Position Preview: Safety
Today we are focusing on the safety position. The safeties are coached by Brian Bergstrom who is in his second year with the Jacks. Bergstrom previously was the defensive coordinator for the Augustana Vikings. The safety position loses multi-year starters in Chris Balster and Nick Farina, but returns three players who have big game experience. The loss of Balster and Farina is big and the Jacks will have to account for 133 tackles from last season and a ton of leadership. Bergstrom credits Balster and Farina as not just great players but also great teachers. He also shared that 7 of the 9 guys in the room could start and all could play significantly throughout the year. It will really depend on how fall camp shakes out but there are no "slam dunks" to replace the graduated players.
#37 Larenzo Williams (6-1, 195) put himself in position to make impact plays in 2017 leading the team with four interceptions. The junior has played a lot in the past two seasons but has only started one game. Besides the four interceptions, Zo registered 23 tackles and had a blocked kick. Bergstrom love that Zo is a pure play maker and that he's not just in position but he makes plays when he is there. Look for Zo to make a big impact in 2018.
#6 Makiah Slade (6-1, 195) will be looking for a breakout senior campaign after sitting out the first 6 games of 2017. Slade ended the season with 10 tackles and 1 interception. Slade has a great combination of size and speed. Bergstrom says that his athleticism, speed, and change of direction ability is rare and is a huge asset to the team when he is on the field. As a senior he will need to provide leadership for this young group.
#17 Alex Romenesko (5-11, 205) returns for his senior season after a strong 2017. Romenesko made 18 stops in 2017 along with an interception and a fumble recovery. Grit, determination, and physicality are the attributes that Bergstrom recognizes in Alex. With Romenesko can improve his overall consistency from play to play then he will be in position to earn plenty of playing time.
#3 Joshua Manchigiah (6-0, 210) spent 2017 learning a new position after switching from corner but capped off the year with a great spring. Bergstrom shared that Josh struggled to get healthy last fall and was a totally different player this spring when he was 100%. He's a great combination player who is solid in a lot of different areas. Being well-rounded as a player should help as he competes to get on the field.
#14 Jarek Berg (6-0, 200) will compete to start and will be counted on to provide tremendous effort and make tackles on special teams. Bergstrom described Berg as a "worker" who goes a million miles an hour. He made a big jump in spring ball and really improved on the mental side of things. This goes with his physical presence and the speed that he already possessed.
#38 Tyler Demartra (6-2 205) is a red shirt freshman who really jumped from fall to spring. He has always looked the part but he has really improved on the mental side of the game. Demartra has been blessed with great speed that combines with a strong work ethic. Bergstrom is very excited about Tyler's pure ability and high potential. Tyler's athleticism will help him push for more reps this season.
#28 Tylen Small (6-0, 190) is another red shirt freshman who had a good freshmen season getting stronger and learning the ropes. According to Bergstrom, Tylen loves the game of football and really cares. He cares about his position group, his team, and doing things the right way. Look for Tylen to compete to get on the field this season.
#32 Michael Griffin (6-0, 210) transferred to SDSU from Southwest Minnesota State last January and participated in spring ball but will need to sit out this fall due to transfer rules. Bergstrom said that he was very good this spring and will certainly contribute in the future. After this season he will have two years of eligibility remaining.
#30 Nick Garlisch, (St. Charles, IL) is the incoming freshman and is extremely intelligent and athletic. Bergstrom says that Garlisch possesses the athleticism of a corner with the heart of a linebacker. He may red shirt this season given the current depth.
Just today the Jacks added Brandon Snyder (6-1, 215), a graduate transfer from Iowa to the team. Snyder started 13 games for the Hawkeyes in 2016 but sat out most of the 2017 season with a knee injury. Snyder is fast and physical. He is also athletic enough to be a very good Big 10 football player. I was able to catch up with Coach Bergstrom and he shared that Brandon is looking for a fresh start to end his career after some off-field issues. Snyder is leaving Iowa on good terms and is coming to a room of guys that love each other and will do what is best for the team. Bergstrom said that Iowa runs a similar scheme, that Brandon is very bright, and that his new teammates will help him get caught up in the playbook.
If you missed it, here is the preview or the Cornerbacks.
Go Jacks!
-Matt
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