Demons suddenly deep at cornerback after rocky 2016 there

NATCHITOCHES – There’s plenty of competition at the cornerback position in preseason camp for the Northwestern State football team, following a season when the Demons were scrambling to find able bodies to take the field.

Highly-regarded junior Ike Warren played just four games in 2016. Sophomore D’Ronne Littleton was ticketed to start alongside Warren, but an injury ended his season before camp began. Two redshirt freshmen, Ian Edwards and Darian Raymond, each started five times as cornerbacks coach De’Von Lockett tried to fill the void at a depth-challenged position.

Starting the third and final week of preseason camp Monday, a week away from the start of classes on campus and two weeks away from game week preparations, Lockett’s dilemma has a much more positive tone.

He’s sorting through a battle of experienced players, bolstered by a couple of key transfers and other new faces, as NSU moves toward its Sept. 2 season opener at Louisiana Tech.

“There’s a tight battle going on to be in the playing rotation,” he said. “I think you need at least 4-5 guys because offenses are going so fast, no huddles, trying to run 90-100 plays against you.”
There’s a stark difference in the approach at the position this season, he said.

“The most important thing I’ve seen is our guys being competitive,” said Lockett, “having that attitude and effort, having carryover with technique, which allows you to go after the ball. That’s been the biggest thing in camp.”

Creating more turnovers is an emphasis of new defensive coordinator Brad Laird. The coaches are tracking interceptions and pass breakups throughout the preseason as one tool in setting the playing rotation.

Littleton (6-0, 168) and Warren (6-1, 191) entered camp as the projected starters, but strong challenges are being made by Rashaun Croney (6-0, 180), whose eight interceptions helped Garden City (Kan.) win the national junior college title last fall, and Dylan Wilson (6-3, 200), who made over 100 tackles in two seasons at Arkansas Baptist. Raymond, who had 36 tackles in 10 games as a freshman, is also in the mix. Such is the depth that Edwards, who got five starts at corner in 2016, is now at safety.

“We’re seeing the younger guys develop more as we go deeper into camp, and the older guys guiding them along,” said Littleton. “The new guys are athletic, fast and physical. We can’t have anyone outrun us, we can’t get beaten 1-on-1, and as long as we use the proper technique, we can hang with anybody on the field.”

Warren, who had three interceptions and four breakups in just four games as a sophomore, is very encouraged.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvement from day one to now. We have to continue progressing, playing strong and being disciplined,” he said.

Croney likes the vibe, not only at his position, but from throughout the roster with his new team.

“I’m seeing everybody feeding off each other, working to get better. I see improvement, and a team that is willing to grind it out every day in camp,” he said.

The Demons worked for just over two hours Monday morning in shorts and helmets, and will don full pads for Tuesday’s 8 a.m. practice. Head coach Jay Thomas took part in the Monday workout and will be involved Tuesday morning before heading home to Baker for a Tuesday evening wake and Wednesday morning funeral service for his father, Larry, who passed away Sunday at the age of 79.