WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 3, 2014)—Today's William and Mary football spring practice update includes a video interview with Ivan Tagoe and a quick look at the Tribe's depth chart at safety.
Safeties Coach Trey Henderson
“We are looking to see the safeties develop their overall knowledge as a group and keep everyone on the same page. With the graduation of an All-American caliber player like [free safety] Jerome Couplin III, we need to develop a leader at the position. Also, with last season's starting strong safety (Jared Velasquez) missing camp due to an injury, we are essentially replacing two starters this spring. With this in mind, the big move to this point has been to move [senior] Ivan Tagoe from the nickel to the free safety position.”
Safeties
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| Free Safety |
#42 Ivan Tagoe, Sr. (6-1, 220)
2013 Video Highlights
Started all 12 games last season and ranked third in the CAA in tackles per game among defensive backs (7.3) ... Ranked third on the team with 88 tackles ... Possesses all the physical tools needed to compete as an elite player on the national level ... Emerging as a leader ... Very versatile performer with explosive skill set ... Has opportunity to contribute at multiple positions. |
#35 Keanu Reuben, RFr. (6-1, 180)
Redshirted as a freshman last season ... Long and athletic ... Tremendous potential to develop into an outstanding player ... Will contribute on special teams while pushing for playing time. |
Strong Safety
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#22 Frank Tamakloe, Sr. (6-3, 194)
Appeared in 12 games last season and started the season finale at Richmond ... Enters spring at the top of the depth chart ... Big hitter who has outstanding toughness ... Special teams standout ... Two-time CAA Academic All-Conference Team selection. |
#41 Richie DiPietro II, RFr. (5-11, 196)
Honored as the W&M QB Club Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year ... Quick and physical player with an outstanding work ethic ... Great instincts ... Will compete for playing time and as a special teams contributor. |
#31 Jared Velasquez, Jr. (6-0, 205)
2013 Video Highlights
Started all 10 games in which he appeared ... Finished the season with 56 tackles, 2.0 TFL, two forced fumbles, four PBU's and an interception that he returned 90 yards for a touchdown ... One of the top defensive backs in the conference ... Strong, physical player with outstanding feel for position ... Outstanding ball skills ... Experienced, proven playmaker ... Recovering from a knee injury. |
