Aaron Hutsell Position Preview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the third in an eight-part series that will break down what Carson-Newman football brings to the table for the 2014 season position by position. Today's preview features the Eagles' secondary and defensive backs coach Aaron Hutsell.
Carson-Newman's defensive backfield is arguably the deepest section of the Eagles' defense.
Led by preseason All-American Eien Jacob at one corner and preseason first team All-SAC selection Dante Thomas at the other, the Eagles seem stout even with the loss of Anthony Baskin at safety after his signing with the Indianapolis Colts and Jarrett East-Brown.
"The thing that we do have is experience, Jacob and Thomas played every snap last year," Hutsell said. "I just hope that they're locked in to doing their jobs. That's doing the right thing in the right spots, in practice and in games."
The Eagles also return Sean Rawson, who has earned all-conference accolades in his career, Emmanuel Orange and Jerry Miclisse. Jacob was second in the SAC with his five picks last year. With his two interceptions against Newberry (11/9), Jacob became the first Eagle with a multi-pick game since Oliver Davis had a pair against Tusculum in 2010.
He finished the regular season with a career best seven-tackle day against Wingate (11/16). Thomas started in 12 of 13 games and was fifth on the team with 52 tackles. He also picked off two passes and broke up eight others.
"Dante is probably better in terms of footwork, and a better tackler," Hutsell said. "Dante's a stout corner, EJ's longer, has better hands and has outrageous jumping ability. Both of them have their strengths and weaknesses, but they both have the potential to be stellar."
Thomas was responsible for two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He tallied a season best eight tackles against both Mars Hill (10/5) and Wingate (11/16); he had six tackles - five of which were solo stops - against Colorado Mines (9/14).
Rawson, Orange and Miclisse had 45, 22 and 19 tackles, respectively. Miclisse has an interception return for a touchdown to his name.
"Jerry's done a great job at safety so far in camp this year," Hutsell said. "We're also seeing some things out of (Southern Miss transfer and Tallahassee, Fla.-native) Tre Maddox."
On top of that Xavier Stevens also returns after missing last season with eligibility issues. He had 36 tackles two years ago.
Carson-Newman football's position previews resume Sunday with C-N's special teams and Dino Waites.
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