bigger receivers, but for the most part he should be applauded for holding his own.

Jermaine Thomas

CB, So, 5'11", 180

Duarte (Duarte HS)

Little-known to most of those who call themselves "experts," Jermaine Thomas is the team's best corner -- and probably it's best overall player in the secondary. He's a true lockdown guy, who has good size and top-notch strength. Fans got a very brief glimpse last season when he picked off a pass against San Jose State (in super highlight fashion), but there's a lot more coming for the highlight reel this year. For evidence of just how good Thomas is, look no further than the fall scrimmage when Fresno State's QBs avoided throwing to his side all night.

DaCo on Thomas: Thomas is the guy I've positioned myself to take a bullet for. He was the best corner on the team last year, and is very comfortable in his new "Richard Marshall" lockdown role. His commitment to the weight room is unmatched, and his athletic abilities are as good as it gets at the college level. Tight ends complain about his strength, and wide receivers are overmatched on balls up for grabs. In open camp, Thomas averaged nearly two interceptions per day. That's smile inducing. All this said (and despite being his biggest advocate), Thomas isn't even as good as he can be (yet), which is simply scary.

FSDogs1 on Thomas: Remember back in spring camp when The Bounce called Thomas and L.J. Jones the best two corners on the team -- here comes the proof. Bold prediction time -- Thomas will be a household name among Red Wavers by midseason.

Isaiah Green

CB, Jr, 5'10", 180

Long Beach (Polytechnic HS)

The big news from Isaiah Green this offseason was him setting a new 40-yard dash school record for defensive backs -- 4.29 seconds. Green is another big prospect at corner, and will be a major contributer this season after getting his feet wet with 12 tackles as a sophomore.

DaCo on Green: With Green as the 3rd, or possibly even 4th cornerback, Fresno State is in a much better position with its defensive backfield than it was a year ago. Green shows flashes of brilliance at times, but it's the frequency of those flashes that has him fighting for more time.

FSDogs1 on Green: No doubt about it, Green is good enough to be in the starting lineup. His speed will be an asset for the defense, and his experience this year could turn him into one of the WAC's best.

L.J. Jones

CB, R-Fr, 5'11", 170

Encino (Crespi Carmelite HS)

Coaches have known since early last season L.J. Jones is an up and comer, but decided to redshirt him after he greyshirted the year before. Even so, he was working out with the veterans already as a greyshirt freshman and this year was in the mix to win a starting job. As the dust settled, Jones came out third or fourth on the corner depth chart and will see plenty of time. He was picked on a little bit in the open fall scrimmage, but part of that was because he constantly covered the fastest receivers (Devon Wylie, Jalen Saunders).

DaCo on Jones: L.J. Jones is on the cusp. Consistency has been his biggest enemy, but he can absolutely put together sequences of brilliance. In the open fall scrimmage, Jones struggled at defending the ball, but was frequently in position to make the play. By this time next year, Jones should be part of the 1-2 punch Bulldogs fans have been clamoring for on the corners.

FSDogs1 on Jones: Jones is another big addition to this unit. Besides the inexperience factor, he's probably the second most talented corner (behind Jermaine Thomas). But he does still need to add girth. Don't forget he was dominant in coverage during the Spring Game.

Derron Smith

S, Fr, 5'11", 170

Banning (Banning HS)

When Zak Hill went down with a season-ending injury, it didn't take long for an already head-turning Derron Smith to emerge as a freshman with immediate playing potential. He's listed second on the depth chart at safety, and had a heck of a pick in the open fall scrimmage. Smith is a ball hawk who's capable of making the open-field tackle. But like L.J. Jones, the only thing working against him is a lack of size.

DaCo on Smith: The first time I saw Derron Smith play, I crossed all fingers and toes that the Bulldogs would sign him. Smith, although currently undersized as a true, is part of a crop of impressive athletes in this class. He is simply a playmaker with great instincts, and showed a great desire to hit as well. If Smith sees the field this year, it will definitely be high risk/high reward, but that risk will decrease drastically over time.

FSDogs1 on Smith: The second-to-last day of open fall camp was when Smith cemented his ability in my mind. Running back Milton Knox, who torched the defense all camp, entered the game and took a handoff up the middle, breaking free with only one man to beat -- Smith. Knox made his best move to try and shake the isolated true freshman, and was dropped to the ground, eliciting roars from the defense. Heck, the guy even had Desia Dunn tweeting about his potential during a scrimmage.

