We're continuing our top-10 countdown of Auburn's Most Integral Players for 2010. You can check out No. 10 and the blog's highly-scientific methodology on this post here.Now for No. 9, the only tie I thought was unbreakable on the list because the two players are so similar — cornerbacks Neiko Thorpe and Demond Washington.
- Skill level: 3. Both Thorpe and Washington are great talents but still unfinished products. Last year was Thorpe's first full year as a starter, and while he had his high points where he showed signs of breaking out (the Outback Bowl), he also had his rough spots (the Arkansas game). Washington, though a year older in eligibility, isn't as experienced, having transferred from junior college last year. But he showed glimpses of being a player, especially considering he shuttled between cornerback and safety last year. Put him in one spot for an entire season and he could blossom.
- Production history: 3. Thorpe has had four interceptions in two years. Last year, he had nine pass breakups and was third on the team in tackles last season with 84, trailing only linebackers Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens. So he's more than just a cover corner. Washington didn't have any picks but established himself as a play-maker in the secondary nonetheless, making 36 tackles last year, most of which came after he moved to safety, where he seamlessly transitioned following the injury to Zac Etheridge. Thorpe might be more of an accomplished member of the secondary, but Washington's production in the return game (both on punts and kickoffs) certainly offset any difference between the two.
- Position importance: 3. This figure might seem low, but I think there are ways to cover up for lesser corners (zone schemes, double teams, etc.). Yes, corners are occasionally outside on an island, but it's not a position where players are making play calls or lining up defenses.
- Backup competence: 5. The cupboard is not too stocked behind these two. T'Sharvan Bell showed glimpses of turning a corner in the Outback Bowl with two interceptions, but he's been a non-factor in his career until this point. Anthony Gulley-Morgan, while an exceptional athlete, only started playing corner at the end of last fall. He's had a spring to learn the position, but it might take more time. And with D'Antoine Hood having transferred to Alabama State this summer, there are no other experienced corners, unless Auburn wants to shift Aairon Savage over from safety (an unlikely scenario, I would imagine, considering where he played all spring). There are freshmen arriving in August, most notably Jonathan Mincy, who many hope can play right away, but using a freshman corner is always a risk. Overall, there are plenty of questions of the backups.
- Leadership: 2. Neither of these two is a Walt McFadden-type, a vocal leader on the field. And even if they were, it's tough to hold a position of authority lined up out wide. Corners are, more or less, solo artists out there. It's one of the few positions on the field where that's the case, so leadership qualities don't manifest themselves out there too often.
- Total: 16. Another solid score, just one behind the next cluster of players. (Thorpe and Washington get the tiebreaker nod ahead of Wes Byrum based on position importance.) Although I wanted to avoid any ties on this list, this one was really unavoidable. These two are similarly talented, play the same position and probably will produce about the same. Plus, an injury to either would be equally damaging to a team not exactly swimming with cornerback prospects. Auburn's focus defensively this fall might be getting its run defense fixed, but having these two at the top of their games is just as important.
4 comments:
Nice analysis ..AB. Looking forward to the rest.
ditto what the Great Hoopie says.
I'd have to give the edge to DW, though I have no scientific basis to do so. I've just liked him a lot ever since he signed last year.
.....There have been just a few hints, but nothing substantive to believe Demond Washington will be a star. He's got a speed edge, as well as quicker lateral speed. We've had luminaries like Phillip Marshall opine that Washington is headed for an all-SEC season.
.....Neil Caudle complained after one spring practice about contributing to the "Demond Washington highlight reel." Washington has pretty much handled every thing that was thrown at him in his inaugural year. That's pretty impressive. I have a good feeling about him.
.....Cool idea for a series, Andy. We are really enjoying it!
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