North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State Football Prospectus: Secondary
6/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 22, 2004
The secondary could end up boasting an all-senior lineup in 2004, a luxury that Amato has not been afforded in previous campaigns. Although NC State's pass defense was spotty last season, Amato hopes that this group of veterans will be more consistent.
Highlighting the unit is senior Andre Maddox (6-1, 202, Sr.), who plays the roverback or "hidden linebacker" position for the Pack. Maddox led the team with 145 tackles last season en route to earning first-team All-ACC honors. A two-year starter, Maddox ranked second in the league in stops in 2003.
Garland Heath (6-2, 212, So.) proved to be a capable backup for Maddox as a rookie, showing prowess on special teams as well.
Marcus Hudson (6-2, 191, *Jr.) has over 1,200 career snaps under his belt at cornerback, but after sitting out last season due to eligibility issues, has moved to free safety. A 17-game starter, Hudson has tallied four career interceptions. Troy Graham (6-2, 204, *Sr.), a former wide receiver who started a dozen games at free safety last season, could also get the starting nod after ranking fifth on the team with 92 stops in 2003.
J.J. Jones (6-0, 168, *Jr.) has earned his stripes on special teams and could also see action at free safety, while freshman Miguel Scott (6-1, 184, Fr.) showed great potential after joining the squad this spring.
"I can't say enough about our safeties," continued Amato. "Andre Maddox goes out day after day and works his fanny off and the results show on the field. Troy Graham is another young man who has worked hard and improved and with the return of Marcus Hudson, we feel very good about those positions.
At cornerback, a trio of veterans could rotate between the three positions. Lamont Reid (6-0, 193, Sr.) has been an unsung hero for the Pack in his two years as a starting cornerback and has also been a capable kick returner. An academic All-ACC performer last year, Reid tallied eight PBUs as the starter at left corner.
Another former wide receiver, Dovonte Edwards (6-0, 176, Sr.), led the team with 10 pass breakups in 2003, even though he started just four contests. He tied for eighth in the league in passes defended.
A.J. Davis (5-10, 183, *So.) saved the best for last during his first season of collegiate competition, as he tallied six tackles, broke up three passes and had an interception in the bowl game. Jimmie Sutton (5-11, 175, *Fr.) redshirted last season at wide receiver and then defensive back, and should see action at corner as well.
"We will have the benefit of returning all three of the corners who played in the bowl game last year," Amato said. "Lamont Reid is an outstanding young man who represents his team with class. Dovonte Edwards kept getting better and better as the season went on and we expect great things from him even though it will only be his second year on defense. A.J. Davis also improved by leaps and bounds. We're looking for a great year out of all of them."
In addition to the talented players, Amato is also excited about the addition of Reggie Herring to his defensive staff as linebacker coach and coordinator. "Reggie Herring is a very intense individual and I feel that he is an extension of me on the field. He was a tremendous player at Florida State, he's very smart and he's a good leader. I'm real proud to have him here."
