July 18, 2007
The following feature on the defensive backfield is the first installment of position by position over the next six weeks on the Wayne State football program.
After graduating its top five defensive backs (Derrion Fuqua, Ty Spencer, Ryan Oshnock, Floyd Ferjuste and Jerriel Burrus) from 2006, Wayne State's secondary will be young this fall. The Warriors return experienced corners in Dante Dunn and Jonathan Klyce. Steve Wisniewski saw limited playing time at strong safety a year ago but those competing for the free safety starting job have never played in a down in college.
Of the 16 defensive backs on the depth chart there are five juniors, one sophomore, six redshirt freshmen and four true freshmen.
"We have more experience than people understand because Jonathan Klyce and Dante Dunn have played a lot of football at corner," said head coach Paul Winters. "They are good players."
"Stan Thornton and Kenny Watson have had excellent off-seasons and have given us a lot of confidence they can help us immediately."
"Cornelius Dillard, who was at Illinois, will be expected to compete and help us on special teams."
"We don't have a lot of experience at safety. Steve Wisniewski was alternating at times last year with Ryan Oshnock. Tigina Mukuna, Brent Wisniewski and Wendell Thompson are all in a position to learn and show what they have. We like their ability, we just want to see how they play."
Defensive coordinator and backfield coach Kurt Mattix gave us his thoughts on each of his players (by position) for the upcoming campaign:
Strong Safety
Steve Wisniewski (Jr., Madison Hts., Mich./Lamphere) has lettered his first two years in the program. "He will look to start for us this season at strong safety. Steve is a tough player who loves to hit."
Brent Wisniewski (r-So., Madison Hts., Mich./Lamphere) lettered as a special teams performer in 2006. "Brent will compete for playing time at the strong safety position this fall. He should have a huge impact on special teams."
Andrew Pack (r-Fr., Garden City, Mich.) redshirted in 2006 as a wide receiver. "He will look to get on several special teams this fall. Andrew made the transition from offense in the spring."
Jeremy Jones (Fr., Grand Rapids, Mich./Rockford) signed with WSU last February. "He is an athletic player from and he is a winner."
Free Safety
Tigina Mukuna (r-Fr., Lansing, Mich./Haslett) was redshirted in 2006 as a wide receiver. "Tigina will look to compete for the starting free safety spot this fall. He is a very tough kid who loves to hit."
Wendell Thompson (r-Fr., Flint, Mich./Southwestern Academy) was redshirted in 2006. "He will look to compete for the starting free safety spot this fall. Wendell is a very tough kid that loves to hit."
Charles Kaiser (r-Jr., Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./Grosse Pointe North) has practiced with the team for three years. "Charles is the senior member of the unit and looks to help out on special teams."
Kenny Loney (Fr., Novi, Mich./Walled Lake Western) signed with WSU last February. "Kenny is a great athlete and a versatile player that can play multiple positions."
Nickel
Keman Jacobs (r-Fr., Hahnville, La./Hahnville) transferred from Delta State in January. "Keman had a great spring. He looks to help us on special teams and at the nickel position."
Boundary Corner
Dante Dunn (Jr., Lansing, Mich./Waverly) lettered his first two years in the program. "Dante will look to start for us this season. He may also see playing time at nickel. Dante is a great athlete and football player."
Kenny Watson (r-Fr., Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne) was redshirted in 2006. "Kenny will look to compete for playing time at corner. He will have an active role on special teams this fall."
Tylor Amos (Fr., Middletown, Ohio) signed with WSU in February. "Tylor is extremely fast and athletic. This is a great get out of Middletown."
Field Corner
Jonathan Klyce (Jr., Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech) lettered his first two years in the program. "Jonathan will look to start for us this season. He is extremely good on special teams."
Cornelius Dillard (r-Jr., Detroit, Mich./St. Martin de Porres) redshirted at WSU in 2006. "He will look to start for us this season. Cornelius will be extremely good on special teams for us."
Stan Thornton (r-Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow) was redshirted at WSU in 2006. "Stan will look to compete for playing time at corner. He will have an active role on special teams this fall."
Myles McNichols (Fr., Battle Creek, Mich./Central) signed with WSU in February. "Myles will look to compete for playing time at corner. He will have an active role on special teams this fall."
