Weekly Position Discussion: Week 2, Safeties

[griz5700]

I'm beyond the position debate. I'm sure KVA will perform admirably at weak-side linebacker.

Now, I'm getting into the morality of the collegiate athletic programs and NCAA rules. If a player is promised an opportunity to play a position and that promise lures a player to a different program, that players should have a complete season to adjust and play at the promised position without thread of scholarship cancellation. If the promise is broken, then the NCAA restrictions on the transferring student-athlete should be rescinded, the student-athlete should be allowed to transfer to any program of their choice and take the first year of the scholarship with them.

What are your thoughts?

I think he should have his scholarship pulled for misleading our coaches into believing he could play safety at UM.

Hows that for "Morality" :wink:

 

[Ken Jones]

Well, as long as you know the exact specifics of this instance, then you have an unique insight.

Here are some of coach Delaney's comments on Van Ackeren:
"He's a good sized safety who can really run. We haven't had a safety like that physically for awhile. We are really looking forward to the impact that he will make in our secondary."

As I noted. I'm beyond caring about whether KVA plays safety or linebacker. I'm more considered with the used car salesmen (recruiters), service departements (athletic departments), finance departments (presidents of universities) and their corporate oversight (NCAA) taking advantage of teenagers and their parents.

 

[griz5700]

Well, as long as you know the exact specifics of this instance, then you have an unique insight.

Here are some of coach Delaney's comments on Van Ackeren:
"He's a good sized safety who can really run. We haven't had a safety like that physically for awhile. We are really looking forward to the impact that he will make in our secondary."

As I noted. I'm beyond caring about whether KVA plays safety or linebacker. I'm more considered with the used car salesmen (recruiters), service departements (athletic departments), finance departments (presidents of universities) and their corporate oversight (NCAA) taking advantage of teenagers and their parents.

Haha, taking advantage of his parents? As in giving their son a scholarship to UM?

no one forced KVA to come to UM and no one is forcing him to stay. He's an adult and he knew or should have known what he was getting into. Hes on scholarship and he'll do whatever our coaches want or else he can leave.

 

[BWahlberg]

Do not understand those who think Van Ackeren is the answer at safety. He played LB at Hawaii because he didn't have the skill or speed needed to play safety. Our coaches probably saw exactly what Hawaii's staff saw and moved him to LB. Not a big deal.

The problem with your argument is that you assume that the coaching staffs at Hawaii or UM know more than the e-studs on this site. Big assumption.

Just ask trollmayor.

Ha - both these posts are full of win.

I was going to post - the guy couldn't break through the 3rd string in spring camp. Now that might just be because he's brand new to the team. However if he was/is the "great hope" that "has to" start - but can't surpass 5 other safeties already on the team... then maybe some of the e-studs on here just were wrong in what they hoped he'd become as a safety.

Didn't you just post on MaroonBlood that V Ackeren will really help at safety?

Just post? Don't think so, I thought he'd help at safety before spring ball like all of us. Probably posted both here and there atnthat point that he would.

 

[grizfan95]

The problem with your argument is that you assume that the coaching staffs at Hawaii or UM know more than the e-studs on this site. Big assumption.

Just ask trollmayor.

Ha - both these posts are full of win.

I was going to post - the guy couldn't break through the 3rd string in spring camp. Now that might just be because he's brand new to the team. However if he was/is the "great hope" that "has to" start - but can't surpass 5 other safeties already on the team... then maybe some of the e-studs on here just were wrong in what they hoped he'd become as a safety.

Didn't you just post on MaroonBlood that V Ackeren will really help at safety?

Just post? Don't think so, I thought he'd help at safety before spring ball like all of us. Probably posted both here and there atnthat point that he would.

Gotcha. It was an old thread that got bumped.

 

[WyomingGrizFan]

... I thought he'd help at safety before spring ball like all of us. Probably posted both here and there at that point that he would.

Interestingly, even though it says 2012 Roster it has Kendrick Van Ackeren listed #6 Sophomore without a position denoted. Still seems up in the air to me; whether at Safety or OLB. He could probably play either, if need be...I guess.

http://www.gogriz.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mont-m-footbl-mtt.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Ken Jones]

I'm beyond the position debate. I'm sure KVA will perform admirably at weak-side linebacker.

