WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (March 29, 2013)—Today's William and Mary football spring practice update includes a video interview with Jerome Couplin III and a quick look at the Tribe's spring two-deep in the secondary.
Defensive Backs Coach Tom Clark
“The entire group is working hard and with good focus through the mid-point of the spring. We are very game tested at the safety positions and are looking to develop depth at the corners. Over the last number of years, we have built a tradition of outstanding secondary play, and our goal is to build on those successes.”
Defensive Backs
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Boundary Cornerback
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#36 DeAndre Houston-Carson, So. (6-1, 190)
2012 Video Highlights
Returns after starting all 11 games last season at field corner … Great size and cover ability … Will draw top cover assignments in fall … Solid in zone coverage … Outstanding athlete who will challenge for all-conference honors with continued improvement. |
#23 Cameron Ramirez, RFr. (5-10, 170)
Learning position after having played safety in high school … Smooth athlete with good physicality … Redshirted as a scout team defensive back last season. |
Field Cornerback
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#26 Ryan Smith, Sr. (5-10, 180)
Good feet and technique … Sound tackler … Cerebral player with great feel for position … Standout special teams contributor … Appeared in nine games as a reserve last season … Recorded an interception in the win against Georgia State … CAA Academic All-Conference Team selection. |
#8 Lonnie "Trey" Reed, RFr. (5-8, 160)
Fastest player on squad … Very physical and competitive player … Like Ramirez, converted to corner after playing safety in high school … Has explosive athleticism and good ball skills … Has tremendous potential to be impact player … Will contribute on special teams … Redshirted as a scout team cornerback last season. |
#5 Jesse McNeal III, Jr. (5-11, 180)
Good size and speed … Good hips and ball skills … Needs to continue to work on refining technique … Member of the travel squad for six games last season. |
| Free Safety |
#4 Jerome Couplin III, Sr. (6-2, 210)
2012 Video Highlights
Returning All-CAA player with great size, experience and toughness … Good range and instincts for game … Can challenge offense at both line of scrimmage or in space … Will be counted on to be team's defensive playmaker … Ranked fifth in the CAA with 8.3 tackles per game last season … Also recorded three interceptions. |
#31 Jared Velasquez, So. (6-0, 200)
Currently counted on as team's starting nickel back … Great ball skills … Physical player with athleticism and ability to cover and close in space … Provides outstanding depth and will continue to be standout special teams contributor … Member of the travel squad for 10 contests last season. |
Strong Safety
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#42 Ivan Tagoe, Jr. (6-1, 220)
2012 Video Highlights
Strong, physical player with size and speed … Good ball skills … Strength allows him to challenge plays at point of attack … Will challenge for all-conference honors … Appeared in all 11 games last season and totaled two interceptions. |
#22 Frank Tamakloe, Jr. (6-3, 194)
Has long frame and explosive skill set … Physical style made him a standout special teams performer … Will challenge for significant playing time … Saw action in 10 games last season … CAA Academic All-Conference Team selection. |