Justin Webber

S, So, 5'9", 180

Sanger (Sanger HS)

Walk-on safety Justin Webber, a former stud running back at Sanger High, gets his chance to take the field as a second-stringer now that Zak Hill is out with injury. Webber works as hard as anyone and will do everything he can to capitalize on the opportunity. He's not the fastest safety around, but has true lower body power, leverage and balance and knows how to deliver a strong hit.

DaCo on Webber: Webber has surprising speed (though not elite), but it's not surprising he's tough. He is a smart player with a true love for football, and has earned his current role. Webber is almost guaranteed action at some point this season, so that role could be an important one.

FSDogs1 on Webber: If Webber flourishes in his new role, the 'Dogs will be feeling good about safety depth. If not, it's by far their biggest concern, especially with the injuries Lorne Bell has endured over his career.

Erik Brown

CB, R-Fr, 5'11", 185

Scottsdale, AZ (Saguaro HS)

As was the case last season, Erik Brown had a bit of a rough camp. He was oft-exposed by faster receivers and seems to always be a step late in reacting and closing. The potential is there for him to be a solid player down the road, but right now he's limited. Still, based on amount of reps, coaches seem to favor him slightly over fellow redshirt freshman J.B. Dock.

DaCo on Brown: Erik Brown possesses the desired athletic ability for a corner, but over-thinks way too much on the field. When he lets himself go, you can see his potential. If he's gonna develop, he'll do it here, because the receivers he practices against are the best he'll see all year.

FSDogs1 on Brown: He'll have to really step up to hold off talented true freshman Sean Alston.

J.B. Dock

CB, R-Fr, 5'10", 170

Ventura (St. Bonaventure HS)

There's no doubt who the Bulldogs top four corners are right now, and J.B Dock and Erik Brown are a notch below. Dock has better coverage ability than Brown -- for now -- but lacks the size and needs work to face top-caliber physical receivers.

DaCo on Dock: Dock, once again, has the building blocks to be a successful corner. He'll need to hit the weight room even harder this offseason, and is a player who needs a good spring in 2011.

FSDogs1 on Dock: It'll be interesting to see which of these young corners steps up to fill in next year to replace Desia Dunn in the top four of the depth chart.

Terrance Dennis

S, So, 5'11", 180

Pomona (Diamond Ranch HS)

Terrance Dennis was hampered by injuries throughout spring camp and some of fall, and was passed up by Justin Webber and Derron Smith in the meantime. He's got much improved physique from when he first entered the program, but just hasn't gotten the reps to be game-pressure ready yet. If he accomplishes that, he'll really help out at an otherwise thin position.

DaCo on Dennis: Something about Terrance Dennis is intriguing. I'm thinking it's because he loves to hit and can run fast. Dennis has missed far too much time on the field over the last year, but I'm still hoping he can be Lorne Bell with more speed.

FSDogs1 on Dennis: It's not out of the question for Dennis to climb to second-string by midseason, depending on how the other reserves at safety play.

Sean Alston

CB, Fr, 5'10", 175

Alta Loma (Los Osos HS)

Arguably as impressive as Derron Smith during fall camp was true freshman Sean Alston. He looks -- and plays -- bigger than his listed height and weight and made several plays on the ball in the later part of open fall camp, culminating with an interception in the fall scrimmage and an eye-opening pass deflection on a fade route to Victor Dean in the end zone. Alston was recruited as an athlete but certainly is in the right spot at corner.

DaCo on Alston: It's amazing to watch a young player turn a corner right before your eyes. After going through the normal freshman struggles early on, Alston almost randomly had a day of breakthrough in camp. His acceleration out of the break is very good, he recovers well and he looks to defend the ball.

FSDogs1 on Alston: Alston is hands down the most unexpected of early contributers among freshmen newcomers. But he legitimately is game-ready. That said, he'll likely redshirt with the depth the 'Dogs have at corner.

Cris Wilson

S, So, 5'10", 180

Stockton (St. Mary's HS)

With the lack of depth and Zak Hill injury at safety, Cris Wilson is likely to play there as opposed to corner. The walk-on is young, but much improved. Still, the Bulldogs won't turn to him in game situations unless it's special teams work.