Now, I'm getting into the morality of the collegiate athletic programs and NCAA rules. If a player is promised an opportunity to play a position and that promise lures a player to a different program, that players should have a complete season to adjust and play at the promised position without thread of scholarship cancellation. If the promise is broken, then the NCAA restrictions on the transferring student-athlete should be rescinded, the student-athlete should be allowed to transfer to any program of their choice and take the first year of the scholarship with them.

What are your thoughts?

I think he should have his scholarship pulled for misleading our coaches into believing he could play safety at UM.

Hows that for "Morality" :wink:

Sure, pull the scholarship, as long as he can transfer without NCAA restrictions to the other FBS programs that has interest in his talent, for instance, Washington, Washington State, Oregon State or Hawai'i. :clap: I think we know that's not happening because of the NCAA restrictions that benefit the athlete departments; otherwise KVA and others would have more leverage over the multi-million dollars collegiate athletic departments and the NCAA. Gotta be able to exploit the young and talented from economically challenged families. :x

Again, I'm sure that KVA and the other transfers will represent themselves and the U of Montana at the highest levels possible. :thumb:

 

[Ken Jones]

Well, as long as you know the exact specifics of this instance, then you have an unique insight.

Here are some of coach Delaney's comments on Van Ackeren:
"He's a good sized safety who can really run. We haven't had a safety like that physically for awhile. We are really looking forward to the impact that he will make in our secondary."

As I noted. I'm beyond caring about whether KVA plays safety or linebacker. I'm more considered with the used car salesmen (recruiters), service departements (athletic departments), finance departments (presidents of universities) and their corporate oversight (NCAA) taking advantage of teenagers and their parents.

Haha, taking advantage of his parents? As in giving their son a scholarship to UM?

no one forced KVA to come to UM and no one is forcing him to stay. He's an adult and he knew or should have known what he was getting into. Hes on scholarship and he'll do whatever our coaches want or else he can leave.

Actually, the NCAA transfer restrictions limited his and others' options ... transfer to a FBS program and lose a year of eligibility or transfer to a FCS program and retain eligibility.

Again, I'm sure KVA and the other FBS transfers will represent the U of Montana to the best of their ability.

 

[WyomingGrizFan]

...the NCAA transfer restrictions limited his and others' options ... transfer to a FBS program and lose a year of eligibility or transfer to a FCS program and retain eligibility.

Actually, if an athlete transfers from a BCS and/or FBS program to another BCS and/or FBS program, he/she has to sit out a year and does not lose any eligibility; this with two or more years of eligibility left that allows the transfer. If transferring to an FCS program one does not sit out a year nor lose a year of eligibility, either.

 

[Ken Jones]

...the NCAA transfer restrictions limited his and others' options ... transfer to a FBS program and lose a year of eligibility or transfer to a FCS program and retain eligibility.

Actually, if an athlete transfers from a BCS and/or FBS program to another BCS and/or FBS program, he/she has to sit out a year and does not lose any eligibility; this with two or more years of eligibility left that allows the transfer. If transferring to an FCS program one does not sit out a year nor lose a year of eligibility, either.

I'm assuming you know more than I on this subject. Thanks for the clarification ... :thumb:

 

[PlayerRep]

...the NCAA transfer restrictions limited his and others' options ... transfer to a FBS program and lose a year of eligibility or transfer to a FCS program and retain eligibility.

Actually, if an athlete transfers from a BCS and/or FBS program to another BCS and/or FBS program, he/she has to sit out a year and does not lose any eligibility; this with two or more years of eligibility left that allows the transfer. If transferring to an FCS program one does not sit out a year nor lose a year of eligibility, either.

The FBS to FBS transfer does not lose a year of eligbility during the year he can't play at the FBS school, only if he still has his redshirt year to use during the year he can't play. Otherwise, he loses a year. If the dropdown with a year of remaining eligilibity has graduated from his FBS school and enrolls in a grad program at the FCS school that isn't available at his FBS school, he can transfer with only one year of remaining eligibilty.

 

[BDizzle]

Hmm I thought you did lose a year of eligibility if you transferred straight across.

