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| COURTESY : SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS |
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- By all accounts from South Carolina State head football Coach Pough and his defensive staff, the 2017 Bulldogs appear to be solid along the defensive front and at the linebacker position.
But there is some pause for concern when it comes to the S.C. State secondary, usually the last line of defense.
Two 2016 starters — All-MEAC safety Phillip Henry, the 2016 leader in interceptions (six) and pass breakups (10), and cornerback Marquise Jones -- have graduated, leaving some big shoes to fill and somewhat of a scramble to establish the depth needed at defensive back, according to Pough.
“Not having a talent like Henry is a big loss for our team, and Jones was a good player for us as well,” Pough said. “We have our work cut out for us to try and get close (talent-wise) to where we were last year.”
Strong safety Jason Baxter (6-2, 185 Gr.), a 2016 All-MEAC second-team selection and a 2017 preseason first-team choice, is one of two starters returning in the secondary. Baxter was third on the team in total tackles last season with 55, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. The Manning native is playing his final year of eligibility as a graduate student.
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