Torian Lewis, Madre Harper and C.J. Jennings are all gifted in man coverage and solid in run support. All three are coming off injuries, however. That’s why safety James Ceasar was moved back to corner, as added insurance at the position. Freshman Chance Bush is also in the mix for playing time.
“Once we’re healthy, we feel like we have four guys who can play at a really high level,” SIU head coach Nick Hill said. “We might have a true freshman, who is doing a really good job on special teams, that will get an opportunity to suit up.”
Here’s the scouting report on the cornerbacks from position coach Carl Franks.
Torian Lewis (5-11, 181, Jr.) “I think going into his third year, he’s comfortable with the scheme now, so we’ve been focusing a lot on his technique and he’s improved so much. We’re just trying to work on the little things with him to make him a complete player. He’s looked really polished.”
Oklahoma State transfer Madre Harper (6-2, 189, Jr.) “He came in toward the end of spring ball because he had an injury, but he got some 7-on-7 reps and he looked really good. He’s a really smooth, long athlete who can run, he’s got the long arms, great ball skills. When he first came in, the offense went at him and they didn’t catch a ball on him that day. He’s a competitor and has a high football IQ and has picked up the scheme pretty quick.”
Wyoming transfer C.J. Jennings (5-10, 179, Sr.) “C.J. is coming off a knee injury, but number one — he can run. He’s fast and he’s physical. He will hit you. That’s what we missed when he got that injury last year. He’s a good player.”
James Ceasar (5-10, 186, Jr.) “He can play safety, he can play corner, he’s a tremendous athlete. He’s got some acceleration out of his breaks. We just have to get him caught up with the technique but he played corner as a true freshman, so I think that’s a position he can really help us with.”
Chance Bush (5-8, 175, Fr.) “He’s a very competitive kid who loves football. When I say loves football, this guy loves the game and is very passionate about it. He picked up the scheme pretty quick.”
Today’s Saluki Football practice was moved to the afternoon due to morning thunderstorms. The team practiced in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts ahead of tomorrow’s 6 p.m. scrimmage. Head coach Nick Hill said some veteran players will be held out of the scrimmage to protect them from injury two weeks before the opener.
“We’re at a good spot with a lot of the veteran players,” he said. “We’ll get a look at a lot of young guys that still need some more reps. It will be good for us to create a game-like atmosphere.”
Two FBS transfers on the interior of the defensive line are working their way up the depth chart. Michigan State transfer DT Kyonta Stallworth (6-3, 280, Jr.) was slowed early in camp by an injury but is now taking reps with the second team defense. He played in eight games in two seasons with the Spartans, including six games in 2017.
“Kyonta has a really high ceiling with his talent level,” Hill said. “There’s a reason why he was a four-star kid and getting snaps at Michigan State last year. He has starter ability.”
Bowling Green DT Tyree Jackson (6-4, 280, Fr.) redshirted last year for the Falcons. He is a Jones High School (Fla.) alum, along with Saluki teammates Je’Quan Burton, Calvin Francis Jr., C.J. Jennings and Withney Simon.
“Tyree just keeps on coming,” Hill said. “The best thing about Tyree is he’s here for four years. He has a bright future here. He’ll play for us this year, but it’s a deep room.”
Added defensive line coach Austin Flyger, “Kyonta and Tyree are good kids and good people. They’ve done a really nice job of mixing in with the guys. They’re hard-working guys. There’s a reason why they were where they were. They will continue to push everyone and the competition has added a lot to the room. Their presence is one of the reasons we could move Zeyveon Furcron to offensive line.”
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