CEDAR CITY, Utah - The 2024 campaign inches closer for the Thunderbirds, and the defensive backs unit stands out as a crucial area for the team's success. This group, composed of a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, is ready to make a significant impact on the field. 

Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"We as a staff like where we are with the talent of our cornerbacks. At the safety and nickel positions, we still have a few guys battling to prove they should be on the field."

Nickels

Jaden Robinson, a redshirt junior from Grand Prairie, Texas, will anchor the Nickel position. Robinson, who appeared in all 11 games last season, is expected to be a consistent performer. With 16 tackles (eight solo, eight assisted) under his belt, he's shown that he can be relied upon to support the defense in crucial situations. Before joining SUU, Robinson was a part of Kansas' 2021 recruiting class but didn't see game action there. His high school career saw him earn Second-Team All-State Defense honors, a testament to his potential.

Alongside Robinson is Raymon Crump, another redshirt junior from Baltimore, Maryland. Though Crump has not seen game action since joining SUU, his time at Frostburg State, where he redshirted in 2021, gives him valuable experience. This season, Crump will be looking to work his way into the lineup and make a mark.

Arnez Madison has also made his way into the mix at the nickel position. The redshirt junior from Los Angeles, California, is entering his second season in Cedar City. Madison played in four games last year and is looking to have more impact in the 2024 campaign.

Cornerbacks

Devyn Perkins, a redshirt junior transfer from Utah Tech, headlines the cornerbacks unit. Perkins is expected to be a major impact player for the Thunderbirds, bringing experience from his time with the Trailblazers. Last season, Perkins played in 11 games, recording 37 total tackles and five pass breakups. Known for his athleticism, he also returned two kicks, including a 41-yard return against Montana. His ability to cover receivers and his knack for making plays on the ball will be a vital asset to the SUU defense.

Also in the mix is Dean Jones, a redshirt junior from Queen Creek, Arizona, who transferred from BYU. Though Jones didn't participate in the 2023 season, his high school career was impressive, with 70 tackles and an interception during his senior year. With his physical attributes and experience, Jones has the potential to contribute significantly.

Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, a redshirt senior from Yakima, Washington, adds depth to the cornerback group. Pleasant-Johnson appeared in 10 games last season, compiling 26 tackles and one interception. His journey has taken him from UNLV, where he contributed on special teams, to SUU, where he's looking to close his college career with a strong season.

Zion Allen, a redshirt sophomore from Stockton, California, is another transfer from BYU. Having played both defensive back and wide receiver in high school, Allen's versatility makes him a valuable asset. His high school stats include nine pass breakups and 15 tackles in 2021, showcasing his ability to disrupt the passing game.

Mikey Allen, Jayden Robertson, and Cooper LeDuc are all battling for playing time this fall. Allen, a redshirt freshman from Cumberland, Maryland, only played in one game last season but has shown that he is ready to hit the field this year. Robertson, who played mainly on the offensive side of the ball throughout high school, has proven to be a viable option in the secondary. Robertson, who has had good hands and great speed from his time as a receiver, has the potential to make an impact on the defense of Southern Utah. Finally, Cooper LeDuc, a sophomore from Chandler, Arizona, will be looking to take on a bigger role this season after primarily contributing on special teams last year. LeDuc's high school accolades, including being named to the All-Region team as a punt returner, demonstrate his playmaking ability.

Safeties

At safety, George Ramirez is the leader of the group. The senior from Mesa, Arizona, was named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-UAC Second Team and is coming off a season where he recorded 48 total tackles and an interception. Ramirez's consistent performance over the past few seasons has made him a cornerstone of the Thunderbirds' defense.

Kameron Rocha, a redshirt junior from San Jacinto, California, brings valuable experience from Sacramento State. Last season, Rocha played in eight games and recorded 17 total tackles and a game-saving interception against Northern Arizona. His high school career, highlighted by 112 tackles and 12 interceptions in his senior year, shows his ability to be a game-changer in the secondary.

Standout freshman Baron Taylor has impressed during fall camp and will see the field early in the season for the T-Birds. Taylor, a freshman from Sacramento, California, arrives at SUU with an impressive high school pedigree from Inderkum High School. A standout defensive back, Taylor was a two-time Capital Valley Conference All-League Defensive Back and earned San Joaquin Section First Team Defensive Back honors twice. His exceptional play also garnered him recognition as a 3rd Team All-California selection. Taylor's contributions on the field were further highlighted by being named Inderkum High School's Defensive MVP. Look for him to make a splash on the field this fall. 

Brendan Hale, a redshirt sophomore from Orange, California, rounds out the safety group. Hale appeared in all 11 games last season, recording nine tackles. His interception against Lincoln (CA) in 2022 highlighted his potential to contribute as a playmaker.

Defending The Deep Ball

The 2024 season holds much promise for the Southern Utah defensive backs. With a blend of experienced players like George Ramirez and up-and-coming talent such as Devyn Perkins and Jaden Robinson, the Thunderbirds' secondary has the potential to be a formidable force. If the unit can gel quickly and stay healthy, it could be a key factor in the team's success this season.

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