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| The Bulls still have major questions at cornerback heading into the game Saturday. |
From Adam Adkins - It seems the roster battles are not quite over yet. As reported by Adam Adkins, Coach Holtz and his staff are still trying to figure out the depth at cornerback. Cornerback has been a position of concern all off-season, but now it appears it is still a concern and really isn't a solid answer for the issue right now.
Both Quenton Washington and Kayvon Webster are the starting corners heading into Saturday's game with ND, but when it comes to reserves an who comes in to help them out when needed, is still being debated.
There are 6 players battling for roster spots on the depth chart, walk-on junior Ernie Tabueatu, George Baker, Ricardo Dixon, Brandon Salinas, redshirt freshman Spencer Boyd and true freshman Kenneth Durden.
Baker has been slowed with a groin injury, which seems to be recovering now. Tabuteau missed time in fall with back spasms, but has played well. Dixon missed the spring after back issues but seems to be ready to go. Spencer Boyd recently tweaked his knee, so he may not be a full speed along with Durden, who sprained an ankle recently, but it is minor and he is back.
This is very disconcerting to me being so close to game day and not having a solid plan as to who will be the back up when Washington and Webster need a break out there.
Tabuteau really seemed to impress this fall, but missing time with his back issues hurts his stock. Baker as well missed time, but if he is healthy, has a bit more experience and could be a sure option to get on the field. Dixon didn't miss time this fall like the other two, but there are still lingering concerns about his back. Salinas is a former walk-on that played in two games last year, so there are questions on if he is ready to handle that pressure (can he cover Floyd or Riddick?). Boyd's injury is the latest and seems a bit more troubling with his knee brace. He should be full speed for ND, but will he be at full health? Durden is a true freshman. While Holtz will play true freshman, it could be a rude learning experience for him to be out there if the other players are not ready to go.
Hopefully Holtz and staff will be able to come to some form of agreement on who should take over on the depth chart at corner. It is certainly a tough decision due to the time missed by so many players and the inability to get a full read on each player. We will see what happens on Saturday.
Why on Earth isn't Terrance Mitchell playing cornerback????????
ReplyDeleteMoved to offense last season, has spent entire summer and fall at wide receiver, can't shift him back. He played sparingly at corner last season, but it seems the coaches just want him on the field with the ball i his hands.
ReplyDeleteCorner should be able to get sorted if everyone stays healthy, but it is very nerve racking to hear Holtz has no idea yet.
am I the only one not concerned about CB's? I mean we are not sure about them for game 1 but I believe that Baker & Dixon showed enough to hold up for the first game.. then we have the next 3 games to really figure out depth... I am not even worried about the secondary
ReplyDeleteI think what is more concerning is the lack of decision made by the coaching staff at this point. We all have our opinions, I agree that Baker and Dixon could be the back-ups, mix in Tabuteau or Boyd as well, but if the coaches aren't convinced, then there should be some concern.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it will sort itself out, tough test with ND first game, but after that, Ball State, FAMU, and Utep, will give them a great chance to work out the depth chart. There is reason for concern, but not jumping off a ledge yet.
if the front 7 pressures the QB(s) enough secondary shouldnt be a concern so i'm at peace with that
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind there are concerns on defensive line. Giddins is talented, but not much experience (compared to seniors last season) and other side with Forte. Tackle position is questionable with McCaskill, Grissom, etc. and their playing experience as well. Secondary has more senior leadership and should be able to bring the young players along nicely.
ReplyDeleteI agree Baker and Dixon have the experience, speed and ability to hold down second spot. But it seems someone trying to prove a point with the decision of bringing Ernie on board. When he has less speed and the same back issues but he gets the nod. What is wrong with this picture?
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with you. Ernie is a solid corner, does not have the same speed as Baker or Dixon (Dixon is a flat burner) and the back issues slowed him in practice, but I think he is a bit better in overall coverage. From what I can tell, he tends to stay with receivers well and battles with them, maybe more than Baker and Dixon, really the only reason he would move ahead of them at this stage. It is so rare for a walk-on to grab a spot like that, so the coaches must know way more than me.
ReplyDeleteSurprised that Boyd didn't crack the two-deep. Especially, when someone like Tabuteau was able to entrench himself, despite being a walk-on. Is it possible Tabuteau is the 2nd coming of Skinny?
ReplyDeleteSlight chance he could be, at least in the coach's eyes right now. Boyd's knee injury doesn't help him out either at this stage. This depth chart is all about the players that are ready for ND. I think Boyd at some point will make the two-deep, but he is limited right now and will be pushed back.
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