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CAMP SPOTLIGHT: Defensive Backs
8/24/2018 12:00:00 AM | Football
The defensive backfield is a true mix of veterans and youth. While the cornerback position is stacked with seniors, the Bulls will need to replace both starting safeties with the graduation of Ryan Williamson and Tim Roberts.
Cornerbacks
Cameron Lewis is the leader of the cornerback unit. After starting all 12 games in 2016, Lewis battled injuries in 2017 and only played in seven games. However, he made an impact in those seven games with 34 tackles, three forced fumbles an interception and four pass breakups.
Fellow senior, Tatum Slack, started nine games in 2017 and led the team with nine pass breakups. The Upland, CA native added 29 tackles and a tackle for loss on the year.
Devon Russell, yet another senior, appeared in 10 games and started three last season. He had 14 tackles and three pass breakups on the year.
At 6-2, Roy Baker possesses good size and played in nine games in 2017. A sophomore, Baker had 11 tackles and a pass breakup on the season.
Sophomore Ali Abbas, who played in three games in 2017, as well as redshirt-freshmen Wankeith Akin, Jr. and Aapri Washington should also add depth to the position.
Safeties
The depth at cornerback has afforded the coaching staff the ability to shift Brandon Williams from cornerback to safety. The Bulls' senior started eight games at corner last season and had 43 tackles, an interception and four pass breakups.
Tyrone Hill has had a strong camp and is becoming a serious contender for the starting safety job. A sophomore, Hill played in four games last season.
Also likely to challenge for the starting role is newcomer Joey Banks. He is a JUCO transfer from the City College of San Francisco where he had 67 tackles, including seven tackles for loss last season.
Junior Jeremiah Dadeboe has played in 20 games over his career and looks to be in the mix as well. Dev Lamour has 12 games of experience under his belt and made one start in 2016.
With some inexperience at safety, the coaching staff added Ashton White, a graduate transfer from Notre Dame. White, who joined the program at the beginning of camp, saw action in six games with the Irish in 2016 and registered two tackles.
Junior Nick Gallo, redshirt-freshmen Dawun Hylton and Evan Gantley as well as freshman Cory Gross Jr. should also add depth.
The 2018 season kicks off on September 1 against Delaware State at UB Stadium. For tickets contact the UB ticket office at 1-877-UB-THERE or click here.
