Western Michigan football coach expects improvement from three key members of secondary
They wear uniform Nos. 1, 2 and 3. And the three have been challenged to be a solid part of the Western Michigan football team's defense.
Safety Doug Wiggins (1), safety Demetrius Pettway (2) and rover Johnnie Simon (3) got the message from Western coach Bill Cubit, the Kalamazoo Gazette reports.
"We were in the office one day and Coach Cubit was like, 'I need you three to instill fear in offenses,' " Pettway said. "Every great secondary has to have a guy who's feared."
The first chance the trio has to do that this season comes Sept. 3 when the Broncos visit Michigan for a 3:30 p.m. game at Michigan Stadium.
Simon, a sophomore, had 24 tackles and two forced fumbles last season. Pettway, also a sophomore, had 33 tackles and a forced fumble as a freshman.
"Last year, you saw those guys play tentative and they were thinking a lot, not wanting to get beat deep with big plays," Cubit said. "Now you're seeing that they're so fast, they're making plays. Last year, they were trying to prevent plays."
Wiggins, a senior, had 55 tackles and two forced fumbles last season, but often struggled. He's moved from free safety to boundary safety.
"I think the position change will help him out," Cubit said.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 7 a.m.
Wolverines, will have to wait until after Noon to have their breakfast: Broncos. What's the payout WMU gets for playing (and losing their first game to) the Wolverines this year? Those Bronco safeties oughta have a great time dealing with Michigan's (sure thing) running attack - which will go on all afternoon. Betcha: Michigan will use at least three running backs (plus, probably, their tight end). We won't see much of the Michigan defense because it's going to be a looong afternoon of Shoelace and Company out there.
NC Wolverine 20
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.
If it is a "good game" U-M has a very long season ahead.
tulsatom
Fri, Aug 19, 2011 : 12:35 a.m.
Louis Delmas was probably the best defensive player to come out of WMU and he is doing well for the Lions. Hopefully, these other guys won't be able to play like that or keep up with Denard and the U-M offense. It outght to be a good game, though.