Defensive Backfield Developing More Experience

As cornerbacks Isaac Yiadom and Kamrin Moore prepped themselves to impress NFL scouts at Pro Day earlier in the week, those who are battling to fill their roles on the Eagles defense were continuing their development.

Despite the fact that the team is sending two pro-ready defensive backs towards greater heights, the unit as a whole is plenty experienced to fill those roles without skipping a beat.

"I think we've got a bunch of talented guys behind them and I think those guys really blazed a trail in terms of studying and being really detailed," defensive backs coach Anthony Campanile said of his departing seniors. "I think that's helped some of the younger guys."

Also helping the younger guys progress are starting safeties Lukas Denis and Will Harris, who will enter their senior season next year as the go-to guys within the unit.

Last season Denis, who was a Walter Camp All-American, finished second in the nation with seven interceptions after moving from corner to free safety.

Harris started all 13 games at strong safety, leading the nation with four fumble recoveries and tying with Denis for third on the team with 83 tackles on the season.

"I think they're both great leaders," said Campanile. "They're very vocal. They're two guys who are really, really intelligent guys. They have a high IQ in general and then a football IQ. I think everybody who meets them on the next level will be very impressed with them. The leadership skills that they have will definitely help us develop some of the young guys. They've done a good job of holding the standard where we'd like it to be."

The unit also returns senior Taj-Amir Torres, who appeared in all 13 games and made two starts at corner last year, junior Mehdi El Attach, who also played in all 13 games last season, and junior Hamp Cheevers, who broke through when given an opportunity late in the season after Moore went down with an injury, proving to be a prime example of a guy being ready when his number was called.

"Hamp's battle tested," said head coach Steve Addazio. "He's made plays in big time games. He's ready to roll."

While the established guys continue to make their case, there are a handful of underclassmen ready to step into larger roles as well, which has created a strong level of competition amongst a group that despite battling for positions is one that is quick to help lift up the next guy, a determent to the culture created by the coaching staff.

"The best thing about it is guys are trying to get in the film room extra, they're really trying to cram to learn all this stuff," explained Campanile. "We're throwing a bunch of stuff at them, and they're doing a good job developing. It's been competitive, but they've all been helping each other along. It's just a great culture in that room. It's been that way since I'm sure before I got here. Coach Addazio did a great job building that room and building the culture the way you'd like it to be.

"Lukas Denis and Will Harris have done a great job fostering that environment. Hamp Cheevers is just getting better and better. Taj Torres is another guy, older guy who's really helping the younger guys along. That's been fun to watch."

As those younger guys continue their development throughout the spring sessions, they will provide valuable depth, which is something that proved very necessary across the board last season.

"We have two safeties, two corners who have played a lot of football, two young guys we're really excited about in Brandon Sebastian, Tate Haynes. So, there's a lot of quality depth there. Michael Palmer's working hard at safety," said Addazio. "This is that time of year where you develop, but you need it. In our conference, you need to be two or three deep. As you witnessed last year, when we were ten starters down…That's the key. The faster you can develop your depth. If you're lucky, you don't have any injuries, but in our league it's not likely."

This type of experience and development will only serve to have the Eagles well prepared against their opponent in the passing game when UMass rolls into The Heights to kickoff the season on September 1.

Defensive Backfield Developing More Experience

Players Mentioned

Hamp Cheevers

Lukas Denis

Will Harris

Tate Haynes

Kamrin Moore

Brandon Sebastian

Taj-Amir Torres

Isaac Yiadom

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