 

[PlayerRep]

Hmm I thought you did lose a year of eligibility if you transferred straight across.

If the FBS to FBS transfer has his redshirt year, he just has to sit a year. Same 5-year to play 4 rule. FBS conferences sometimes have additional rules, including not allowing transfer within the conference or, I think, requiring 2 years of not playing within the same conference. I'm glad you could interpret my goofed up post (goofed up the FBS/FCS thing again), and apparently knew what I meant. I fixed it.

Similar rules for transferring from FCS to FBS, i.e. sitting one year. I don't think that applies to walk-ons, though.

 

[IntuitiveGriz]

I've hammered our safeties into powder on previous threads this year...many times. So I'll let it go except for one thing. We seem to be drop down rich again...W.T.F.??? Can't we bring in ONE safety to clean up our deep ball mess??? You guys have said van ack is most likely going to be a will, I believe. ??????? :egriz:

Don't you think that part of the the problem with safety play last year was due to the fact our corners couldn't cover?

I have said before a safetys best friend is a shutdown corner. The safeties took the heat but the problem was the corners.

We don't agree, but once the fur starts flying we can discuss this in detail during the season. You were discussing food on the other thread..How is Lydia's??? I haven't been there in 20+. P.S. I think Josh Dennard is a stud on the rise!! :egriz:

Rimrockgriz, I agree with you (and almost everyone else) on not blaming the poor safety play on the corners. The blame should not be incorrectly deflected, it should be acknowledged right where it belongs, on the safeties! Good lord. And I also highly agree with you on Dennard, I have been singing his praises since last season. He's a great field corner. I'll also throw out there that the coaches have been high on boundary corner Anthony Goodwin since this spring. They said he could be one of the best in the country this up-coming season.

 

[IntuitiveGriz]

All this hub-bub about KVA playing SS or OLB. OK there is a difference, but it's certainly not a huge one! I played SS and often thought of myself as on OLB. Shoot, I often lined up often in the same vicinity as an OLB(when not in cover 2), and loved giving run support. Like-wise, OLB have pass responsibilities...

A bigger safety (I was just average) like KVA can easily play OLB, and vice-versa (if it's an athletic OLB).

College players are often interchangeable at these two positions.

It's not a big deal in my eyes, some may agree with me, some may not.

 

[WyomingGrizFan]

All this hub-bub about KVA playing SS or OLB. OK there is a difference, but it's certainly not a huge one! I played SS and often thought of myself as on OLB. Shoot, I often lined up often in the same vicinity as an OLB(when not in cover 2), and loved giving run support. Like-wise, OLB have pass responsibilities...

A bigger safety like KVA can easily play OLB, and vice-versa (if it's an athletic OLB).

College players are often interchangeable at these two positions.

It's not a big deal in my eyes, some may agree with me, some may not.

I tend to agree, as well. There's been at least two players in recent years that shared a "roving" type of position/assignment (that's my personal way of seeeing it - calling it a "roving" assignment; others can call it whatever they feel like) between being considered a Safety and/or an OLB; those two being a Muckie Foreman and a Brandon Fisher. Muckie Foreman was 6'0" and 180 lbs from Spanaway Lake hs in Spokane, Washington and was part of the 2003 recruting class. Brandon Fisher, recruited in the 2005 class, was initially a Strong Safety, 5'10" 205 lbs. then moved to such a "roving" assignment in the spring of 2008 - playing about thirty games at the OLB position: http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/player-profile-brandon-fisher/article_550e240c-c5e9-11de-8966-001cc4c03286.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And both of those players were somewhat successful; not only in run support but also in pass defense. I can't ascertain Van Ackeren being any less in potential in taking on such defensive responsibilities. It's like a second defensive captain on the field. I don't know too many players that can do that; having enough 'brawn' to provide run support plus the 'speed' to deliver adequate pass defense on some pretty fast WRs they come across; it's not an easy position to play. Plus it does take some kind of intelligence as well, I guess. B. Fisher did have a 3.9 GPA and was added to the Defensive Coaching Staff in 2011 of the: http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Head-coach-Jim-Schwartz-adds-Brandon-Fisher-to-Defensive-Staff/1a8dfe06-8a1d-417d-a8b9-d3cfe39c17de" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Now he's with the St. Louis Rams since 2012. I don't think it's just because of family connections, either, when it came to his initial hiring.

