VIDEO: Coaches in Cars Getting Coffee – Larry Slade
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the fourth part in an eight-part series chronicling Carson-Newman football's positions for the 2022 season. This feature breaks down the Eagle defensive backfield with the assistance of defensive coordinator Larry Slade.
Between Jackson Ward, Kendall Williams, Jalen Anderson and Callum Clements, Carson-Newman returns starting experience everywhere in the defensive backfield. That quartet was thrust into the fire as freshman last season and equally dinged by injury.
The group combines with a transfer, some freshman and the continued development of some old heads to give the Eagles' defensive backfield something it lacked last season – depth.
"We have a very competitive group," Slade said. "If you look at last year, it's light years different. We have guys who can play. The old expression, 'if you leave your glove on the ground, someone is going to take it,' is really meaningful now."
Ward appeared in all 10 games with seven starts as a member of Carson-Newman's secondary. Ward was the Eagles' seventh-leading tackler with 37 tackles. He also turned in a tackle for loss, broke up six passes and picked another. Ward had his best days against the toughest competition, turning in seven-tackle performances against West Georgia (9/2) and Lenoir-Rhyne (10/16), two teams that would finish the year in the national rankings.
Williams appeared in the first three games of the season before he was sidelined with an injury. Williams had 16 tackles, including nine against UVA Wise (9/25) before he got hurt. He also picked off a pass against the Cavaliers.
In an injury-shortened campaign, Anderson appeared in eight games while making seven starts. The defensive back made 20 tackles, including 12 solo to go along with a team-best two picks. He has a season-high five tackles against both Lenoir-Rhyne (10/16) and Limestone (11/6), while picking off passes against both West Georgia (9/2) and UVA Wise (9/25).
Clements battled injuries in his freshman season, but still appeared in seven games with six starts. He turned in 18 tackles on the year, eight of which were solo.
Cam Hinson also returns and has vied for first-team reps after appearing in four games last season.
Carson-Newman will also turn to UVA transfer Major Williams. He was one of 17 true freshen to suit up for the Cavaliers in 2019.
Played cornerback and wide receiver at Dunbar High School for head coach Sam Brown, making 31 tackles and breaking up five passes in 2018. He was a three-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247sports.com.
"Major Williams is an outstanding player and leader," Slade said. "He's being challenged by Callum Clements now that he's healthy. Jet Jones is being challenged by Cam Hinson. We have depth and guys who are competing with one another."
Carson-Newman also tosses in Jet Jones into the mix at safety after he redshirted last year. Jones accounted for over 200 tackles throughout his career at Banneker, catching five interceptions along the way. He was an All-Region selection from a Trojans squad that won the region title in 2018. Also ran for the track team.
"Kendall, Jackson, Jalen and Champ Baker are all competing at corner, not just for playing time, but to start," Slade said. "We have competition and depth at corner as well. It's a great group when you talk about their work ethic, communication skills and playmaking."
Baker was part of the Parkview Panthers football and track and field programs. In his final season for the Panthers, Baker amassed three interceptions, 43 solo tackles, 68 total tackles, and did not allow a single touchdown all season.
Led the team to become three-time regional champions and two-time state runner-ups. Named an All-Country and All-Region football honoree, three-time football varsity letter winner, All-County, All-Region, and All-State in track, and four-time track varsity letter winner. Awarded the Panther Award at Parkview
Carson-Newman's position previews continue Friday with the wide receivers.
