Safety first

DallasDiehard · Post by **DallasDiehard** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 3:15 pm

Let's assume for the sake of argument that last year's starters -- Alvin Nnabuife and Jamey Harper -- begin this season as the starters. Where does everyone else fit in? Rico Harris is out, having moved to LB. Chris Godfrey is back from his knee injury. Joey Sturdivant and Robert Gilmore return. Ted Barnhart is small, but listed as a backup safety (although his biggest strength, obviously, is as a special teams kamikaze). I guess Wilton McCray is in the mix somewhere, right?

whatasteve · Post by **whatasteve** » Sun Jun 20, 2004 5:07 pm

There was some talk here of McCray joining the LB crew, but at his size, I'd like to see him at safety - and I'd like to see him redshirt. (Of course, I'd like to see just about all freshmen redshirt.) Beyond that, I'm not sure how they stack up. Joey Sturdivant showed flashes last year, but at other times, he looked like a freshman. Godfrey and Gilmore can't be judged fairly until we see how they look on those re-built knees, but both seemed to be moving OK in the spring. Godfrey, I think, is supposed to be ready for 2-a-days. Gilmore's already back, but still adjusting, I assume, to playing safety instead of CB.

What about Travis Hunt? Is he a safety or a CB now? I get the impression he'll play a big role on special teams, but as far as defense, I think he might have been moved. Not sure where he's listed now.

MustangFan · Post by **MustangFan** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 7:37 pm

Harper got more pub last year, but I think Nnabuife is the lynchpin that holds together the back half of the defense. He's up for a monster year. I assume he's now regained all his strength from that injury a couple years ago.

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Mon Jun 21, 2004 8:16 pm

Some of you people must not be watching the same team I am because our safeties have a long way to go to be considered adequate. They are reasonably young and Harper and Nnabuife do have some talent so they may be able to build on their experience but I don't see any reason for being satisfied with their performance just yet.

Ikus · Post by **Ikus** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 8:46 am

I didn't read those comments to mean folks are satisfied, just that they've seen enough flashes to anticipate bigger and better things. Count me among the fans who hope for the best for all Mustangs.