 

[Ken Jones]

Going to hop back and forth from offense to defense. So for this week we'll focus on the defensive secondary. I was going to do all DBs but I'll break apart corners and safeties for the sake on a post that isn't a mile long.

The DBs we have on the roster, some show safety some show corner. I think a few were moved or at least tried out other positions in spring camp so there's a bit of guesswork here.

S: Matt Hermanson, Bo Tully, Steven Rominger, Kendrick Van Ackeren, Herbert Gamboa, Justin Whitted, Jake Dellaserra

Projected Depth
Starters: Hermanson (Junior), Tully (Senior)
Backup: Rominger (Senior) OR Whitted (Sophomore), Gamboa (Sophomore)
Depth: Van Ackeren (Sophomore), Dellaserra (Sophomore), DeBruyker (Sophomore)
Redshirt: new DB recruits (Parker, McKinley, Strahm)

Strengths/Weaknesses

Matt Hermanson - Hermey has a great 2nd half of 2011 which had a lot of Griz nation expecting even more in 2012. However that just never happened. With the sudden pressure of losing Tru/Roots/Lisowski to help in coverage Hermey struggled. Add in injuries that he played through (a broken bone in his foot plus a rumored onoging hip issue) and it just didn't turn out to be a year of improvement. He's worked his way back this spring to better health. If we get the 2011 Hermey that showed great ability to make plays in zone coverage we'll be ok here. If we see more of 2012 Hermey he'll lose his spot as a starter soon. Tackling is ok but not great. Matt

Bo Tully - The egriz whipping boy, Bo was the one guy offenses could successfully pick on in 2011 and then again in 2012 he didn't show good improvement. He's shown play-making abilities with some nice interceptions but far too often in the past he looked lost on the field. He had issues deciding to chase scrambling QBs or drop into coverage, he had taken bad angles on tackles, he attempted way too many arm tackles, and many times he'd dive head-first at a ball carriers feet thus taking his eyes off the player. So with such a scathing review of the last 2 years, why on earth do I project him the starter? For now Bo brings experience and speed plus he's the largest of our safeties. He had a quiet spring in the scrimmages with not as many noticeable errors. I'm hoping the mix of a new position coach, his senior year, and going up against JJ in practice will help him improve. Compared to Hermey he's on even more thin ice to lose his job, Whitted and Gamboa could challenge him.

Steven Rominger - The guy that's been on the team the longest, one of the few remaining Hauck recruits from the 2009 class. Steven is a guy that works hard in practice, plays hard on special teams, and is sound in coverage on defense. He's not flashy and doesn't make as many plays on the ball or force as many turnovers. Unfortunately for him he's been lost in the shuffle of team politics which wedges him between other upper-classmen, prior Pflu recruits, and incoming Delaney kids. Steven played well in backup time and I expect they'll give him the same role again this year. ST is where he'll probably make the best mark. He might be the hardest hitter of all the safeties.

Herbert Gamboa - Forced into playing in 2012 Gamboa didn't make a big splash but got some good time. In the spring scrimmages he had a few interceptions that I saw and you can see his speed on display as he's very quick to turn and make plays on passes. He's still rough around the edges, gets caught on his heels a bit too much and gets pushed around in run-support. I consider 2013 his ramp-up year into a chance to start in 2014.

Justin Whitted - Returned to the team after taking 2012 off Whitted make a quick impression on me as he made a few picks (one on JJ) in the scrimmages. He was hitting hard and playing well. However I believe an injury sidelined him in the last 1/3 of spring ball... I don't recall him playing in the last scrimmage. Whitted strikes me as more of Mike McCord/Colt Anderson guy that would rather be hitting and knocking guys around than playing the pass to try for an interception. GoGriz.com lists him as a corner but I'm pretty sure he played safety the whole time he was out there in the spring.

