Position requires linebacker, safety skills combined into one player
By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger
One injury hasn't completely crippled Jackson State's defense, but it certainly has made a dent.
Several days after linebacker Marcus Smith was lost for the season because of a broken ankle, the Tigers are still trying to figure out the right combination to replace one of their senior leaders.
Fellow linebacker Daniel Brooks said Smith was a player who "you never had to worry about. He was always in the right place and had your back." As a junior, Smith had 50 tackles and an interception in nine games.
"We're looking at a number of different solutions," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "Moving guys around a little bit and seeing what gives us the best opportunity to win."
So these days, the coaching staff is looking at a trio of players that could shape the Smith-less defense: Willie Williams, Tim Clark and Ryan Rich.
The position is particularly difficult to fill because of the combination of speed and strength required. It's called 'Tiger' on the JSU depth chart and is a hybrid between linebacker and safety.
For now, the coaches have moved Williams (6-0, 185), a senior cornerback, into the Tiger. He's probably faster than Smith (6-1, 200), but also smaller.
Williams, who transferred from Hinds CC before his junior season, played in nine games last year at corner with 14 tackles and two interceptions.
"I'll play wherever the coaches want and I think the transition has gone well," Williams said. "There's a few different things to know when you switch spots, but most of it is just instinct."
Taking Williams' vacated cornerback spot is Clark (6-4, 215), a junior who is new to the Tigers after transferring from Los Angeles Pierce CC.
The coaches have said several times that they like the fact Clark brings them some height on the edges. Last season, JSU had no cornerbacks over 6-feet tall and opponents made them pay with deep passes - especially late in the season when the Tigers lost four of their last five games.
"What's good is (L.A. Pierce) played the same type of defense so there really hasn't been too much to learn," Clark said. "I know it's a possibility for me to start if I keep working hard on the field."
Another option at both positions could be Ryan Rich, a true freshman from Pensacola, Fla., who has impressed so far during camp.
"Obviously, you never want to see someone go down - especially Marcus, who was like my mentor on the field," Rich said. "But if they need me I'm going to try and help the best I can."
Rich (6-foot-1, 200) is from the same high school as sophomore punter Brett Bennett and said he's been pleasantly surprised by his early success picking up the defense.
And in the space of a week, he's gone from a possible redshirt candidate to an option for the starting lineup.
"We were fortunate to do some good recruiting at those spots," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "We'll certainly feel not having Marcus on the field, but at least we won't be helpless. I like what Rich, Clark and Williams all bring to our team."
By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger
One injury hasn't completely crippled Jackson State's defense, but it certainly has made a dent.
Several days after linebacker Marcus Smith was lost for the season because of a broken ankle, the Tigers are still trying to figure out the right combination to replace one of their senior leaders.
Fellow linebacker Daniel Brooks said Smith was a player who "you never had to worry about. He was always in the right place and had your back." As a junior, Smith had 50 tackles and an interception in nine games.
"We're looking at a number of different solutions," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "Moving guys around a little bit and seeing what gives us the best opportunity to win."
So these days, the coaching staff is looking at a trio of players that could shape the Smith-less defense: Willie Williams, Tim Clark and Ryan Rich.
The position is particularly difficult to fill because of the combination of speed and strength required. It's called 'Tiger' on the JSU depth chart and is a hybrid between linebacker and safety.
For now, the coaches have moved Williams (6-0, 185), a senior cornerback, into the Tiger. He's probably faster than Smith (6-1, 200), but also smaller.
Williams, who transferred from Hinds CC before his junior season, played in nine games last year at corner with 14 tackles and two interceptions.
"I'll play wherever the coaches want and I think the transition has gone well," Williams said. "There's a few different things to know when you switch spots, but most of it is just instinct."
Taking Williams' vacated cornerback spot is Clark (6-4, 215), a junior who is new to the Tigers after transferring from Los Angeles Pierce CC.
The coaches have said several times that they like the fact Clark brings them some height on the edges. Last season, JSU had no cornerbacks over 6-feet tall and opponents made them pay with deep passes - especially late in the season when the Tigers lost four of their last five games.
"What's good is (L.A. Pierce) played the same type of defense so there really hasn't been too much to learn," Clark said. "I know it's a possibility for me to start if I keep working hard on the field."
Another option at both positions could be Ryan Rich, a true freshman from Pensacola, Fla., who has impressed so far during camp.
"Obviously, you never want to see someone go down - especially Marcus, who was like my mentor on the field," Rich said. "But if they need me I'm going to try and help the best I can."
Rich (6-foot-1, 200) is from the same high school as sophomore punter Brett Bennett and said he's been pleasantly surprised by his early success picking up the defense.
And in the space of a week, he's gone from a possible redshirt candidate to an option for the starting lineup.
"We were fortunate to do some good recruiting at those spots," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "We'll certainly feel not having Marcus on the field, but at least we won't be helpless. I like what Rich, Clark and Williams all bring to our team."
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