More than halfway through spring practice, UCF defensive coordinator Addison Williams talked talked about his group including the various position battles taking place.
Here's a recap of his Tuesday interview session:
Spring has "flown by." He likes the attitude and mentality of the defense thus far. The install has really picked up. About 75 percent of the defense has been installed so far.
Today they worked on third down and red zone. Those are the situations when you might be tired at that point in the game, but you've got to keep your focus because how you perform here can win or lose you games.
For Thursday's scrimmage, they want to see consistency.
Asked about safeties Jireh Wilson and DeJordan Mask, Williams said Jireh Wilson is a bigger guy, he can fit the box and cover tight ends but is also fast and can cover WRs. Mask is a more athletic safety that can play nickel too. He'd like both to become more vocal out there.
Biggest strides is coming together as a group. Building the team. Finding their voice.
The front seven has been working on their run fits and understanding where guys need to be. He name dropped some up and coming players that have been performing well: Walter Yates has done a great job. John Walker up front. Matthew Alexander, Malachi Lawrence. Kam Moore.
On the cornerback competition, he said Corey Thornton and Brandon Adams have obviously been here so you might think they have the upper hand but Clemson transfer Fred Davis is flashing. He's done a good job. Ja'Maric Morris has been playing corner these past few practices. Ja'Cari Henderson is also there. Battled injuries last year but should develop into a good player.
A-Will reiterated they have great young men who are buying in. From a mentality standpoint, they want to stop the run, affect the quarterback and create turnovers. A physical, fast, flying around defense.
At safety, A-Will stressed it's wide open. They're rolling different players on the different teams, left and right. In addition to Jireh Wilson, DeJordan Mask, it's William Wells, DeMari Henderson, Nikai Martinez is now getting reps there and Braeden Marshall may get reps there before the spring is done. They want to be interchangeable in regards to players playing multiple spots and want to find the best five to put on the field.
Braeden Marshall has been playing the "star" (nickel), playing behind Nikai but they want to get him first team reps soon. He played cornerback in high school. Jason Duclona started at safety, then played corner and is now back at safety. They think safety is the best spot for him.
Quadric Bullard should be full go by the summer.
