Pac-10 Position Breakdown: Secondary – Washington State Cougars
Statistically speaking, the Washington State secondary actually performed respectably in 2008. The unit ranked 44th in the country against the pass (195.7 yards per game), which was good enough for 6th in the Pac-10. The numbers should come as a pleasant surprise considering the amount of points WSU gave up last year (FBS record 570).
Unfortunately, the pass defense production was greatly influenced by the effortless ease with which opponents ran the ball last season. After all, the Cougars run defense ranked dead last in America, giving up over 247 yards per game (including allowing over 300 yards in seven games).
This season, the Wazzu secondary will look to prove that it can stop the pass even when opponents are throwing the ball 25+ times a game. Co-defensive coordinators Chris Ball and Jody Sears have done a lot of shuffling within the unit (for a variety of reasons), but the defensive backfield does have some promising pieces in place.
While depth will be an issue at cornerback, safety should be one of the strengths of the entire defense (along with linebacker).
Xavier Hicks prepares for the coming season
Cornerback
Earlier this off-season, cornerback appeared to be one of the deepest positions on the team, but unforeseen circumstances have greatly impacted the rotation. Two potential starters at cornerback, Devin Giles and Romeo Pellum, were dismissed from the team by head coach Paul Wulff. As a result, playing time will be available for a slew of young players who are looking to make an impact early in their careers.
Sophomore Aire Justin is firmly in the mix for a starting spot this season. Last year, Justin played extensively in nine games (six starts), totaling 20 tackles and three pass breakups. Justin was also used on the kick return team (45 yards on three returns), and could get a chance as a return man again this season. His successful debut with WSU landed him post-season honors, as Rivals.com named him to the Pac 10 All-Freshman team.
At 5-11 156 pounds, Justin still has a lot of physical developing to do, but his quickness and covering skills make him a valuable asset to the secondary. The Van Nuys (CA) native will be an essential part of the defense next season, and could become a mainstay at corner for the Cougars.
The most exciting new addition to the defensive backfield is junior Brandon Jones. Jones sat out last season after transferring from Cal. He is the second Bear to join the Cougars, along with RB James Montgomery. Like Montgomery, Jones should immediately contribute this season, as he is a virtual lock for a starting spot. In his last season with Cal (2007), he played in 12 games and recorded nine tackles.
At 5-9 178 pounds, Jones is a bit undersized, but possesses great speed (4.42) and strength as well as excellent quickness. Jones greatest asset may be his fundamentally sound technique, and he will be one of WSU’s most polished corners this season.
The Seattle (WA) native was a PrepStar All-American while at O’Dea High School, and Rivals.com ranked him as the 28th best defensive back of the 2006 class. He played exceptionally well during the spring, and has looked good in fall camp.
The corner making the most noise right now is redshirt freshman Daniel Simmons. Simmons has been a pleasant surprise for WSU since his emergence during spring ball, and he is having arguably the best fall camp of any secondary player.
Simmons physical maturation in the last year has been remarkable. His strength and speed have increased dramatically, and he possesses some of the best footwork on the team. The 5-10 187 pound freshman redshirted last season, so experience is his biggest weakness as the season approaches. Nonetheless, the WSU coaches are excited about the potential impact that he could have this year.
The Ontario (CA) native has been so good this fall that he is currently ahead of Justin on the depth chart. While it is still unclear whether Simmons will be a full-time starter, he should see plenty of action in 2009.
Safeties
Senior Xavier Hicks will lead the way for the dependable safeties. Last season, Hicks finished second on the team with 78 tackles, and also contributed five pass breakups and two interceptions.
Hicks has been through a lot in his five years at WSU, and his well-documented troubles off the field (five separate arrests during his career) have often overshadowed his solid play on the field.
At 6-0 211 pounds, Hicks has a knack for making huge hits. His aggressive style can lead to big plays for both teams, but a receiver must think twice before heading his direction.
The Fullerton (CA) native looks set for a big year at strong safety, and the Cougar defense will need him to continue his attacking style in 2009.
Chima Nwachukwu follows the ball
Hicks partner at safety will be junior Chima Nwachukwu. Last season, Nwachukwu played in all 13 games (seven starts) and finished fourth on the team with 57 tackles, while also contributing one interception and two pass breakups. As a freshman in 2007, he started all 12 games at cornerback and made 73 tackles on his way to Freshman All-Pac 10 honors.
Along with his great play on the field, Nwachukwu was voted to the Pac-10’s All-Academic first team last season, maintaining a 4.0 GPA for the year.
At 5-11 201 pounds, Nwachukwu is a versatile defender with great athleticism and keen instincts. The Allen (TX) native possesses solid speed (sub-4.5) and good range in coverage, while also displaying capable run-stopping skills. Wazzu coaches may play him at corner as well as free safety this season because of his adaptable skill set.
Sophomore Tyree Toomer will also factor into the defensive back rotation in 2009. Toomer is yet another Cougar DB that has experienced trouble off the field, but he seems to be back on track. He appeared in all 13 games last season, finishing with 34 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks.
At 5-11 194 pounds, Toomer brings good speed (4.45) to the safety position. He could become a force on the blitz, especially if he continues to add strength and bulk. The Bellflower (CA) native is listed behind Hicks on the dept chart at strong safety, but he will see the field quite a bit even as a backup.
Other players competing for time are: Juniors Anthony Houston and Shane Thomas, sophomore Eric Block, and freshmen Terrence Hayward, Nolan Washington, Anthony Carpenter, Jay Matthews, LeAndre Daniels, and Kyle McCartney.
My Take
Next to linebacker and running back, this secondary looks like the most promising unit on the team. On paper, there is enough talent at the third level to surprise pass-happy offenses (Non-conference games against SMU and Hawaii should provide reasonable tests early in the season).
The safety tandem of Hicks and Nwachukwu provides Wazzu with a pair of proven playmakers in the back four. I especially like the multi-talented Nwachukwu, who has the size of a safety and the quickness of a corner. He may play both places this season.
As for the starting corners, I think Cougar fans will be happy to have Brandon Jones. He may not get the same notoriety that James Montgomery gets, but he is a valuable piece of this rebuilding CB rotation. I also like the competition between Justin and Simmons at the other spot, as it will only make the team better.
While we all know that this defense will continue to struggle, I like the foundation that is being built in the secondary. Look for continued development on the Palouse in 2009.
Washington State Cougars
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Aire Justin, Brandon Jones, Chima Nwachukwu, Corner Back, Daniel Simmons, Football, Safety, Tyree Toomer, Xavier Hicks
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