Be sure to check back this afternoon for a video feature with defensive backs coach Tom Clark.

Additionally, a written preview discussing the team's defensive backs is available below.

Fans can continue to follow the team as it prepares for the season opener at West Virginia on Aug. 31 by visiting the fall camp headquarters page.

Season ticket information is available by clicking here, or by calling the Tribe Ticket office at 757-221-3340.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Although the graduation of All-America cornerback B.W. Webb and all-conference strong safety Brian Thompson will have an impact on position coach Tom Clark's unit, the secondary should continue to be an area of strength. Leading the group will be senior captain and returning all-conference free safety Jerome Couplin III. The Upper Marlboro, Md., native was one of the CAA's most productive players last season and totaled a team-high 91 tackles - a figure that led the league among defensive backs - with three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Couplin (6-2, 215) is an outstanding playmaker who has good range and instincts for the game and can challenge opposing offenses at both the line of scrimmage or in space. In addition to being selected as a captain, he also earned a share of the John A. Stewart Winter Warrior Award.

Sophomore Jared Velasquez will move into his first season as the starting strong safety after being a member of the travel squad for 10 games last season. A physical player with exceptional athleticism, Velasquez was one of the squad's top performers this spring and is positioned to be an impact player.

Juniors Ivan Tagoe and Frank Tamakloe both possess starting abilities and will provide outstanding depth at the position. Tagoe has earned significant playing experience during the past two seasons and will be a key contributor this fall. A strong, physical player with good size and speed, Tagoe (6-1, 220) also has good ball skills and recorded a pair of interceptions last season. After transferring from Wisconsin prior to last season, Tamakloe (6-3, 194) was a standout special teams performer in 2012. The Silver Spring, Md., native has a long frame and an explosive skill set, while his physical style makes him effective.    

After starting opposite of Webb as the field corner last season, sophomore DeAndre Houston-Carson moves over to boundary corner. The Woodford, Va., native has great size (6-1, 190) and cover ability, while he is solid in zone coverage. As he continues to improve and gain confidence, he will have the opportunity to challenge for all-conference honors.

Senior Ryan Smith will start at the field cornerback position this year after appearing in nine games as a reserve. A cerebral player with a great feel for the position, Smith (5-10, 180) is a sound tackler with good feet and technique. The King George, Va., native had a productive spring in his increased role and punctuated the successful practice season with an interception in the spring game.

Adding depth at cornerback will be a trio of talented players in junior Jesse McNeal III and redshirt freshmen Trey Reed and Cameron Ramirez. McNeal (5-11, 180) worked hard to refine his technique during the spring and possesses good hips and ball skills. Reed is the Tribe's fastest player and has explosive athleticism and good ball skills. Despite his size (5-8, 160), Reed is a very physical and competitive player who has the potential to make a significant impact in the future and will contribute on special teams. Ramirez (5-10, 170) continues to learn the position after staring as a safety in high school at DeMatha Catholic. The Mitchellville, Md., native is a smooth athlete who plays with good physicality.