Since 59: Fall Camp started yesterday; what to watch for on defense

Following up on yesterday’s post, here’s what to look for on the defensive side of the ball this fall camp. Here’s the position by position look on defense. Here’s the link to the offensive post: http://since59.blogspot.com/2010/08/fall-camp-starts-today-what-to-watch.html

Defensive Line: Cameron Jordan is a lock on one side as defensive end; the only question for him is if he can channel his immense talent into a breakthrough season. On the other side there will be a competition; it’d appear that Trevor Guyton and Ernest Owusu would be the two competing. Gabe King will be in the mix, but he’s a freshman. There are more talented youngsters in the wings. In the middle, Derrick Hill would appear to be the starter after starting most of last year. Kendrick Payne is pushing him though, and it’ll be interesting to see who is starting verse UC Davis when the time is there.

Hopefully we'll see this a lot more in 2010.

Outside Linebackers: My guess is that Mychal Kendricks will slide over to the edge; he certainly has the skill and ILB has plenty of depth. Outside needs immediate help, and he fits the build. On the other end, it’s a mess. Will it be Ryan Davis? Keith Browner? Jarred Price? Jerome Meadows? There’s a lot of questions, and not very many answers. This is priority #1 to be resolved.

The whole 10 men on defense works like a charm here.

Inside Linebackers: DJ Holt and Mike Mohamed have to be considered the starters on the inside, considering both of them started last year a bit. Kendricks could play here technically, as it is his position. Behind him could be some freshman, and JP Hurrell and Charles Johnson.

Epic.

Cornerbacks: More uncertainty. I’d guess that the starting 2 are Josh Hill (who started 5 last year) and Darian Hagan (who started 13 as a sophomore and 4 last year). That is, assuming Hagan doesn’t miss time with academic problems or injuries. Bryant Nnabuife is the discussion as a senior, and he started 4 last year. Marc Anthony got 6 games of experience last year, and Steve Williams has been tabbed as a breakout player by both Tedford and Mike Mohamed. He’s a redshirt freshman.

None of this in 2010, OK Hagan?

Safeties: Alas, a little less uncertainty! Chris Conte and Sean Cattouse are penciled in as the two starters. Cattouse is a very solid player in coverage and is the anchor of the secondary. Conte is a little suspect, but he has all the tools to succeed along with the experience. We shall see if DJ Campbell or true freshman Keenan Allen can push him. Allen is the gem of the highly touted recruiting class.