http://myespn.go.com/blogs/ncfnation/0-2-797/Vanderbilt-s-secondary-is-the-real-deal.html
It’s not in Bobby Johnson’s makeup to come out and say it, but he doesn’t really need to.
Turn on the tape. Look at the numbers. Talk to other coaches and check with the NFL scouts.
Vanderbilt’s secondary is playing as well as any in the SEC right now and rates favorably with any defensive backfield in the country.
“We know each other pretty well and play together pretty well … and we’re pretty good,” said junior cornerback D.J. Moore, a first-team All-SEC selection a year ago. “With the way our defensive line and linebackers are getting up the field and pressuring the quarterback, it just opens up a lot more big plays for us.”
The Commodores are second in the country to North Carolina with 11 interceptions. All four starters have at least two picks, and junior safety Ryan Hamilton is tied for the SEC lead with three.
All four starters in the secondary are also among the top six tacklers on the team.
Johnson admitted back in August that he had a lot of confidence in this secondary, and that confidence has been on display during the Commodores’ 5-0 start.
Moore said they’re playing more man coverage than they ever did last season. Also, the Commodores haven’t held back in going after the opposing quarterback. They lead the SEC and are tied for sixth nationally with 16 sacks.
“When you have defensive backs who can guard people, you can call any defense you want to,” said Moore, who also leads the country in punt return average (28.5 yards per game) and is one of the most exciting multipurpose players in college football.
ESPN.com
10/7/08
