Cornerbacks Ready For Challenge in 2004
8/9/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2004
The Frogs admittedly had problems at the cornerback position last fall and made significant strides in the off-season to rectify that situation. With the addition of two junior college players who will provide immediate help, the position, which was a weakness in 2003, should be a strength in 2004. Some of the problems at cornerback last year can be attributed to a revolving coaching door. When off-field troubles sidelined Willie Mack Garza, Coach Patterson had to assume the cornerback coaching duties in addition to his already full plate of responsibilities. Midway through the year, Kasey Dunn joined the staff, becoming the cornerbacks coach in a matter of months. Former Indiana assistant Charles McMillian came aboard in January and provided some stability and instant credibility. McMillian has plenty of talent with which to work, including four players who could probably start on many college teams. McMillian believes this is the best depth of talent he has ever coached. Having four players who can step in without a drop in talent will allow more of a rotation system which should keep all four fresh and able to make more plays. Start with Thorpe Award semifinalist Mark Walker on one side. Now a senior, Walker is expected to become more of a leader. With 14 career starts under his belt, he has a good knowledge of the defense and has shown a better work ethic. On the other side is fellow senior Jerome Braziel. Braziel became a little more vocal in the spring and earned the starting job by making plays. He has always had the tremendous speed and great feet, but now has added a better understanding of the game. Junior college transfers Drew Coleman and Quincy Butler will challenge Walker and Braziel for the starting duties. Coleman, listed at just 5-11 and 173 pounds, is not the biggest of the four, but possesses the most overall skill - combining speed, agility, hands and intelligence. He has a knack for the football and has the ability to make plays. Unfortunately, a summer knee injury will keep Coleman sidelined for the immediate future. Butler has good size with long arms. He features great speed and quickness and may be the best bump and run cover guy. A pair of walk-ons in Chris Clarke and Gerrad Wilson provide depth and will work on the scout team.
