Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 Good Article about the progress of Auburn's Freshmen Defensive Backs. Link Quote Ben Wolk • AuburnSports.com @benjaminwolk AUBURN — A glance at Auburn's defensive back snap counts offers a shade of surprise. No, it's not the fact a former 2-star prospect leads the team with 310 snaps played this season, or that a recently-transitioned wide receiver ranks third in that category. Those are impressive in their own right, courtesy of Daniel Thomas and Noah Igbinoghene, but they are not the most surprising on the defensive depth chart. To find that, you must scan down a little outside of starter's range. Smoke Monday, Christian Tutt and Jamien Sherwood rank 16th, 17th and 18th in terms of defensive snaps played for the Tigers. That puts the true freshman defensive backs just behind the more veteran group of backups Big Kat Bryant, Jordyn Peters, Andrew Williams and Montavious Atkinson. It puts them nearly 30 snaps ahead of the 19th most used defender, T.D. Moultry. Just freshmen, those Class of 2018 defensive backs have been thrust onto the field early and often in their careers. "I mean, that's what they came here for: to play as true freshmen. We needed them; we told them in fall camp, we told them in the spring, to be honest with you, that we're going to need them somewhere down the season," starting safety Jeremiah Dinson said. "I mean, it's good those guys are making plays, it's good those guys are playing early to get their feet wet, and they're doing a good job. ... I saw it in the spring that those guys could play. All they needed to do was come in and learn the playbook, and everything else was self-explanatory. I'm proud of the guys; they're getting a lot of reps." Auburn coaches aren't only seeing reps from their freshman group. They're getting plenty of productivity to go along with it. On the biggest defensive play of the season so far — some would argue, at least — defensive coordinator Kevin Steele dialed up an all-out blitz against Washington. Monday made the most of the opportunity, holding onto Huskies quarterback Jake Browning to earn the game-sealing sack. "Smoke is a good guy in terms of coverage, he’s got a lot of range, he’s a good blitzer. He plays the game with a high motor, and he’s still learning," Steele said. "He’s still going to have to make mistakes. It’s going to happen. So sometimes, you have to watch the tape and close one eye until you can get him in there and get it corrected. But he’s very teachable, and he’s getting better every week." Last week, against Southern Miss, in a game that had drawn far too close, Auburn needed someone to make a play — anyone. Steele had spoken earlier in the fall about Tutt's noticeable instinctive, playmaking ability even though he hadn't shown it in a collegiate game yet. Auburn's defensive coordinator was more than vindicated as Tutt nabbed a deflection out of mid-air to eliminate the Southern Miss scare. "Christian is a little bit different in that he was at corner for the spring practice and early fall camp, then we move him to star, so he really doesn’t have that much time under his belt at star," Steele said. "But he’s progressing nicely. He’s very, very intelligent. He’s highly competitive, and that’s the thing that probable makes it easy." Sherwood hasn't had the memorable big moment like Tutt or Monday. Though, his interception against Alabama State may have been the most highlight-worthy. Still, it has been Sherwood's consistent production that catches the eye of coaches most. Of Auburn's 45 defensive players who have received a snap this year, Sherwood has been the most productive by a hefty margin. Pro Football Focus has graded Sherwood's overall defensive performance out at a 90.6 in his 95 snaps, which is more than three points higher than Darrell Williams at No. 2. Sherwood also grades out No. 1 in pass coverage and No. 4 in pass rush. He can do it all. "Sherwood is a really, really smart guy. He's a very good tackler, and he's physical — he's a big guy who's physical, plays with good balance and body control," Steele said. "I think you guys have noticed: We've made a commitment on the back end, which is probably pretty rare. None of those three guys are starters, actually, but they're playing early in games, and they're playing often, simply because they deserve to play and they're good players. There's still a learning curve there ... but, they're progressing at a high rate." Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zeek 17,013 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 @bigbird you agree? My man crush SMOKE has been a rather impressive blitzer! SMOKE ties Derrick Brown, Big Kat Bryant, and Richard Jibunor for sacks at 2! Not bad for a freshman corner only weighing 188 pounds Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932153 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird 61,284 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 26 minutes ago, Zeek said: @bigbird you agree? Heck yeah I do! Their productivity and calmness is a testament to the jobs Brown and Woodson are doing. The understanding of scheme is a testament to each one if their work ethics. They all came in focused and it shows. IMO, the safety position in particular will be a team strength for the next few years if not longer. After this class (2019), we will have adequate depth there. And it will finally be high quality depth, similar to our current DL. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932174 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick.AU 13,364 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 Smoke and Sherwood on the backend for the next few years is going to be fun to watch. Expect great things out of those two. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932186 Share on other sites More sharing options...
