A Look at the 2010 Secondary
9/3/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 3, 2010
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Lumberjack secondary was one of the most improved areas during the 2009 season. A much maligned group in previous seasons, secondary coach Arlington Nunn turned the fortunes around last season with the addition of a junior college transfer, some incoming freshmen and a senior who recorded his best year in a purple and white uniform.
As SFA enters the 2010 campaign, the secondary will be considered a strength, instead of a question mark, as the `Jacks look to repeat as conference champions. The Lumberjacks return two very important pieces from SFA's vaunted 2009 group. Among the returning starters are sophomore Josh Aubrey (5-11, 191, Tyler, Texas) and senior Andre Banks (6-3, 208, Austin, Texas).
Two of the top corners in the league last season, Banks was named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year, and Aubrey earned honorable mention All-SLC honors. While Aubrey remains at his corner position, Banks has made the switch to safety this season.
"Andre came in here last year wanting to help this team win," said Nunn. "He had a great attitude, worked hard and did a tremendous job last season. Andre brings an aggressive nature to the field. He is a hard hitter and the other guys feed off his intensity."
"There is something about (Jordan and Josh). They are both really mature kids. They both understand the game, and work real hard. I think Josh was a little nervous in that first play against SMU. The receiver went by him, but didn't catch the ball and after that he settled down and did a great job the rest of the season. I think, for both of the twins, they are more mature than most freshmen," added Nunn.
Banks will be joined at strong safety by Josh's twin brother, Jordan (5-8, 188, Tyler, Texas). Jordan recorded 27 tackles playing behind first-team all-conference safety Cory Barlow last season. Despite the departure of Barlow, the coaching staff is every bit as optimistic that they will see similar results to the player he backed up a year ago.
"Jordan has a huge responsibility this season, because he will be replacing Cory Barlow," said Nunn. "Although Barlow was a first-team all-conference player last season, Jordan has the potential to be a really special player. We saw that from him in a reserve role last season. Jordan has a real sharp football mind and he will be making all the calls out there. Before his career is over I think Jordan will be an all-conference player."
Similar to last season, Nunn is looking to a couple of transfers and some talented freshmen to take the SFA secondary to the next level. SFA has added Texas transfer Ben Wells to take over at the other corner position. A 6-1, 197-pound prospect originally from Beaumont, Wells will have two years of eligibility remaining at SFA.
"Ben is a very talented athlete," said Nunn. "He is a real explosive player, with a great knowledge of the game. There is no doubt that we are expecting big things from him this season."
Wells is one of two NCAA FBS transfers that will be competing in the `Jacks secondary this season as he is joined by Iowa transfer David Cato (5-11, 205, Arlington, Texas). Cato recorded 13 tackles, one pass break up and forced a fumble during his rookie season with the Hawkeyes.
"Cato is a physical ball player," said Nunn. "When you talk about Banks being physical, then you have to add Cato to the conversation. He is just as physical as Andre."
Cato is currently listed second on the depth chart behind Aubrey at strong safety.
The Lumberjacks will look to talented redshirt freshmen Josh Hughey and Caleb Nelson to spell Wells and Banks at the corner and free safety positions respectively.
Senior Jerrel Barnett is currently listed second on the depth chart at corner back behind Josh Aubrey. A 5-10, 180, product from Mesquite's John Horn High School, Barnett had a strong spring and enters his final season with 20 career starts, more than 100 tackles, and four interceptions.
-SFA-
