Early Look Ahead - Defensive Backs

Kayvon Webster is one of the many stars in the USF secondary.

The early look ahead series finishes up with a look at the USF secondary. The Bulls have a few question marks in the secondary, but have experience and youth as well. The Bulls loose Mistral Raymond to graduation and will struggle to replace his playmaking ability and leadership, but there are plenty of veterans in this unit that can lead the way and plenty of youth as well. [keep reading]

The corner position is anchored by Kayvon Webster (5'11" 182-pounds) and Quenton Washington (5'10" 190-pounds). Both are experienced corners that can tackle and lock down receivers. There is a lack of depth behind them however, so both will have to stay healthy. Ricardo Dixon (5'10" 188-pounds) is a fast corner, but is still recovering from back issues and will be out this Spring. Tyson Butler (5'11" 197-pounds) should get plenty of playing time this year as well. This is a very athletic unit that can come up and help stop the run, but can also match up with any wide receiver in the Big East. As long as they stay healthy, they will all help the defense.

At safety, the Bulls are led by Jerrell Young (6'1" 205-pounds) and Jon Lejiste (5'11" 202-pounds). Both are punishing hitters and can patrol the middle of the field in passing situations. Young will be limited this Spring with a stress fracture in his leg, but should be healthy once the season stars. Look out for Mark Joyce (5'10" 191-pounds) and JaQuez Jenkins (6'2" 191-pounds) as well to get into the mix. Both played a lot of snaps last season and will be a big part of the of the secondary.

The Bulls have several other players listed as defensive backs on the current roster and all of them will be competing this Spring. George Baker, Brandon Salinas, and Thansai Mihalakos are some other names that will be battling for playing time and contributing on special teams as well.

The Bulls recruited Kenneth Durden and Corian Hamilton to add depth and skill to the secondary. Both players could play this season due to the lack of depth in the secondary. They are talented and will begin their USF careers this fall.