Defensive Backs Preview: Experience, leadership highlight group

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With five seniors returning and two captains, the Bryant University football defensive backs have a chance to be big difference makers in the fall of 2016.  

The Bryant University football team kicks off its 2016 season on Saturday, September 3 against Merrimack at Bulldog Stadium. Leading up to opening day, BryantBulldogs.com will take a position-by-position look at the Bulldogs.

Leading the charge will be senior captains Charles Wingate (Englewood, N.J.) and Brandon Owens (Salem, Mass.). The duo makes up half of Bryant's leadership, with Wingate serving his second season as a Bulldog Captain. Joining them will be senior free safety Charles Keenan (Tyngsborough, Mass.) and senior corner backs Raamah Vaughn (Fort Washington, Md.) and Aaron Gilmer (North Easton, Mass.). Junior Patrick Champagnie (Boston, Mass.) is expected to have a breakout year at strong safety, sophomore Danny Hughes (Shoreham, N.Y.) has promise at free safety and junior Torrey Dixon (Dumfries, Va.) transitions to defense after spending his first two years as a wideout.

"I believe this is the most depth we've had in this group since my arrival at Bryant," Wingate said. "I love these boys. Everyone is willing to work hard for the benefit of the group and the team. There are no complaints, we are one big family."

"Collectively, the group has a lot of experience," Owens said. "We have six returning DBs who played valuable time last season and five of them are seniors that have played a lot of football which gives us an advantage. It should allow the group to play fast and physical as a group and as a defense." 

A fifth-year, Wingate was a Second Team All-NEC selection last year and a preseason pick this season. He finished with 38 tackles, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and an interception return for a touchdown. In his career, Wingate has made 129 tackles and has posted five interceptions in 29 career games. Owens, who battled injuries last season, appears primed to leave camp as the starting strong safety after posting just seven tackles a year ago.

Keenan, entering his third year as a full-time player, has appeared in all but two games of the course of his Bryant career. He posted his best year last fall, finished fourth on the team with 53 tackles as the starting free safety. Vaughn has been a standout on special teams during his career, posting six tackles in the kick game a year ago, and enters his final season with the chance to be a shutdown corner. Gilmer has made 12 starts over the last two seasons and enjoyed a big 2015, posting 35 tackles and three pass breakups.

Bryant will look to the juniors Champagnie and Dixon to have breakout years. Champagnie starred on special teams last year and has the chance to make a big impact at strong safety this fall. Well known for his game-winning TD pass to Chad Ward last year against Brown, Dixon gets a fresh start on the defensive side of the ball and with his speed, could be a dynamic player.

"I will leave my heart out on the field every single game and I know my teammates will follow my lead," Wingate said. "There is something special in the atmosphere, I'm ready for the first kickoff Sept. 3rd in Bulldog Stadium!"