atl-tiger 655 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 13 minutes ago, bigbird said: Heck yeah I do! Their productivity and calmness is a testament to the jobs Brown and Woodson are doing. The understanding of scheme is a testament to each one if their work ethics. They all came in focused and it shows. IMO, the safety position in particular will be a team strength for the next few years if not longer. After this class (2019), we will have adequate depth there. And it will finally be high quality depth, similar to our current DL. Has Peters started the last 2 game over Iggy? Not that it matters as they all play, but it seems I recall seeing him on 1st DEF snap. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932192 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McLoofus 35,182 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 I know the OP is about freshmen, but Daniel Thomas has graded out as one of the top 5 safeties in the nation according to at least one service that does such things. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932196 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted October 4, 2018 Author Share Posted October 4, 2018 5 minutes ago, atl-tiger said: Has Peters started the last 2 game over Iggy? Not that it matters as they all play, but it seems I recall seeing him on 1st DEF snap. Javaris Davis started in Iggy's place last two weeks and Peters started at Nickel. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932197 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zeek 17,013 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 5 minutes ago, McLoofus said: I know the OP is about freshmen, but Daniel Thomas has graded out as one of the top 5 safeties in the nation according to at least one service that does such things. And that's without about 3-4 interceptions he has been 2 inches off from getting! Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932207 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird 61,284 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 9 minutes ago, atl-tiger said: Has Peters started the last 2 game over Iggy? Not that it matters as they all play, but it seems I recall seeing him on 1st DEF snap. I think JP has been playing Star and JD was moved to corner. Noah is a corner, and if not a starter, he sure is on and all over the field. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932215 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McLoofus 35,182 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 Just now, bigbird said: I think JP has been playing Star and JD was moved to corner. Noah is a corner, and if not a starter, he sure is on and all over the field. Man, that #4 shows up a lot on the TV screen, doesn't it? Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932218 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredst 9,072 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 30 minutes ago, bigbird said: Their productivity and calmness is a testament to the jobs Brown and Woodson are doing This just cannot be true. Brown is a terrible coach (and a goober). Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932220 Share on other sites More sharing options...
augolf1716 22,478 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 30 minutes ago, bigbird said: Heck yeah I do! Their productivity and calmness is a testament to the jobs Brown and Woodson are doing. The understanding of scheme is a testament to each one if their work ethics. They all came in focused and it shows. IMO, the safety position in particular will be a team strength for the next few years if not longer. After this class (2019), we will have adequate depth there. And it will finally be high quality depth, similar to our current DL. Don't faint but totally agree Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932223 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird 61,284 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 9 minutes ago, McLoofus said: I know the OP is about freshmen, but Daniel Thomas has graded out as one of the top 5 safeties in the nation according to at least one service that does such things. I was very cautious about DT. His past performances were enough to worry me. The main concern I had was his over aggressiveness and that reared its head again last week. I always tell my guys, don't dwell on it, everyone who has ever played in the secondary has been beaten at least once. I'm very proud of the growth that he has shown. You can see his hunger and drive to be great. One other thing I didn't mention earlier was the part about them all being coachable. To me, that is one of the greatest compliments a coach can offer. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932225 Share on other sites More sharing options...
augolf1716 22,478 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 2 minutes ago, fredst said: This just cannot be true. Brown is a terrible coach (and a goober). Even worst of a recruiter Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932226 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird 61,284 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 3 minutes ago, fredst said: This just cannot be true. Brown is a terrible coach (and a goober). Well obviously, have you seen what he looks like? Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932229 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LKEEL75 2,567 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 12 minutes ago, McLoofus said: Man, that #4 shows up a lot on the TV screen, doesn't it? Yeah, to brag on my man crush... Iggy may not be starting but he is in there a lot and is always making big plays. He is getting better with his coverage technique and showed last week that he is not afraid to come up and hit a RB. I do believe he is going to be special. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932241 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredst 9,072 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 6 minutes ago, bigbird said: Well obviously, have you seen what he looks like? No, I was just assuming because of how poorly our secondary has played all year. We never look for the damn ball! Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932242 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kd4au 1,145 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 6 minutes ago, bigbird said: I was very cautious about DT 6 minutes ago, bigbird said: I'm very proud of the growth that he has shown. You can see his hunger and drive to be great Knew you would come around on DT eventually. Kid has a nose for the ball and makes plays that's all that needs to be said about him. Wish we had some that gave his effort on the o-line. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932243 Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredst 9,072 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 13 minutes ago, bigbird said: The main concern I had was his over aggressiveness That was the backbreaker against LSU, unfortunately Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932247 Share on other sites More sharing options...
McLoofus 35,182 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 5 minutes ago, LKEEL75 said: Yeah, to brag on my man crush... Iggy may not be starting but he is in there a lot and is always making big plays. He is getting better with his coverage technique and showed last week that he is not afraid to come up and hit a RB. I do believe he is going to be special. And skills with the ball in his hand, too. Agree. Gonna be fun to watch him keep growing in his role. And he's going to be a freak at the combine. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932251 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird 61,284 Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 1 hour ago, kd4au said: Knew you would come around on DT eventually. Kid has a nose for the ball and makes plays that's all that needs to be said about him. Wish we had some that gave his effort on the o-line. Always liked his attitude and skills, just wasn't quite sure he had put it all together yet. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932353 Share on other sites More sharing options...
thrustmaxwell 413 Posted October 5, 2018 Share Posted October 5, 2018 Nicely written piece. Glad to know in year 7 under Gus we'll have some talented and experienced depth in the secondary. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932413 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dual-Threat Rigby 10,024 Posted October 5, 2018 Share Posted October 5, 2018 Daniel Thomas was a 2 star? Im glad he worked out but I didnt even know we recruited 2 stars Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932587 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linayus 676 Posted October 5, 2018 Share Posted October 5, 2018 9 hours ago, Dual-Threat Rigby said: Daniel Thomas was a 2 star? Im glad he worked out but I didnt even know we recruited 2 stars I think so.. I know Gus told him straight up that we probably didn't have a scholarship for him but he still wanted to come to Auburn anyway. Luckily for him (and us), someone in that class bailed and Gus gave Daniel the scholarship. One of the best days of his life probably. His aggressive play is exciting to watch and I love it.... as long as we have another safety valve back there to tackle any more missed INTs or tackles. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2932788 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auburn Kev 1,653 Posted November 7, 2018 Author Share Posted November 7, 2018 This is so cool, even with the University of Auburn. Link to comment https://www.aufamily.com/topic/164251-freshmen-defensive-backs-progressing/#findComment-2960755 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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