GA: Notes: Smith expecting plenty of nickel in 2012

[K-Rock Da Bull]

I've sat down with six of USF's nine assistant coaches in the last two weeks, getting great insights into where players stand going into preseason camp, now just 11 days away for the Bulls. I'm behind in blogging all these, but I'll start back up with defensive backs coach Rick Smith, who has shown himself to be commendably frank about his players in the past two seasons.

-- There's a good battle between JaQuez Jenkins and Jon Lejiste for one of the starting safety spots alongside Mark Joyce, though Smith said he expects a lot of nickel defense with all three safeties on the field and Jenkins in the nickel.

"The top two in the spring were of course Joyce and Jenkins, and it'll be that way when we start. Lejiste understands that," said Smith, who had Lejiste limited through spring drills as he recovered from a wrist injury. "Jon has had a really good summer. He's lost weight. He was about 202 and I asked him to get down to 192 and he's there. I thought last year the kid got too big. I'd rather him be quick and strong and in shape. He's done a great job getting in shape. It'll be interesting to see who wins that battle. We're going to play so much nickel, and when Jenkins goes to nickel, we're a better football team and Jon will come in at strong safety. .. Coach (Chris) Cosh loves nickel anyway. I think the three safeties will be on the field most of the time."

So unless opponents are lining up with run personnel -- like two backs and a tight end -- expect the nickel to be the base defense, with two linebackers on the field with the five defensive backs.....

Read the rest on there: http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bulls/content/notes-smith-expecting-plenty-nickel-2012

[E.T.]

This was some serious meds ...

Thanx Greg !!!

[K-Rock Da Bull]

This was some serious meds ...

Thanx Greg !!!

lol he called everyone out... at least those that need to be

[DELdaBull]

Big hit Lejiste!!!!!!

[Rizman]

Lejiste destroyed the running back for FSU. Remember that hit, if you don't let me know I will post the youtube video for that game with the highlights.

[Skingraft]

They can play dollar for all I care... F'n win the BE already

[Paisa el Toro]

Rick Smith always calling his players out. His interviews are funny as hell. The man holds nothing back.

[GaUSFBull]

Smith lays it all out there doesn't he? Very refreshing. Love to see that Bivins is ahead of schedule.

[charsibb]

Lejiste destroyed the running back for FSU. Remember that hit, if you don't let me know I will post the youtube video for that game with the highlights.

Always worth watching again. And again. And again. LOL

Go ahead and re-post it if you can find it!