Anthony Riggins

CB, Fr, 5'11", 185

Fairfield (Rodriguez HS)

Anthony Riggins is another speedy young corner. We're talking track speed. But he's not as advanced in coverage skills as Sean Alston. Riggins was inconsistent in his first fall camp, getting beat by 7 to 10 yards on occasion, but also making big deflections and stops on others. A redshirt season will go a long way in his development.

Ed Dillihunt

S, Fr, 6'0", 190

Tulare (Tulare Union HS)

As exciting as Derron Smith was at safety, Ed Dillihunt could eventually be even more exciting. Dillihunt is built to knock people out (hence exciting) on the football field, but just doesn't have the experience playing safety necessary to be an immediate impact guy. If he can familiarize himself and buy in to becoming a great safety, he'll be just that -- great.

Zak Hill

S, Jr, 6'2", 200

Fresno (Clovis West HS)

Zak Hill, youngest son of Pat Hill, was injured early in fall camp and will miss his entire junior season. He was taking first-team reps over Phillip Thomas early on (which is as confusing a coaching decision as there is) but definitely would have at least been the top reserve at the position.

Questions for our readers

All right, there you have it, every position on defense is previewed. In depth. Analysis.

But many of you are expert Fresno State fans too, with plenty of knowledge. What do you think? We want you to comment away and help us create the most high-level Fresno State football convo around.

Feel free to comment under each position...

• On the d-line, who should start at tackle? McEntee or Banks? How many guys are going to break into the regular rotation? What else do you want to know?
• At linebacker, if you're Pat Hill, do you redshirt Travis Brown and Daniel Salinas or do you play 'em right away? Do you see Jacobs/Knox/Herron starting all year long?
• In the defensive backfield, how do you get Phillip Thomas in the game? How big an impact will Isaiah Green and L.J. Jones make? And how good is Desia Dunn?
• And special teams, are you comfortable using Robbie Rouse's freshman year to give him punt return duties?

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Returning lettermen: 9

Incoming: 3

Lost: 3 (Sharrod Davis, Will Harding, Jake Jorde)

It’s the biggest fundamental difference in Fresno State defenses now and in the recent past. Why the poor record in 2006 and the mediocre one in 2008? A lack of playmaking on defense. The Bulldogs have intercepted just 14 passes in the past three seasons combined (2006-08). In the three seasons prior (2003-05) Fresno State recorded 41 interceptions – a difference of 27 potentially game-changing turnovers.

So what gives? Do the ‘Dogs not have the guys capable of making plays anymore? While that’s possible, another explanation is a lack of emphasis on forcing turnovers, something coaches have tried to change during fall camp by instituting a rule that the defense has to do conditioning drills after every practice in which at least one turnover is not forced – incentive at its finest. Randy Stewart (who takes over as defensive coordinator this year) is a great, passionate, hands-on instructor who will focus on safeties this year while new assistant Micah Alba coaches cornerbacks.

The team has at least one star talent who has yet to emerge at corner – A.J. Jefferson (6-0, 190). Jefferson looked like a blossoming force in last year’s opener at Rutgers, showing that he had coverage skills and not just speed. But, somehow, Jefferson fluttered out of the starting lineup by season’s end. If Jefferson commits to working on the nuances of the position, and not just relying on raw talent, he might have NFL scouts paying attention for more reasons than kick returning.

Playing his way in to a starting role last year was sophomore Desia Dunn (5-9, 190), a former walk-on who had one of the team’s five interceptions last season. While Dunn was susceptible in isolation situations at times last season, he seems more confident this year and has looked far more aggressive in making plays on the ball. Also competing for a starting spot is Damion Owens (5-11, 200), whose 68-yard interception return during the first series at Boise State last year was one of the team’s only highlights. Owens was as impressive as any defender during the first fall scrimmage, making multiple open-field tackles to snuff out would-be big plays. That said, he’s not the fastest corner and was a liability in downfield coverage last year.

A crop of youngsters are itching to show their stuff, and it starts with sophomore Isaiah Green (5-10, 180), who’s said to be one of the team’s fastest runners but has been used mostly on special teams so far. Green picked off a Ryan Colburn pass in the end zone during the first fall scrimmage and also recovered a fumble. Expect him to be in the regular rotation. Coaches are also high on athletic freshman L.J. Jones (5-10, 170), who was practicing with the veterans from Day 1 of fall camp.

