Although most of the decisions have been made regarding the starting lineups for the season opener against Northern Illinois, there still remain a few positions that are in limbo.

Those spots will be determined in the next few days of practice, where those players in contention for the starting role for those positions are getting equal reps.

Clearly the staff wants to ensure that no one will be short changed in the process.

Probably no later than Tuesday's practice that the "final" call will be made.

Here is how things stand presently with the defense as the team heads into Thursday's practice.

DE: Jarrett Mackey
DE: Corey Watts or Clayton Keller
DT: A.J. Mackey
DT: Chad Littlejohn
Rover: Steve Erzinger
Mike: Geoffery Bacon or Reggie Nesbit
Whip: Zach Watts or Andrew Rodriguez
Corner: Josh Jackson
Corner: Waverley Washington
Free Safety: Thomas Hollaway
Strong Safety (Sam): Hayden Pierce

Reggie Nesbit was in the running for the starting spot at Strong Safety, but has since been moved to the Mike linebacker spot where he is competition for the starting role with freshman Geoffrey Bacon.

Bacon is very athletic and.he made a great leaping interception during yesterday's practice.

Nesbit and Bacon are neck and neck at Mike but regardless of who starts, I see them playing equal time

Speaking for freshmen, strong safety Hayden Pierce has proven to more suited at the Sam position than Nesbit, which gave the staff the flexibility in moving Nesbit to the Mike.

If Nesbit does earn the starting nod at Mike, that would give Pierce the distinction of being the only freshman starting in the lineup .... at least defensively. Backing up the 6-foot-3, 180 pound Pierce is sophomore Lyle Beloney.

The other possible freshman starter? Currently, slotback Trenton Turrentine is running with the runs, and sharing time with Jonathan Crucitti.

Nate Combs is not 100% and is still getting back into things.

Head Turners

Offensively, there are a couple of guys who continue to turn heads.

Jared McFarlin is looking like he is going to a very good weapon for the Black Knights and high touted fullback
Larry Dixon the real deal

McFarlin who is a native of Monroe, New York is long, but with outstanding has body control.

Dixon is not only powerful, but very agile as well yes and when he steps in for starter Jared Hassin, there is little to no drop off between the two backs.

...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial