The last line of defense lies in the hands of the secondary . The corners are young and inexperienced, but have a lot of potential. James Nixon is another one of those "position switch" players, moving from wide receiver to corner. Behind him is senior Marquise Liverpool, who just like Nixon (and a handful of other Temple players) switched positions. He's been a member of a few different areas on the field, moving from receiver to halfback to long snapper, and now corner. The two "ironmen", if you so choose to call them, are both very talented athletes who will most likely share the position, unless one of these two outperforms the other.
Behind Nixon and Liverpool is Kwame Johnson. The senior defensive back played in nine games last season, and did well against Villanova, recording three tackles. He will continue to be utilized on the special teams unit, just as he did in 2009.
On the other side is Maurice Jones, or possibly Key-ayre Griffen. Jones played very well in his freshman year, starting four games and appearing in 12. He finished the year with 24 tackles, but is competing for a starting spot with Griffen. He finished the year with three rushing touchdowns before switching to defensive back. He took back an interception against Ohio, which further displays his ability to makes play once the ball is in his hands. These two guys will split time, so no true starter will be named...yet.
The third corner is Zamel Johnson, a red shirt freshman. With Jones and Griffen dueling it out for the starting gig, and playing time, Johnson won't see the field much from a defensive stand point. But he will see time on the special teams unit.
Jarrett is arguably the best defensive back on the team with the experience he possesses. He has been named to the 2010 Jim Thorpe award watch list, which is handed to the top defensive back at the end of the season. He has played in every single game of his career, something very impressive in today's game. He had a terrific game against UCLA in Temple's bowl game, recording six tackles and a pass break-up. Once again, Jarrett will prove to be one of Temple's top defensive players along with defensive end Adrian Robinson.
Behind Jarrett is sophomore Justin Gildea. The possible starting free safety next season once Jarrett graduates, Gildea played in 12 games last season, and will continue to make appearances behind Jarrett to prepare him for the future.
Starting at strong safety is Keven Kroboth. He was a 2009 fourth team All-MAC honoree following his 45 tackles and one interception season. His game will continue to develop this season, and by the time he's a senior, he will be one of the better safeties in the MAC. He will be backed up by sophomore Vaughn Carraway. He moved from receiver to safety this offseason, and was mainly seen on the punt return unit in 2009. He could see some action in relieving Kroboth occasionally, or if an injury hits the secondary.
Next up in 12 Positions in 12 Days: Special Teams!
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