Back again looking at the secondary, this time at the defensive back group. I know what what you are thinking, isn't that just another term for corner back, not exactly (we will have another segment on the true corners later). The defensive backs are an interesting group, they line up at corner and coverage, come up to play the run and play the nickel position in the secondary and sometimes play safety if called upon. They could challenge for safety or corner time, it depends on the system that Holtz uses as his primary basis, you might see two or even 4 DBs on the field. They are play makers and great athletes, all of them should see playing time this year, let's take a look at them a bit more closely.
First on the list is Mark Joyce, the 6'1" freshman from DeLand (hometown!). Ranked the 57th best safety in the nation and a 3 star recruit according to Rivals, Joyce led DeLand to a state title game, popping people along the way. He is a physical tackler but with average speed but athletic enough to cover anyone in the passing game. We see him either playing special teams or red shirting this year because of the depth in front of him, might be a good idea to sit back and learn but if he proves with worth might see more playing time. Senior Chris Lane, at 5'8" is not expected to see much playing time. He is a walk on that has been a special team player his whole career and only recorded one tackle last year, he should be in the same role this year unless injuries happen or somehow he beats out everyone else, don't get your hopes up to high for that though.
Then there is Jon Lejiste, the 6' 197 lb. sophomore who became a fan favorite after his game changing hit at FSU that changed the momentum for the Bulls as they went on for the upset. Lejiste played both in the nickel and at safety as well and proved to be a vicious hitter. He missed a few games with injury but finished with 29 tackles and showed this ability on the field. He will be a starter at either nickel or safety this year, his play making ability is too great not to have out on the field no matter what package system Holtz uses on defense. He does not possess the greatest speed but athletic enough to recover, turn and defend against the pass but is best at coming up and stopping the run in support. He is a great player and glad he is only a sophomore and will be around at least two more years.
Then there is Terrence Mitchell, the 5'10 freshman from right here in Tampa. He has a highly regarded recruit, many teams offering the 4 star player, he decided on FSU but at the last moment decided to go to USF after his cousin, RB Lindsay Lamar convinced him to stay home and play with him, great news for the Bulls. Mitchell is a great cover corner with 4.4 40 yard dash speed but can also play the nickel or even safety. Holtz has said he is not sure what spot Mitchell will eventually play but he will be on the field this year. He is too talented just to sit on the bench and his ability will give the Bulls a new weapon in the secondary last year that was gashed for big plays and seemed to wear down as the season went on. He is fresh and fast talent that should bring energy as well as great plays with him this year.
Mistral Raymond, 6' and 185 lbs. is one of the best stories for the secondary. A walk on that did not play much his first few years but continued to push and excel and finally saw major playing time last year and did not disappoint with the opportunity. Finishing the season strong at both nickel and safety, Raymond proved to be a solid defender and a crowd favorite knowing how he has earned his way to playing time. He will see more of it this year because of his dedication and hard work, a nice way to end his senior season as well. Look for him to continue to contribute and make smart plays on the field as he did all 2009.
Then there is Charlton Sinclair, 5'll" junior, who was highly recruited but has not seen much playing time the last 3 years, usually on special teams or just ridding the bench. He has a ton of ability but hasn't seemed to be able to break through and see playing time. That might change with the new defense and a new coach at the helm as well. Finally we come to Kayvon Webster, at 5'11", he is a key part to the defense. Playing at both nickel and corner, he is a versatile defender that had 30 tackles and an interception taken back against Syracuse. He has shown the potential he has and has the coaches excited for him to play this year. Look to hear his name to come up often this year.
Well there you have it, our defensive backs. Its a mixture of experience and raw talent. They should play a big role this year in a new defensive scheme and the lose of a few seniors. Let us all hope they can anchor the defensive secondary this year and make some big plays for us.
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