2008 Gridiron Camp Preview: Safeties
8/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas -- GoFrogs.com continues its preview of the 2008 TCU football team by providing a look at the safety position.
Preseason All-American Stephen Hodge (6-0, 230, Sr.) returns as the starter at strong safety, while the free and weak spots will be marked by a high level of competition.
Hodge was last year's national leader in sacks by a defensive back with eight. It was just one shy of TCU's team-high total of nine by Chase Ortiz.
Hodge's insertion into the starting lineup prior to a 37-0 win over New Mexico jumpstarted the Frogs to victories in four of their final five games. A native of Tatum, Texas, Hodge recorded seven sacks in the final seven contests. His 10.5 tackles for a loss on the season tied Jason Phillips for second on TCU.
Adding depth behind Hodge are Colin Jones (6-0, 205, So.), Andy Burrell (6-2, 198, Sr.) and Sir Demarco Bledsoe (6-2, 175, RFr.). Jones and Burrell lettered in reserve roles while contributing on special teams last year. Bledsoe received a medical redshirt as a true freshman when he suffered a season-ending injury in the opener against Baylor.
Steven Coleman (6-3, 204, Sr.), who started eight games a year ago, entered the fall in a first-team position at free safety. His three interceptions tied for the team lead.
Pushing Coleman for playing time are 2007 redshirts Johnny Fobbs (6-0, 190, RFr.) and Chez Thomas (5-10, 180, RFr.). Fobbs was named TCU's Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year.
Veteran Corderra Hunter (6-2, 202, Jr.) came out of the spring as the starter at weak safety. Tejay Johnson (6-1, 195, So.), one of four true freshmen to see action last season, and Tekerrein Cuba (6-4, 197, RFr.) will push Hunter for playing time.
BY THE NUMBERS:
3 - TCU safeties (Brian Bonner, San Diego Chargers; David Roach, New Orleans Saints; Marvin White, Cincinnati Bengals) from the last two seasons who are currently playing in the National Football League
6 - Interceptions by TCU safeties (Steven Coleman, 3; Brian Bonner, 1; Corderra Hunter, 1; David Roach, 1) last season
8 - Sacks by Stephen Hodge last season, the most among any defensive back in the nation
9 - All-Conference safeties coached by Chad Glasgow in his seven seasons as safeties coach at TCU
10 - Career starts by Steven Coleman, the highest total among the safeties
