BYU Football: Position Preview – Defensive Backs

PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Fred Ross #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs misses an end zone pass in overtime while being defended by Dayan Lake #5 of the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 14, 2016 in Provo Utah. The Brigham Young Cougars won in double overtime 28-21. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Fred Ross #8 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs misses an end zone pass in overtime while being defended by Dayan Lake #5 of the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 14, 2016 in Provo Utah. The Brigham Young Cougars won in double overtime 28-21. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – OCTOBER 20: Wide receiver Thomas Sperbeck #82 of the Boise State Broncos makes a defensive play knocking away a pass interception by defensive back Troy Warner #11 of the Brigham Young Cougars during first half action on October 20, 2016 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – OCTOBER 20: Wide receiver Thomas Sperbeck #82 of the Boise State Broncos makes a defensive play knocking away a pass interception by defensive back Troy Warner #11 of the Brigham Young Cougars during first half action on October 20, 2016 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

The Corners

Left Corner

Chris Wilcox (6’2, 190, Jr) played in 12 games last year and took over the starting position for the final five after Troy Warner’s lisfranc injury occurred. He tallied 32 tackles and proved to be a reliable corner.

Tanner Jacobson (5’10, 185, Sr) played in all 13 games in 2018, starting in two, and picking up 28 tackles. This defensive back has played in 39 collegiate contests during his three-year career. His experience and maturity are important assets for the Cougar defense.

Right Corner

Michael Shelton (5’8, 175, Sr) appears to be taking first team reps here for BYU football. Although a bit undersized, Shelton is a technically sound veteran. In 2018, he played in 13 games and got the starting nod once.

Trevion Green (6’3, 190, Jr) is the second sting corner for this side of the field. He had nine tackles in ten games a year ago.  Green is a tall and speedy athlete, whose height could be utilized against the taller receivers the Cougars face.

The Unknown

Troy Warner

Obviously, one name is missing from these four positions, that would definitely impact the defense and shift the starting roles. Troy Warner (6’1, 190, Jr) is still recovering from the foot injury that prematurely ended his sophomore season.

If Warner regains his health, assume he takes over one of the before mentioned positions. His return would constitute the displacement of any of the starters other than Ghanwoloku. It would be a huge boost to the defensive backfield, as well as the entire team, if he can make it back.

Previous Position Previews:

Tight Ends

Defensive Line

Running Backs

Linebackers

Offensive Line

Wide Receivers