Rise & Shout Or Down n Out?

It has been reported that the weight of the Cougs 2008 BCS chances lean heavily on the Y secondary. That could be debatable since it is yet only one aspect of the game. However, on paper all signs point to support that statement for the lack of experience. In the 2006 season there was concern with the height of Justin Robinson mixed in with an unheard of walkon named Ben Criddle. That was Jaime Hill's first year over the secondary. What was produced as a result was a national ranking of 16th in pass efficiency. Last season was marked with secondary injuries and walkons yet still ranked 18th nationally in that same statistical category. This years mix includes...

*CB Jr-Brandon Howard 5.9/164
Fr-G Pittman 5.10/183
*CB Jr-Scott Johnson 5.11/185
So-Brandon Bradley 6.1/201
*SS Sr-Kellen Fowler 5.11/187
So-Andrew Rich 6.3/210
*FS Sr-David Tafuna 6.1/216
Fr-Jordan Pendleton 6.2/218

Despite the lack of experience there is overall more potential talent, speed (Howard 4.42-40, Pittman 4.45-40 and Fowler 4.47-40) and depth. Kellen Fowler stepped in performing rather admirably for Quinn Gooch last year and is quite the vocal leader in the defensive backfield. Andrew Rich will be Fowler's backup and was a JUCO All American who turned down several D1 offers to walkon at the Y. Scott Johnson knows the position and timing better than anyone else right now in the secondary. Good chance for Johnson to turn some heads come fall. Backup Jordan Pendleton just may fit into the mix as well who was a 3yr starter in HS and won state his senior year. Brandon Bradley is one of the most athletic but is recovering from a serious knee injury prior to fall 2006 camp. Bradley and G Pittman will likely see some solid playing time as the season progresses. On paper there is an obvious lack of experience but it will be interesting to see how the secondary responds. Will they rise and shout or will it be down and out? Only time will tell.