Last season was a rough one for the defensive backs of Southern University. This season with a few familiar faces returning, some new key players, and hands on coaching by Coach Pete Richardson, they are trying to grow from the hardships of last year.

Sophomore cornerback Mike Williams is returning to the Jags secondary. Still a young player, Williams has earned the status as team captain. At 5”11’ and 185, the Natchez, MS native comes into this season with a very solid freshman season under his belt. After struggling early this season, Williams has gone on to grab his career high with interceptions with two in a game, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

Jarmaul George returns to Southern this season. George was on the National Championship Jaguar team, but transferred last season to Copiah-Lincoln Community College after not being eligible at Southern. The 6”1’, 190, New Orleans native has become one of the big tacklers for the Jags. So far this season George has come up with a total of 42 tackles. He is also leading the Jags in interceptions with 5 on the year.

After this, two experienced corners Southern returns sophomore Toyin Akinwale to the starting free safety position. Last season Akinwale, then a true freshman, started nine games, in which he recorded 18 tackles and one sack. So far it has been a slow start for the 5”9’, 180, Akinwale. He has played in five games, in which he has 11 total tackles and one fumble recovery.

Besides these returning players there has been an assortment of players going in and out of the secondary, such as Marcus Wilkerson. Wilkerson has stepped in for all nine games and has racked up two interceptions for 59 yards.  Besides Wilkerson there is been no significant player to step up in the secondary. The sideline is loaded with fresh, raw talent in the secondary, but they have yet to make an impression. With Southern’s defense finally stepping up to give SU life in the SWAC race, the secondary is finally coming into its own.

Contact Chad @ echadmetz@yahoo.com