ERIE, Pa. - Over the course of the next two weeks, we will be showcasing a position-by-position outlook for the Mercyhurst College football team leading up to its season opener against Notre Dame College at Tullio Field on September 3. Today, we are focusing on the Lakers' secondary.



Following the graduation of All-PSAC West First Team selection Julius McCormick, the Lakers are projected to have two new starters at the cornerback position this fall. Senior Linnell Robinson (5-7, 156, New Castle, Pa./Union) and redshirt freshman Deonte Huggins (6-2, 175, Bradenton, Fla./Manatee) are among the front-runners for the starting jobs at cornerback.

Robinson appeared in all 13 games last season, in a limited role, and had 10 total tackles, including eight solo stops. Huggins did not appear in game action last season.

Pushing those two for significant playing time, or for a starting job, are sophomore Vladmir Rock (5-9, 170, Coconut Creek, Fla./North Broward Prep) and senior Rodney Dale (5-10, 180, Bristol, Ind./Elkhart Central). Also, keep an eye on incoming freshman Nikko Smith (5-9, 185, Cincinnati, Ohio/Princeton) in camp, as he appears in line for some playing time this season.

Senior Bryant Kimball (5-11, 172, Erie, Pa./McDowell) returns for his senior season at the free safety position. Kimball has started every game in his three-year career at Mercyhurst. Last season, he finished fourth on the team with 70 total tackles and picked off three passes, returning one for a touchdown against Shepherd in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

Kimball has picked off six passes in his career and is eight tackles shy of 200 for his career (28th on Mercyhurst's all-time list). Dale is expected to back up Kimball at free safety.

Strong safety appears to be solidified as well, as junior L.J. Stevens (5-7, 175, Youngstown, Ohio/Ursuline) returns. He appeared in 12 games last season for the Lakers, registering 24 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for a loss. Stevens also had a sack and an interception on the season. Junior Josh Harold (5-11, 170, Columbiana, Ohio/Columbiana), who also does some kicking, should see some time backing up Stevens.

Also in line for playing time in the defensive backfi eld are redshirt freshman Tyler Aiken (6-2, 190, Greensburg, Pa./Greensburg Central Catholic), and incoming freshmen Colin Kimball (5-11, 160, Erie, Pa./McDowell), Garrett Trent (6-1, 200, Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield), and Keith Robinson Jr. (5-10, 175, Monroeville, Pa./Gateway).

At the Laker position, a hybrid linebacker and defensive back in the Mercyhurst stack scheme, there will be a different starter for the fi rst time in three years, with senior Ian Wild moving to outside linebacker.

Last year's backup, junior Mike Brown (6-2, 200, Irwin, Pa./Penn-Trafford) looks to get the starting nod. Last year, Brown appeared in all 13 games for Mercyhurst and recorded four total tackles. Pushing Brown for the starting role will be redshirt freshman Michael Foster (6-2, 180, Jacksonville, FL/First Coast). Foster was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year at First Coast High School in
Jacksonville, Florida.

2011 Camp Roster: Defensive Backs

Tyler Aiken (6-2, 200, R-Fr., Greensburg, Pa. / Greensburg Central Catholic)
Gilbert Alderman (5-8, 170, Sr., St. Petersburg, Fla. / Clearwater Central Catholic)
Mike Brown (6-2, 200, Jr., Irwin, Pa. / Penn-Trafford)
Rodney Dale (5-10, 180, Sr., Bristol, Ind. / Elkhart Central)
Pat Eagan (5-8, 175, Fr., Hamburg, N.Y. / Hamburg)
Michael Foster (6-2, 180, R-Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. / First Coast) 
Deonte Huggins (6-2, 175, R-Fr., Bradenton, Fla. / Manatee) 
Bryant Kimball (5-11, 172, Sr., Erie, Pa. / McDowell) 
Colin Kimball (5-11, 160, Fr., Erie, Pa. / McDowell)
Martin Oduho (5-11, 175, Fr., Erie, Pa. / McDowell)
Keith Polson (5-9, 175, So., Apopka, Fla. / Concordia University) 
Keith Robinson Jr. (5-10, 175, Fr., Monroeville, Pa. / Gateway)
Linnell Robinson (5-8, 160, Sr., New Castle, Pa. / Union)
Vladmir Rock (5-9, 170, So., Coconut Creek, Fla. / North Broward Prep) 
Nikko Smith (6-0, 195, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio / Princeton)
L.J. Stevens (5-7, 175, Jr., Youngstown, Ohio / Ursuline) 
Garrett Trent (6-1, 200, Fr. Greensburg, Pa. / Hempfield)
Darious Walker (5-10, 185, Fr., Aliquippa, Pa. / Aliquippa) 
Airion Watkins-Clark (5-10, 175, R-Fr., Beachwood, Ohio / Beachwood) 
Antwon Whaley (5-9, 165, Fr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / Dillard)
Garrett Wild (6-0, 205, Fr., Pittsburgh, Pa. / Baldwin) 
Todd Wingate (6-1, 205, Jr., Penfield, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute)
Benny Youngman (5-10, 200, Fr., Rochester, N.Y. / Irondequoit)

Our final positional preview of week one will be featured tomorrow and will focus on the offensive line.

Position-By-Position Outlook Schedule

Monday, August 15 - Wide Receivers
Tuesday, August 16 - Defensive Line
Wednesday, August 17 - Quarterbacks
Thursday, August 18 - Defensive Backs
Friday, August 19 - Offensive Line
Monday, August 22 - Linebackers
Tuesday, August 23 - Running Backs
Wednesday, August 24 - Special Teams
Thursday, August 25 - Tight Ends
Friday, August 26 - Coaching Staff