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The University of Mississippi Athletics
INSIDER: Secondary Analysis
6/11/2007 | Football
By Ben Garrett
OleMissSports.com Insider
This summer, OleMissSports.com will be filing a weekly report previewing each position area of the 2007 Ole Miss football team.
Overview: Losses to the linebacking corps and depth along the defensive line are question marks headed into the 2007 Ole Miss football season, but the Rebel secondary looks to bring a wealth of experience to the Ole Miss defense.
Led by junior hard-hitter Jamarca Sanford at strong safety, the unit looks to get more involved along the line of scrimmage in running situations, as well as more aggressive against the pass in an attempt to create more turnovers (the Rebels were last in the Southeastern Conference in interceptions a year ago).
Newly-hired defensive coordinator John Thompson's high-intensity, aggressive style will hopefully bring an added dimension to a defensive backfield that ranked ninth in the SEC against the pass.
A big part of the success of the secondary next season will be the replacement of key contributors in free safety Charles Clark and cornerback Trumaine McBride. Converted sophomore wide receiver Kendrick Lewis was given the starting nod at free safety in the spring, but will face stiff competition once camp starts with the return of junior Terrell Jackson. Sophomore Cassius Vaughn and junior Dustin Mouzon are etched in as the starting corners with senior and returning starter Nate Banks slotted to play the fifth defensive back in nickel situations.
Ranking second-to-last in the SEC in total defense last season, the Rebel D may have to rely on the secondary to carry the unit early in the season until inexperience in the middle and depth along the front can be resolved.
Returning Starters: SS Jamarca Sanford, CB Dustin Mouzon, CB Nate Banks
Key Returnees: SS Jamarca Sanford, FS Kendrick Lewis, CB Dustin Mouzon, CB Cassius Vaughn, CB Nate Banks, FS Terrell Jackson
Key Losses: FS Charles Clark, SS Bryan Brown, CB Trumaine McBride
Quotable: Junior Jamarca Sanford
On the progress that was made in the secondary this spring:
"We've gotten better. We are still getting to know each other better and getting used to playing with each other more. We are starting to come together as a unit."
On defensive coordinator John Thompson:
"Coach (John) Thompson is really teaching us a lot of disguise. The base defense is still the same, but he is implementing new techniques and what he knows best to really add to what we have already."
On his off-season:
"I feel I've had a pretty good off-season. I've been working hard to get better and trying to stay healthy. I just have to keep working hard."
On his role as leader of the secondary:
"I try to lead by example and show the young guys how to come out and do things right. I try to demonstrate work ethic and show the guys how to do there job and keep them motivated."
Final Analysis: The secondary looks to be experienced with some key contributors returning to fill the voids left by seniors Charles Clark and Trumaine McBride. However, if the unit is going to have success they must find a way to create more turnovers and limit big plays down the field.
Strong safety Jamarca Sanford is effective when playing closer to the line in run support and looks to improve in man-to-man coverage. The secondary features three athletic corners in Banks, Vaughn and Mouzon, and they must use that athleticism to maneuver in zone packages and while playing on an island in man coverage.
Coaches John Thompson and Chris Rippon may have to use various formations and coverage schemes, but the secondary could be the cornerstone of the defense in the fall.