Kendrick Van Ackeren - Once hailed as the hope for the secondary I listed him as depth support only. Why would I do that? Because I believe Kendrick may move to be 2nd string OLB this fall camp. Van Ackeren was pretty quiet in the first two scrimmages as a safety. He was stuck in the 2s/3s and wasn't challenging to get looks with the 1s. Then linebacker depth issues came up and he moved to backup as an outside linebacker. In the 3rd scrimmage with a few 'backers out and resting Van Ackeren was inserted all over an an LB and made a ton of plays, if I recall he had double-digit tackles. I think he'll be kept as a reserve safety but nothing more - LB will be his focus.

Jake Dellaserra - Moved to safety last year. Jake will probably get some shots for ST this year but I don't see much more. The safey position is top-heavy with upperclassmen right now, come 2014/15 lets see if Jake can break through.

Adam DeBruyker - Another guy kind of waiting for a chance. ST options, probably not much more this year. Wasn't he out all of last year with an injury? I don't recall much from him.

Zach Gratton - I didn't list on the depth b/c he was playing mostly corner this spring and I'll bet he stays there

With the strength at LB (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62162), the weakness at S (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62018) and KVA's potential at LB, S or both, why not DB? If he's goin' to be a backup, why not a backup SS with the DB weaknesses? Smh.

Oh well, I'll be the first to cheer and give them credit if their strategies succeed; I'll be the first to jeer and take credit if their strategies fail. That's fair, eh?

 

[Copper Griz]

It's the automatic assumption that just because someone is a new addition/transfer they have to be better than the current roster guys we have. In some rare cases that's true. In others it isn't. For this one it's magnified b/c safety play was pretty bad last year.

I'm beyond the position debate. I'm sure KVA will perform admirably at weak-side linebacker.

Now, I'm getting into the morality of the collegiate athletic programs and NCAA rules. If a player is promised an opportunity to play a position and that promise lures a player to a different program, that players should have a complete season to adjust and play at the promised position without thread of scholarship cancellation. If the promise is broken, then the NCAA restrictions on the transferring student-athlete should be rescinded, the student-athlete should be allowed to transfer to any program of their choice and take the first year of the scholarship with them.

What are your thoughts?

I think your argument has some merit KJ, but I also believe these young men need to learn to deal with reality. The NCAA and collegiate athletics is now very big business. I am disgusted by it, but I am part of it since I pay to go to games, watch TV and purchase logo wear. When these kids leave college they will be dealing with used cars salesmen in any line of work they choose. Life is a sale each and everyday. They sold themselves to get recruited, the coaching staff sold the U of M, the U of M sells the program to you and I, etc. The reality of it is KVA could be promised a job after college and those job duties could morph rather quickly. He can choose to do the new job duties or quit. One could make the argument that he is not getting paid to be a Griz. I would counter that argument since I am paying tuition for a kid right now. If you get out of college with little or no debt - you got paid! Being a collegiate athlete is a huge responsibility and time commitment. Playing on Saturday(s) in Washington Griz would be worth it IMHO.

 

[Ken Jones]

It's the automatic assumption that just because someone is a new addition/transfer they have to be better than the current roster guys we have. In some rare cases that's true. In others it isn't. For this one it's magnified b/c safety play was pretty bad last year.

I'm beyond the position debate. I'm sure KVA will perform admirably at weak-side linebacker.

Now, I'm getting into the morality of the collegiate athletic programs and NCAA rules. If a player is promised an opportunity to play a position and that promise lures a player to a different program, that players should have a complete season to adjust and play at the promised position without thread of scholarship cancellation. If the promise is broken, then the NCAA restrictions on the transferring student-athlete should be rescinded, the student-athlete should be allowed to transfer to any program of their choice and take the first year of the scholarship with them.

What are your thoughts?

I think your argument has some merit KJ, but I also believe these young men need to learn to deal with reality. The NCAA and collegiate athletics is now very big business. I am disgusted by it, but I am part of it since I pay to go to games, watch TV and purchase logo wear. When these kids leave college they will be dealing with used cars salesmen in any line of work they choose. Life is a sale each and everyday. They sold themselves to get recruited, the coaching staff sold the U of M, the U of M sells the program to you and I, etc. The reality of it is KVA could be promised a job after college and those job duties could morph rather quickly. He can choose to do the new job duties or quit. One could make the argument that he is not getting paid to be a Griz. I would counter that argument since I am paying tuition for a kid right now. If you get out of college with little or no debt - you got paid! Being a collegiate athlete is a huge responsibility and time commitment. Playing on Saturday(s) in Washington Griz would be worth it IMHO.