The Bulldogs will need some youth to emerge within a crop of inexperienced corners that also includes sophomore Jermaine Thomas (5-11, 180) and walk-on redshirt freshman Cris Wilson (5-10, 180). A couple of true freshmen have already impressed in camp in J.B. Dock (5-10, 170) and Erik Brown (5-11, 185).

While the interesting competition at corner is for the reserve spots, several safeties with starting experience are battling for a job. One spot is locked down by Moses Harris (6-1, 205), a second-team All-WAC performer last season who was third on the team with 75 tackles. With three years starting experience, Harris needs to become more of a sure tackler and work on shedding blocks, but his fitness is almost unparalleled.

There’s a three-way battle for the other job between two experienced starters in junior Lorne Bell (5-10, 205) and Marvin Haynes (6-2, 205) and redshirt freshman Phillip Thomas (6-1, 205). Bell has been in on first-team reps all fall, but Thomas looked like the man in summer voluntary workouts. Bell was hampered last season by a nerve injury in his leg, but seems to be healthier and faster, and remains the defense’s hardest hitter. Thomas excels in pass coverage, as he showed with a 60-plus yard interception return for a touchdown in the second fall scrimmage, and might be too good not to start. He’ll make an impact this season either way. Haynes, while athletic and talented, looks to be playing catch-up with his competition. He had two interceptions in the opener at Rutgers last season, but injury kept him out down the stretch.

But depth-wise it’s hard to ask for more.Sophomore Zak Hill (6-2, 200), Pat Hill’s youngest son, has been exposed often in pass coverage during camp, and might even be better off with a switch to linebacker. Redshirt freshman Terrance Dennis (5-11, 180) will have more of a chance to stand out next season with Harris and Haynes graduating, but walk-on redshirt freshman Justin Webber (5-9, 180) has already made some noise. Webber, a converted running back who’s bounced back from multiple serious injuries, flew around the field in the first fall scrimmage, making two tackles for losses.

Rating: 6 of 10

Campin' on Day 2

Let's start with the scout team (since those guys are first to hit the field in the mornings during split squads).

True freshman running back Robbie Rouse is flat out agile. Think Clifton Smith's body type...but shorter. And he's wearing No. 8 (what's up with that David Carr)? If anyone should get to don the 8, it should be Derek Carr.

Redshirt freshman receiver A.J. Johnson is good. He'll be the next relative unknown to emerge at receiver, but the corps might be too crowded for an emergence this year. No doubt though, the kid has legit speed and route-running ability. He's a guy to get excited about.

Redshirt freshman QB Ebahn Feathers is still workin' scout team reps, and not really spending time running the ball for now. Passing wise, he's been picked off by true freshmen each of the first two days -- J.B. Dock got him yesterday on a pass into double coverage and Erik Brown got him today, smothering a walk-on receiver on a short route and just snatching the ball away. Don't get too hard on Feathers though, the pick came in a drill with just one receiver and one corner, so it's not like he could look the guy off and throw elsewhere.

O-line coach Derek Frazier seems to be happy with Buchanan's Lars Bramer's effort in drills, but was on Sanger's Nikko Motta early for a lack of effort as Motta half-heartedly jogged through a rep.

As for the veterans:
Interesting to note newcomers Matt Hunt (offensive guard) and L.J. Jones (cornerback) are already working with the vets.

Tons of praise being shouted out for receiver Jamel Hamler today. Hamler was forced to sit out last season (academics) but is talented enough to be the No. 1 receiver.

Highlight of the day: the team worked 11-on-11 drills briefly (in shells, not pads) and a gaping hole was opened by the O-line, allowing Anthony Harding to burst one up the gut and go the distance.

A heck of a battle is unfolding for the starting free safety spot between junior Lorne Bell and redshirt freshman Phillip Thomas. Both seem to have passed Marvin Haynes on the depth chart.

Should be interesting to see if Logan Harrell and Chase McEntee hang on to the starting defensive tackle spots, considering last year's starters (Mark Roberts and Cornell Banks) also return, as does former starter Wilson Ramos.