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Soccer
BOONE, N.C. — App State Soccer begins the 2022 season with a Sept. 3 residence opener in opposition to North Carolina.
Eighteen whole gamers who began at the very least one recreation in 2021 return from a group that loved a 10-win common season and captured a Solar Belt East Division title throughout Shawn Clark‘s second full season as head coach.
In previewing the season, here is a more in-depth have a look at App State’s defensive backs:
CORNERBACKS
Coached by Rod West, who was simply elevated to defensive passing recreation coordinator, App State’s cornerbacks proceed to seize nationwide consideration. The Mountaineers have had a cornerback acknowledged as an All-American in every of the final three seasons, with returning starter Steven Jones Jr. incomes first-team accolades in 2021.
Newcomers on App State’s roster possible can have the most important impression at cornerback in 2022.
“I am an older man now, so no matter these guys see out of me, they comply with, so I’ve to indicate these guys the fitting factor to do, the fitting path to take,” Jones mentioned. “Typically it is coming in with my pocket book so these guys know it’s important to take notes. If he is taking notes, how am I not taking notes?”
Dexter Lawson Jr., a switch from Central Connecticut State who has made a number of huge performs in camp, and Ethan Johnson, a real freshman from the Charlotte space, have put themselves in place to contribute instantly, whether or not App State is in its base 3-4 protection or taking part in with 5 defensive backs.
Milan Tucker is a full-time cornerback this season after bouncing round between that spot and huge receiver final season, and Omari Philyaw is one other true freshman who has acclimated nicely since enrolling in January. Philyaw and Johnson have been teammates final season at Hough Excessive College earlier than becoming a member of App State’s program as early enrollees.
Different newcomers offering depth at cornerback are switch DJ Vanhook and true freshman James Edwards, as they be a part of a gaggle that features returners Jonathan Streeter and Isaac Johnson. Tony Harris can also be a part of that group.
“With these guys being younger, they don’t seem to be frightened of something,” Jones mentioned. “They’re going to run on the market with a sixth-year senior like me to indicate they’re simply nearly as good. They arrive out and compete.”
It would not appear to be way back when, as App State received 34-31 at North Carolina in 2019, damage and cramping points pressured the Mountaineers to place fourth-quarter belief in a number of younger, inexperienced defensive backs. Jones, Tucker (then a real freshman) and Nick Ross (then a real freshman) have been among the many six reserve DBs who helped App State keep a late lead in Chapel Hill.
Now, heading into the 2022 season, Jones has seven profession interceptions, 4 interception returns for touchdowns and 5 whole touchdowns.
“I have been that man earlier than the place I used to be final on the depth chart, simply going on the market to indicate what I can do,” Jones mentioned. “With our younger guys, they’re exhibiting they simply wish to play. With that, they will go on the market and do the whole lot proper and hearken to what I’ve to say to them to be a greater participant.”
SAFETIES
Kaiden Smith and Ryan Huff have departed after being the first beginning safeties in every of the final two seasons, however Ross (robust security) and Ronald Clarke (free security) each began a number of occasions in 2021.
Ross has appeared in 40 profession video games, made 79 tackles and recorded two interceptions, together with a 20-yard return for a landing within the 20-15 win at South Carolina throughout his true freshman season. Clarke began the Elon and Marshall video games earlier than ending 2021 with 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two fumble recoveries.
The depth for a gaggle coached by David Lockwood consists of veterans Jackson Greene, who just lately was placed on scholarship, and Kaleb Dawson at free security. True freshman DJ Burks arrived this summer season and can also be growing at that place.
Jordan Favors is a promising redshirt freshman at robust security, and Nathan Kibambe got here up with just a few interceptions throughout his fall camp reps at that place.
Another newcomers within the secondary are Dyvon McKinney, Andre Hamilton and Carter Greene.
