[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000] After venturing off last week we get back to the position breakdown this week by highlighting the safety group led by Martavious Neloms, a senior who is picked by many to be one of the top safeties in the league this year. Neloms will have to do it without three year letterman and current rookie in the NFL, Winston Guy in the secondary. This leaves the question up for discussion on who will replace him and come up big with the loss of Guy. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The Wildcats attacked the defensive back position hard in recruiting this off season by signing four projected safeties, some of which may have the opportunity to contribute early this fall. Coming from that freshman class I expect the name Blaylock to be heard often. Adding three guys this off season still leaves a lot of questions behind Neloms after losing the top tackler in the SEC a year ago. In spite of that there still seemed to be some consistency this spring. The senior safety is still going to have to help out a lot in zone coverage. The Wildcats will probably have to rely heavily on him with the lack of experience at the corner position. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]Miles Simpson is listed at the other safety spot in the post-spring depth chart. The rising sophomore only played in ten games a year ago, accounting for 5 total tackles. Who can step up? Maysville native, Josh Harris, who will be a freshman this season has the body frame for an SEC type safety coming in at 6’1″ and 210 pounds. In my opinion learning the defense could keep the freshman off the field early this season. The Wildcats did sign a junior college guy who participated in spring practice this year in Kory Brown and he was just beginning to fit in on the defense and get back into the groove of things after suffering a injury in junior college. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]One name you can expect to hear often is sophomore and former four-star recruit Glenn Faulkner. Faulkner was late coming in a year ago due to academics, but made a big impact on the field once he got his shot, even though he was not listed one of the starters. Faulkner will end up being the starter at a strong safety opposite of Neloms on day one from what I have observed. He is the only one that has proven talent right now and the Wildcats have had problems finding talent, so having him on the bench would be a waste. The return of Dakotah Tyler is also a boost in the depth department, but there are still a lot of questions about him, both on and off the field. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000000]The key for the safety group is whether they can defend the pass and overcome the lack of ability at corner and if so they should be fine. I think they have proven they can come up and stop the run especially from a physical stature standpoint. I think it’s all on Neloms shoulders to have breakout year for himself, and make a splash into draft talks. By making a statement this season everyone at the position will also help set the stage for the young secondaries that have just now arrived. I also think the arrival of the Blaylock twins from Walton, Georgia is big and they will fit well into the SEC in a couple of years. If they can stay healthy this will be huge due to the inexperience and youth behind the starters. Hopefully if they have the ability to coach up the younger guys there will be a lot of potential, not only for this season, but for the future of the position as well.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