On hand, I agree with you. Older teenagers and parents should be prepared to manage the complexities of the athletic scholarship. It's their responsibility to understand the manipulations of the system and protect themselves.

Life isn't fair.

That's why there should be a NCAA Players Association to represent the young athletes and challenge the complexities of the NCAA and the deep pockets of universities. Additionally, student-athletes' compensation should be reasonable and increased.

On the other hand, too many parents and student-athletes approach an athletic scholarship like an entitlement. That pisses me off. Most don't understand the possible benefits that they've earned and wasted as the graduation rate decreases for major sport student-athletes.

 

[BigPawzSharpClawz]

July 03, 2013 12:00 pm • By Greg Rachac
NOTE: This is the second installment of our weekly series projecting the Top 10 players at each position for the 2013 Big Sky Conference football season.

There's no changing of the guard this year. Eastern Washington CB T.J. Lee III was my pick at No. 1 here in 2012, and he remains in the top spot heading into the new season. Actually, my defensive back rankings for 2013 are loaded with veterans. But Lee stands above them all. We can expect lots of big plays, big hits etc. from this group in the fall. (Note: For the "pass def" statistic, I've combined pass breakups and passes defensed into one number).

From a team standpoint, it seems Eastern Washington and Northern Arizona have the most experience coming back in the secondary, including a few guys that could've been included on this list (like EWU corner Ronald Baines and safety Allen Brown, or NAU safety Blair Wishom). The Eagles, in particular, got a huge boost with the addition of UCLA transfer Tevin McDonald. How that translates to the field is yet to be seen, but it's a nice advantage.

TOP 10 DEFENSIVE BACKS FOR 2013

1. T.J. LEE III, CB, SR., EASTERN WASHINGTON 2012: 90 tkl, 9 tfl, 1 int, 23 pass def, 2 ff, 2½ sacks. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Lee is the best cover corner in the Big Sky, but he's also a top-notch tackler (he had 90 last year). He was named to two All-America teams last year, including the College Sporting News' "Fabulous 50" first team. In one of his best performances of 2012, Lee had eight tackles, a forced fumble and two pass breakups in a quarterfinal playoff win over Illinois State. Lee is a two-time first-team All-Big Sky selection, and he's a lock for a third this season. He was No. 1 on this list last season, too.

2. LUCKY DOZIER, S, SR., NORTHERN ARIZONA 2012: 57 tkl, 2 tfl, 4 int, 14 pass def, 1 fum rec. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Dozier came to the Lumberjacks last year out of a junior college in California and made an immediate impact. Dozier always seems to be in the right place at the right time. His four interceptions last season tied for the Big Sky lead. Dozier made two of those picks (including several big hits) in a 41-31 win at Montana, which was coach Jerome Souers' first victory against UM in 15 tries. Dozier gives the Lumberjacks versatility and big-play prowess at strong safety. It helped them rank second in total defense in 2012.

3. STEVEN BETHLEY, S, SR. MONTANA STATE 2012: 44 tkl, 1 tfl, 3 int, 17 pass def, 2 fum rec, 1 TD. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: This season is Bethley's time to take over Montana State's secondary. It will be his third season as the starter at free safety, yet he's been overshadowed at times in the past, particularly by all-conference CB and top cover man Darius Jones. But not this year. Bethley plays the pass perhaps better than any safety in the Big Sky, and has a knack for forcing turnovers. With Bethley's help, the Bobcats typically are one of the best in the league at limiting opposing quarterbacks' completion percentage (52.6 percent last year).

4. ANDERS BATTLE, CB, SR., NORTHERN ARIZONA 2012: 64 tkl, 2 tfl, 1 int, 13 pass def, 1 ff, 1 sack. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Like EWU's Lee III, Battle isn't afraid to stick his nose in the mix and make tackles. His presence, coupled with safeties Lucky Dozier and Blair Wishom, gives the Lumberjacks one of the most physical defensive secondaries in the Big Sky. Battle has more forced fumbles in his career (3) than he's intercepted passes (2), but don't be surprised if that changes this season. Battle is turning into one of the top corners in the league, as evidenced by his first-team all-conference nod last year. He's primed for another big year.

