Football season preview: Defensive Backs
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – While some well-known names have graduated, a core of veteran defensive backs will look to lead the Bryant University football team in 2017.
This is the second of an eight-part season preview for the Bryant football team. BryantBulldogs.com previewed the special teams on Thursday and will preview the linebackers (Saturday), defensive line (Sunday), offensive line/tight ends (Sunday), wide receivers (Monday), running backs (Tuesday) and quarterbacks (Wednesday) leading up to the season opener on Sept. 2.
The Bulldogs will have to fill shoes of Charles Wingate and Charles Keenan and they feel they have the pieces to do so. Bryant will turn to a veteran group that includes seniors Torrey Dixon (Dumfries, Va.) and Patrick Champagnie (Boston, Mass.) and juniors Malik Streater (Greensboro, N.C.) and Danny Hughes (Shoreham, N.Y.). All four saw considerable playing time last season and will be looked to be the leaders in the defensive secondary this fall.
"They contributed last year and we are expecting them to contribute this year," secondary's coach Daryl Jackson said. "It's always great to have veteran players who have played so that the younger guys have a great example of how to play with composure."
Champagnie and Hughes are the two most experienced of the group, having appeared in 10 and 11 games, respectively. Champagnie saw time at strong safety and is a strong candidate to open the season there on Sept. 2. He posted 17 tackles a year ago and he gives the Black and Gold versatility in the backend. Hughes enjoyed a coming out party last fall, posting 16 tackles and a team-leading three interceptions.
Dixon and Streater will complement the duo at the corners. Both possess outstanding speed, with Streater being arguably the fastest guy on the team. For both, however, this season will mark the first time in their careers that they'll be asked to lead the way. The two combined to make just 11 tackles last season.
The one common thread in the defensive backfield, though, will be the competitiveness. Bryant has 17 players listed as DBs on its roster and each and every one is battling for playing time as Sept. 2 rolls around.
"We have young men that are competing daily to become the starters in all positions," Jackson said. "This should give us much-needed depth across the board."
That group of young guns includes sophomores Eulogio Portugal (Rosedale, N.Y.) and Zahir Williams (Bronx, N.Y.). Both appeared in eight games last season, with Portugal posting six tackles. Also in the mix is a local product, freshman Mekhi Henderson (Woonsocket, R.I.). Henderson was a four-year starter at Xaverian Brothers in Westwood, Mass., helping the Hawks go 44-4 in his career.
"We want his group to have a good pursuit to the football and to tackle well in space," Jackson said. "The fierce competitiveness of this group will give us an opportunity to play solid pass defense."