WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 10, 2017) – Today's William & Mary football spring practice update features a look at the Tribe's spring depth chart in the secondary.
Defensive Backs Coach
Trey Henderson
"We have a smart, hardworking group that is very competitive. The players have taken ownership and accountability for their personal development and are committed to improving and being better than last season. That dedication has been evident this spring and things are coming together nicely."
| DEFENSIVE BACKS |
| STRONG SAFETY |
#19 Corey Parker, So. (5-11, 190)
One of the nation's top young players … Selected to the 2016 STATS FCS Freshman of the Year Watch List … Started all 11 games last fall … Ranked third on the team in tackles (71) and second in interceptions (3) and PBUs (7) … Totaled 76 interception return yards, which ranked sixth in the CAA … Led team with two fumble recoveries … Posted an impressive spring thus far … Athletic player with good range … Excels in man coverage … Good football IQ … Emerging as a leader. |
#12 Mike Barta, Sr. (6-2, 205)
Veteran player who has appeared in 21 games the last two seasons with three starts … Versatile player who can lineup at both safety positions … Reliable player with excellent overall knowledge of the defense … Physical tackler who plays with great effort … Long and rangy. |
#43 Miles Hayes, So. (6-3, 195)
Talented young player who missed most of last season with an injury … Made his debut in the opener at NC State and recorded a tackle … Recovery has gone well this spring … Physical player who uses his hands well to beat blocks … Good length … Smart player with a high football IQ. |
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| FREE SAFETY |
#41 Isaiah Laster, So. (6-1, 210)
Appeared in all 11 games and earned three starts as a true freshman last season … Became W&M's first true freshman to start at safety since 2006 (David Caldwell) … Finished season with 25 tackles and an interception … Good athleticism and size … Good ball skills … Continuing to learn the nuances of playing safety at the college level … CAA Academic All-Conference Team selection. |
#46 Collin Parker, RFr. (5-11, 195)
Transitioned from cornerback to safety this spring … Good football IQ and has handled position change well … Good overall length and size … Redshirted as a scout team cornerback last fall … Earned CAA Academic All-Conference Team distinction … Honored with W&M's Provost Award for academic excellence. |
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| CORNERBACK |
#3 Aaron Swinton, Sr. (5-9, 173)
Started all 11 games last season after missing nearly the entire 2015 campaign with injury … Finished his junior season with 28 tackles, four interceptions, 12 PBUs, 2.0 TFL and a forced fumble … Interception total ranked tied for fifth in the CAA … Ranked fourth in the conference in interception return yards (90) … Ranked tied for third in the CAA with 1.09 PBU's per game … Totaled all four of his interceptions during the final five games … Excellent in coverage and is a physical tackler in the run game … Quick and shifty … Smart, consistent, reliable performer … Confident, instinctive player … Provides excellent leadership. |
#24 Denzel Dykes, Sr. (6-0, 180)
Appeared in 30 games during the last three seasons … Earned eight starts as a sophomore … Excellent in man coverage … Smooth, fluid and quick … Very athletics … Savvy player … Saw action primarily on special teams last season. |
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| CORNERBACK |
#28 Raeshawn Smith, Jr. (5-10, 172)
Looking to take on an increased roll this fall after appearing in 24 games with four starts the last two seasons … Very aggressive playmaker … Confident competitor who possesses good quickness and instincts … Very athletic … Good ball skills … Also made an impact as a kick returner last season. |
#38 Nate Lewis, RFr. (6-0, 185)
Talented young player who has a high ceiling … Good length … Uses leverage and length well in press situations … Possesses natural play-making ability … Expected to continue playing faster as he gains more experience … Redshirted as a scout team cornerback last fall. |
