Two of the top 6 Cougar Line Backers will be lost to Graduation. Alex Hoffman Ellis and Mike Ledgerwood will be missed. CJ Mizell, who started 15 games these past two seasons was kicked off the team for continued team violations and Sekope Kaufuso has been dimissed for grades. Chester Su’a will give the Cougs their only legit returning starter in 2012. Two more freshman LB’s made a statement in 2011. Daryle Monroe and walk on Cyrus Coen. Depth and two more starters need to show up this spring possibly in the form of Freshman Tana Prichard and RS Sophomore Darren Markle or Eric Ortel. Louis Bland a starter back in 2009 has decided to hang up his cleats after injuries the past two years. This fall five outstanding freshmen linebackers will compete for playing time and depth at a depleted position.
Saftey and Cornerback look most promising for the next few years. The top 8 safeties and the top 6 corners all return for 2012. Leading the way will be Juniors Nolan Washington and Damante Horton. Backing up will be Jr. Daniel Simmons, Sophomore Tracy Clark and RS Freshman Spencer Wassem. The Saftey positions also retursn both starters in Senior Tyree Toomer and Junior Deone Buchanan. Depth is added with Anthony Carpenter and hard hitting Casey Locker. Adding to the depth at saftey are Tyrone Duckett and Mathew Simmons who are all scholarship players.
