What Happened in 2008?

This group had the most question marks all season. There was uncertainty and inconcistency by them. This group thought it had a reliable starter in Demarcus Van Dyk, but he regressed from his freshman year. Brandon Harris, a stud high schooler came in and had some good days and some bad days. Senior Anthony Reddick had some good moments but didn’t make any game changing plays. Ryan Hill was a consistent safety but was caught on some coverage mismatches every once in a while. Overall, it was clear this unit needed some work.

What to Expect in 2009?

There is some serious talent coming in that are freshmen, and some redshirt talent that will make an immediate impact. Redshirt freshman Vaughn Telemaque will be the starting safety along side redshirt (6th year) senior Randy Phillips, each should be productive. The cornerbacks should be owned by Demarcus Van Dyk and Brandon Harris if they can get over their inconsistencies. Incoming freshman cornerback Brandon McGee will push the starters for minutes. Finally incoming freshman Ray Ray Armstrong will find his way onto the field at safety. This group will still be a work in progress, but may look better than they are because of the success of the defensive line.

Superlatives

MVP: Brandon Harris – He has leadership qualities and made some big plays towards the end of the year in 2008, showing that he was coming in to his own. I expect him to be a lock down corner that has at least 4 interceptions next year. That’s a lot considering the defense didn’t even have that many at all last year.

Mr. Consistency: Demarcus Van Dyk – He is now a Junior and has had plenty of game experience. He will have grown through the development pains and should be a reliable corner that doesn’t get burned for game winning touchdowns (UNC).

You’ll know him by October: Vaughn Telemaque – I know everyone would think Ray Ray Armstrong, but I believe this guy will be more of an immediate impact. He has already been here a year and this will help him on the field next season. He is extremely talented and should be containing the opposing offense.

Make sure you have your degree when you leave: Randy Phillips – He has been inconsistent his whole time at UM. He will be a pretty good starter at the beginning of the year, but by the end of the year he will not be seeing the field that often because the freshman will be too good to keep off the field. It also hurts that he has changed positions twice, that messes up any kind of consistent play on the field you want to develop.

Coming Up: Impact Players

Related posts:

1. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Running/Full Backs
2. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Defensive Line
3. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Impact Players
4. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Linebackers
5. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Quarterbacks