Murray State University Athletics
Photo by: Murray State Sports Information
Inside Training Camp: Defensive Backs
8/6/2012 1:21:00 PM | Football
PHOTO GALLERY
The Racers enter the 2012 season with more depth in the secondary than they have had in recent years. The team dressed just eight or nine defensive backs last season, but have enough depth at this point roll 13-14 players through drills.
The unheralded leader of the second is junior safety Brandon Wicks. Wicks has been a starter ever since he stepped foot on campus in 2010. Last season, Wicks ranked second on the team with 89 tackles and seven pass break-ups. He also blocked a pair of kicks, including a punt against MVSU that was recovered for a touchdown.
Wicks will be joined at the safety spot by senior Jarius Williams. Williams became stronger as the season went on and ended the year with 26 tackles, one sack and an interception.
Junior college transfer Darian Yahyavi joins the Racers after registering 58 tackles, three interceptions and 10 pass break-ups at Saddleback Community College last season.
Freshman Brandon Hathaway will add depth to the defensive backfield in 2012. Hathaway comes from Smyrna High School where he was a two-time all-state selection. He finished his senior season with 98 tackles, four forced fumbles and an interception.
On the outside, junior Darrian Skinner looks to rebound from an injury-plagued season and return to the form he showed last season before he got hurt. Skinner missed three games in the middle of the season and finished with 34 tackles, two forced fumbles and four pass break-ups. Against TSU, Skinner recorded a season-high eight tackles, had three pass break-ups and a sack. He returned after a month layoff to post seven tackles against EKU.
Skinner will be joined on the outside by senior Darius Buck. Buck was at safety a season ago, but made the switch to corner in the Spring. Buck finished last season with 40 tackles, while tieing for the team lead with two interceptions.
Senior Julian Whitehead moved to corner at the middle of last season. He had started the first six games at safety, before injuries forced a switch.
Whitehead tied for the team lead with two interceptions last season, including returning one 42 yards for a touchdown against APSU. He added 54 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Junior college transfer Josh Manning will battle for a starting spot on the outside. Manning posted 37 tackles and three pass break-ups at Southwest Mississippi Community College a season ago.
One of the biggest surprises has been the play of freshman corner Isaiah Farris. He has used his speed to his advantage and hasn't been afraid of contact.
The Racers return to the practice field Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. for their first practice in full pads.
The Racers enter the 2012 season with more depth in the secondary than they have had in recent years. The team dressed just eight or nine defensive backs last season, but have enough depth at this point roll 13-14 players through drills.
The unheralded leader of the second is junior safety Brandon Wicks. Wicks has been a starter ever since he stepped foot on campus in 2010. Last season, Wicks ranked second on the team with 89 tackles and seven pass break-ups. He also blocked a pair of kicks, including a punt against MVSU that was recovered for a touchdown.
Wicks will be joined at the safety spot by senior Jarius Williams. Williams became stronger as the season went on and ended the year with 26 tackles, one sack and an interception.
Junior college transfer Darian Yahyavi joins the Racers after registering 58 tackles, three interceptions and 10 pass break-ups at Saddleback Community College last season.
Freshman Brandon Hathaway will add depth to the defensive backfield in 2012. Hathaway comes from Smyrna High School where he was a two-time all-state selection. He finished his senior season with 98 tackles, four forced fumbles and an interception.
On the outside, junior Darrian Skinner looks to rebound from an injury-plagued season and return to the form he showed last season before he got hurt. Skinner missed three games in the middle of the season and finished with 34 tackles, two forced fumbles and four pass break-ups. Against TSU, Skinner recorded a season-high eight tackles, had three pass break-ups and a sack. He returned after a month layoff to post seven tackles against EKU.
Skinner will be joined on the outside by senior Darius Buck. Buck was at safety a season ago, but made the switch to corner in the Spring. Buck finished last season with 40 tackles, while tieing for the team lead with two interceptions.
Senior Julian Whitehead moved to corner at the middle of last season. He had started the first six games at safety, before injuries forced a switch.
Whitehead tied for the team lead with two interceptions last season, including returning one 42 yards for a touchdown against APSU. He added 54 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries.
Junior college transfer Josh Manning will battle for a starting spot on the outside. Manning posted 37 tackles and three pass break-ups at Southwest Mississippi Community College a season ago.
One of the biggest surprises has been the play of freshman corner Isaiah Farris. He has used his speed to his advantage and hasn't been afraid of contact.
The Racers return to the practice field Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. for their first practice in full pads.
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