Cornerbacks/Defensive Backs Preview

 

 Despite having to replace three-time NCAA Division II All-American Darren Banks at one cornerback spot, defensive coordinator Jeff Monteroso likes the depth and talent level at his disposal in the defensive secondary as the Hilltoppers prepare for the 2009 season.

     “We have a lot of interchangeable parts and that’s a big thing with our system,” Monteroso said. “Any of our corners can play safety and any of our safeties can play corner. We put in one package with three corners on the field at the same time. Thanks to that versatility, we were able to try a lot of different things this month to see what will allow us to take the best advantage of our personnel.”

    Derrick Evans (5-10, 180), a senior from Tolsia (W.Va.) High School, is a returning starter at one corner. “He got tested a lot last year when people would throw away from Darren but Derrick wound up leading the conference in passes defended,” Monteroso said. “He’s a proven commodity.” Evans’ 14 passes defended were tops in the WVIAC and he also ranked second in the league – behind Banks – with 5 interceptions.

    Also returning are Scott Houghton (5-10, 185), a sophomore from Central Crossing (Ohio) High School, and Deron Taylor (5-8, 170), a junior from Teays Valley (Ohio) High School. Both gained valuable game experience in the secondary and on special teams a year ago.

    Houghton and Taylor are being pushed by Josh Madrid (5-10, 185), a junior-college transfer from Golden West (Calif.) College who has been on the rise throughout the month as he grows more familiar with the Hilltoppers’ schemes.

    David Kampfe (6-1, 190), a sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla., could be a dark horse in the mix. Kampfe played in six games as a true freshman wide receiver last fall, catching 2 passes for 14 yards, but made the switch to defense during the final week of August camp.

    Justin Brewton (5-10, 180), a true freshman from Westerville (Ohio) North High School, is learning a new position after excelling as a high school running back but is one of the team’s fastest players and appears to have a very bright future at West Liberty.