The base defensive packages are in --as the UCF coaching staff are fine tuning the wrinkles during spring practice this week.
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander says he is happy right now with his DB group especially after being hit the hardest this offseason with graduation.
The next men up, ready to prove they are worthy.
“It’s kinda exciting –just always being here as a younger guy,” RS junior safety Kyle Gibson said.
“I’ve been behind Shaquill, D.J. [Killings] and Drico [Johnson] –I was always behind that group and for me and Tre Neal who came in together, Rashard Causey-- it’s time to lead the group of guys and take our next steps.”
The Knights graduated all four of its starters in the secondary in the offseason but DB coach Travis Fisher is not worried—saying this group has potential to be even better.
“They should be pretty good because these guys had a chance to watch it,” Fisher said. “Usually when you watch guys you have the chance to sit back and watch how things are supposed to be –so that when it’s your turn –you’ll usually be a lot better.”
So what is the coaching staff looking to figure out this spring?
“We just want to find out who can play,” Defensive Coordinator Erik Chinander explained. “Who can be physical, who can loud and communication wise –who can handle all the action when the offense is moving fast—who can tackle.”
Even pulling from the offensive side of the ball to fill gaps—having 5th year senior and former wide receiver Chris Johnson come back over.
“I feel at home on defense,” Johnson said after bouncing between playing WR and corner during his college career. “Anyway I could help the team I was looking to do so –so switching to DB really benefited me and the team so I was willing to work hard to prove myself on the field.”
This year the Knight’s DB’s are so athletic that coaches will train the group to be interchangeable to enhance versatility.
But don’t expect a depth chart to be released at the end of spring for that defensive back unit as Coach Chinander and Fisher want to make sure all the guys working out know all the schemes and are fundamentally sound first.