5. TEVIN MCDONALD, S, SR., EASTERN WASHINGTON 2012 (at UCLA): 79 tkl, 1 int, 19 pass def, 1 ff, 2 fum rec. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: You can't ignore McDonald's football lineage -- nor his talent. The son of former NFL All-Pro safety Tim McDonald was a two-year starter at UCLA, and had 135 tackles in 27 games. But he was booted from the Bruins last year after failing a third drug test and wound up at EWU. The Eagles already have an all-conference safety in Allen Brown, but McDonald could be at the top of this list come season's end ... provided he stays out of trouble. And Beau Baldwin wouldn't have brought him in if he didn't think he could.

6. MATT HERMANSON, S, JR., MONTANA 2012: 67 tkl, 1½ tfl, 2 int, 6 pass def. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Expectations were high for Hermanson after a breakout true freshman season. But the Sioux Falls, S.D., product wasn't as sharp in 2012. In fact, the Grizzlies' entire pass defense from top to bottom struggled last year. But give "Hermy" and safety partner Bo Tully the benefit of the doubt. There was a new head coach, a new coordinator, new schemes ... and lots of off-the-field drama to deal with. So don't be surprised if Hermanson comes back better than ever this season. But will he be included on the list of recent great Griz safeties when it's all said and done?

7. OSAGIE ODIASE, CB, SR., SACRAMENTO STATE 2012: 65 tkl, 3 tfl, 1 sack, 3 int, 19 pass def, 1 ff, 1 fum rec. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: The 2013 season will be Odiase's fourth as a starter at cornerback for Sac State, which makes him one of the most seasoned and accomplished defensive players in the Big Sky Conference. Odiase was a second-team all-conference selection last year, and has made seven career interceptions, which puts him in the Top 10 all-time in Hornets history. Odiase seems to always be around the ball. His eight pass breakups in 2012 ranked in a tie for third among the league's leaders, while his three interceptions were second.

8. JONATHAN PERKINS, CB, SR., UC DAVIS 2012: 36 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 int, 16 pass def, 1 ff, 1 fum rec. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: With a nice combination of quickness and strength, Perkins thrives on versatility. He comes into this season with six career interceptions and 94 return yards (69 of which went for a TD last year vs. South Dakota State). Perkins has also forced a pair of fumbles, recovered one and has blocked one kick. An honorable mention all-conference pick a year ago, Perkins is also one of the more dangerous kickoff return men in the Big Sky. He's a candidate for all-league honors again as the Aggies begin a new era under first-year coach Ron Gould.

9. LESHAUN SIMS, CB, SO., SOUTHERN UTAH 2012: 37 tkl, 3 int, 7 pass def, 1 fum rec.THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Any time a freshman puts together the kind of year Sims did, it bodes well for the future. Sims came to SUU out of 8-man football in high school, which makes his performance in his first year on the field all that more impressive. His 6-foot, 200-pound frame make him a tough matchup for receivers in the Big Sky, and that showed itself on more than one occasion in 2012. Of his 37 tackles, 22 of them were solo. Barring a sophomore slump, Sims' production (and his numbers) will only increase this season.

10. ERYON BARNETT, S, SR., MONTANA STATE 2012: 9 tkl, 2 pass def. THE BUZZ FOR 2013: Formerly a cornerback, Barnett is the likely replacement at strong safety for the graduated Joel Fuller, who was a first-team All-Big Sky pick last year. Barnett was a teammate of MSU QB DeNarius McGhee in high school, and has a huge upside: He transferred to MSU prior to last season from Texas, where he played in 18 games at DB and on special teams. Barnett saw limited playing time last year in an experienced Bobcats secondary, but should fit in well this year with fellow safety Steven Bethley and talented cornerback Deonte Flowers.

*** NATIONAL NO. 1: MARCUS WILLIAMS, CB, SR., NORTH DAKOTA STATE. Williams has 18 career interceptions, five of which he's returned for TDs. He had 7 picks in each of the last two years for the two-time reigning FCS champs. He should be prominent in the Buck Buchanan Award conversation.



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