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Posted: Aug 05, 2018

Camp Preview: Defensive Backs

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With the Bryant University football team set to open camp on August 6, BryantBulldogs.com breaks down the Black and Gold position by position.  

Defensive Backs

Returning: Andre Brackett (East Windsor, Conn.), Alex Claudio (Springfield, Mass.), Mekhi Henderson (Woonsocket, R.I.), Danny Hughes (Shoreham, N.Y.), Quinton Law (Moorestown, N.J.), Tiavonte McLaughlin (Stafford, Va.), Cameron Morenzi (Bristol, R.I.), David Onyemem (Dracut, Mass.), Eulogio Portugal (Rosedale, N.Y.), D'Marco Saunders (Frederick, Md.), Malik Streater (Greensboro, N.C.), Zahir Williams (Bronx, N.Y.), Andrew Hopgood (Warwick, R.I.)

Newcomers: Tyler Allen (Hartford, Conn.), Ronell Joseph (Rochester, N.Y.), Jarrett Martin (Franklin, Mass.), Dy-Jae Pearson (New York City, N.Y.), Philip Platania (Miller Place, N.Y.), Ricardo Martinez

Position Coach: Darryl Jackson and Bob Mackisey

Notes and Notables

  • Bryant lists 19 defensive backs on its roster heading into August camp. Of those 19, 13 are returners.
  • Seven of those returners – Brackett, Hughes, Morenzi, Onyemem, Portugal, Streater, Williams – saw considerable playing time last fall.
  • Portugal had a breakout year as a sophomore last fall, finished tied for second on the team with 61 tackles. He made 46 solo tackles and broke up six passes on the year.
  • Brackett made a strong impact as a freshman, becoming the second player in program history to earn NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He shined in the last four games, posting 15 tackles and two interceptions.
  • Hughes is the veteran presence on the backend, having played in all 22 games over the last two years.
  • Williams made a big jump in 2017 as well, posting 43 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups.
  • Streater, Morenzi and Onyemem are all back after becoming an integral part of the defense a season ago.
  • Pearson was a standout football and lacrosse player during his prep years.

Fun Fact

  • In the 2017 calendar year, Bryant had two East Catholic High (Conn.) grads win NEC Rookie of the Year honors. Bryant baseball freshman Jimmy Titus won the award in spring 2017 and Brackett claimed NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in fall 2017.

The Bryant University football team begins its 20th season on September 1 vs. New Haven. Tickets are available at BryantBulldogs.com/Tickets.

Follow Bryant University football on Twitter and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.