Murray State University Athletics
Photo by: Murray State Sports Information
Speed the Difference as Racer Defense Shows Improvement
4/8/2011 7:16:54 PM | Football
Racers return three experienced starters in the secondary
PHOTO GALLERY
One of the major differences on the field during spring practice has been the speed of the Murray State defense. The defense put its speed on display Friday afternoon as the Racers conducted their 11th practice at Stewart Stadium. The practice was the Racers mandatory third practice in just helmets.
“I think there is a couple areas that we have where we have increased our speed,” said defensive coordinator Ashley Anders. “I feel like we are faster in the secondary than we were at this time a year ago. Also, I think we have increased our speed at the linebacker position.”
The Racers are looking to replace all three linebacking spots from a season ago, and have started the transition by moving Brandon Wicks to outside linebacker. Wicks led the team with 73 tackles from his safety spot a season ago.
“Brandon was our leading tackler last year so he has a great nose for the football,” said Anders. “He is very athletic so we feel like experience, as far as the run game is concerned, is going to be a bonus for us. Being a former defensive back will really help us in the pass game. ”
The secondary will look familiar to a season ago as three starters return from last season. The major difference will be the move of Nathan Brinkley to his more natural position at safety. The starting cornerback job opposite Dontrell Johnson is a battle between sophomore Darrian Skinner and junior college transfer Victor Daniels.
“As a coach, you always feel good when you have starters returning, and we feel real good about the quality of guys we have coming back,” said Anders. “Some of the mid-year guys have increased our depth and our athleticism as a whole.”
The Racers return to the practice field Saturday morning as they conduct their final scrimmage. Practice is set to begin at 8:45 a.m. on the turf of Stewart Stadium.
One of the major differences on the field during spring practice has been the speed of the Murray State defense. The defense put its speed on display Friday afternoon as the Racers conducted their 11th practice at Stewart Stadium. The practice was the Racers mandatory third practice in just helmets.
“I think there is a couple areas that we have where we have increased our speed,” said defensive coordinator Ashley Anders. “I feel like we are faster in the secondary than we were at this time a year ago. Also, I think we have increased our speed at the linebacker position.”
The Racers are looking to replace all three linebacking spots from a season ago, and have started the transition by moving Brandon Wicks to outside linebacker. Wicks led the team with 73 tackles from his safety spot a season ago.
“Brandon was our leading tackler last year so he has a great nose for the football,” said Anders. “He is very athletic so we feel like experience, as far as the run game is concerned, is going to be a bonus for us. Being a former defensive back will really help us in the pass game. ”
The secondary will look familiar to a season ago as three starters return from last season. The major difference will be the move of Nathan Brinkley to his more natural position at safety. The starting cornerback job opposite Dontrell Johnson is a battle between sophomore Darrian Skinner and junior college transfer Victor Daniels.
“As a coach, you always feel good when you have starters returning, and we feel real good about the quality of guys we have coming back,” said Anders. “Some of the mid-year guys have increased our depth and our athleticism as a whole.”
The Racers return to the practice field Saturday morning as they conduct their final scrimmage. Practice is set to begin at 8:45 a.m. on the turf of Stewart Stadium.
Indiana State VS Murray State | MVC Baseball Tournament | Game Highlights
Friday, May 22
Evansville VS Murray State | Women's Basketball Game Highlights
Saturday, February 28
Head Coach Rechelle Turner | Racer Basketball | 2/26/26 Post Game Press Conference
Friday, February 27
Thomas & Pena | Racer Basketball | 2/26/26 Post Game Press Conference
Friday, February 27
