Cornerstones

Quality play from the cornerback position has become more and more essential with the advent of the spread offense. A shutdown corner not only can take the opponent’s star receiver out of a gameplan, he also allows a DC to take a few more chances with some blitz packages that may not be available otherwise. I’m trying very hard to come up with an example here, but I’m drawin a total blank…..maybe…uhhh…maybe…CHAMP F’N BAILEY!! DGD

Bonafide Badass

The Next Generation, Asher Allen

Asher Allen returns as our version of the shutdown corner this year. A very highly sought after recruit in 2006, Allen was thrown into the fire as a true freshman and performed quite well, getting playing time in all 13 games, recording 24 tackles. As a starter in 2007, Allen finished 2nd on the team in tackles with 64 tackles, had 3 picks, and 2 sacks. He is a strong candidate for All-SEC honors next year as a true junior.

Prince has improved weekly

The other side of the field is patrolled by Prince Miller, another true junior. Miller earned the starting role midway thru 2007, taking over for Bryan Evans. This position was supposed to be filled by All-American Paul Oliver, but due to a wee bit of a GPA problem (gone in the supplemental draft), was basically relegated to cornerback by committee. Miller has played in every game since he became a Dawg in ’06, which should say something about his talent level. He has struggled somewhat, especially in run support, but did improve throughout the year and finished with 24 tackles and 1 pick.

Bryan Evans

The aforementioned Bryan Evans, after 2 starts last year, will be the #1 nickelback. Evans played in 12 games in 2006 gathering 26 tackles that included 1 sack. Last year, Evans had 17 tackles & 1 pick while playing in a total of 11 games. Evans is a redshirt Junior.

Step it up Mr. Brown

Ramarcus Brown started 9 games in 2006 registering 39 tackles and 1 forced fumble. He went into spring 07 as the starter, but was 3rd on the depth chart by the time the season started. He did play in 11 games and pick up 10 tackles, but 2007 was a major disappointment for him. It's quite a luxury to have this amount of experience stashed this far down on the depth chart. GATA and get those reps up.

Only the beginning for Vance Cuff.......monster talent

True freshman Vance Cuff earned his way into the corner rotation and played in 12 games with 6 tackles. At 6' 2" with a 4.4 forty time, this kid has lights-out potential.

This looks to be a very strong group and each of the 5 will get extensive PT throughout the season. There is a chance that new signees Brandon Boykin and Makiri Pugh could see some action if they impress the coaches enough this fall.

Time will tell.