When you take a look at the CB position, it’s perhaps the strongest unit on the entire roster. Jeff Burris has done one heck of a job with this group.
Burris relates exceptionally well with the players and is a big technique guy. The guys are constantly working on some of the smaller things that aren’t always noticeable when you look at hand placement, opening of the hips, etc.
One thing that sticks out about these guys, when it comes to doing drills and things of that nature, they are ALWAYS absolutely dialed in.
I think that comes from their leader: Amik Robertson
We’ve seen Robertson for two years, he’s as motivated of a player that I have ever seen. He truly wants to be great, and his work ethic reflects that. It rubs off on his teammates.
Amik Robertson:
-COMPETITOR, the most competitive player on the team and it isn’t close
-had a strong spring, always working against Hardy and Graham
-he’s so good with the ball in the air, does the little things well as far as the hand battles go
-doesn’t look to bat the ball away, he wants the INT
-will work at something until he gets it right
-can truly be placed on an island
-is this the last year we get to see him play at Tech?
Mike Sam:
-was given a true shot to earn at starting spot this spring and succeeded
-been hurt in some capacity for a lot of his two years in Ruston
-extremely physical on the outside, a big CB
-turns and finds the ball in the air really well
Brodrick Calhoun:
-reminds me a lot of Amik when it comes to the ways he goes about his business, probably not as talented, but he’s extremely focused and competitive
-after the spring, I think he’s the third best CB
-he’s small and that can hurt him at times, but he’s learning how to make up for his lack of height
-willing tackler
Aaron Roberson:
-he’s a guy that I honestly thought would transfer, but he has put himself into the mix after a strong spring
-certainly doesn’t lack the talent to play, just can’t have the mental lapses that he had as a sophomore
-worked as the primary nickel on the inside this spring
-I hope he sticks around, he could end up being a valuable piece if there are any injuries
Zach Hannibal:
-was the 3rd CB primarily in 2018 and wasn’t ready
-he’s that guy that coaches really love but doesn’t necessarily produce enough results
-he was ok this spring, I’m still searching for more consistency
-a move to safety could benefit him, but there is too much depth at that spot for him to make any impact
-played more ST snaps than anyone on the roster a season ago, will be another key contributor there again
Overall:
-if Mike Sam is able to start at CB and play up to the level of Sneed, which he can, this secondary will be incredible
-is depth a concern? Possibly, but four of the top five have played meaningful snaps and Sneed has another 1,000+ snaps at CB if we need him
-is there a chance Sneed moves back to CB? I think so, I don’t why, but I honestly expect it based on him playing S last spring as well, but we’ll see
-Carldaryl Johnson, Charvis Thornton, and Christian Archangel will enter the fold this summer as the talent level will certainly continue to be strong at this position in adding these three
-How long will Jeff Burris stick around? Good question. I think he enjoys working for Holtz, I doubt he needs the money, so maybe he continues coaching this talented group that he’s helped assemble
Burris relates exceptionally well with the players and is a big technique guy. The guys are constantly working on some of the smaller things that aren’t always noticeable when you look at hand placement, opening of the hips, etc.
One thing that sticks out about these guys, when it comes to doing drills and things of that nature, they are ALWAYS absolutely dialed in.
I think that comes from their leader: Amik Robertson
We’ve seen Robertson for two years, he’s as motivated of a player that I have ever seen. He truly wants to be great, and his work ethic reflects that. It rubs off on his teammates.
Amik Robertson:
-COMPETITOR, the most competitive player on the team and it isn’t close
-had a strong spring, always working against Hardy and Graham
-he’s so good with the ball in the air, does the little things well as far as the hand battles go
-doesn’t look to bat the ball away, he wants the INT
-will work at something until he gets it right
-can truly be placed on an island
-is this the last year we get to see him play at Tech?
Mike Sam:
-was given a true shot to earn at starting spot this spring and succeeded
-been hurt in some capacity for a lot of his two years in Ruston
-extremely physical on the outside, a big CB
-turns and finds the ball in the air really well
Brodrick Calhoun:
-reminds me a lot of Amik when it comes to the ways he goes about his business, probably not as talented, but he’s extremely focused and competitive
-after the spring, I think he’s the third best CB
-he’s small and that can hurt him at times, but he’s learning how to make up for his lack of height
-willing tackler
Aaron Roberson:
-he’s a guy that I honestly thought would transfer, but he has put himself into the mix after a strong spring
-certainly doesn’t lack the talent to play, just can’t have the mental lapses that he had as a sophomore
-worked as the primary nickel on the inside this spring
-I hope he sticks around, he could end up being a valuable piece if there are any injuries
Zach Hannibal:
-was the 3rd CB primarily in 2018 and wasn’t ready
-he’s that guy that coaches really love but doesn’t necessarily produce enough results
-he was ok this spring, I’m still searching for more consistency
-a move to safety could benefit him, but there is too much depth at that spot for him to make any impact
-played more ST snaps than anyone on the roster a season ago, will be another key contributor there again
Overall:
-if Mike Sam is able to start at CB and play up to the level of Sneed, which he can, this secondary will be incredible
-is depth a concern? Possibly, but four of the top five have played meaningful snaps and Sneed has another 1,000+ snaps at CB if we need him
-is there a chance Sneed moves back to CB? I think so, I don’t why, but I honestly expect it based on him playing S last spring as well, but we’ll see
-Carldaryl Johnson, Charvis Thornton, and Christian Archangel will enter the fold this summer as the talent level will certainly continue to be strong at this position in adding these three
-How long will Jeff Burris stick around? Good question. I think he enjoys working for Holtz, I doubt he needs the money, so maybe he continues coaching this talented group that he’s helped assemble
