Hopes For Better 2nd Year

By: Chris Muller

Monday, September 21, 2009 - 9:39 PM

It is well known that the Wolf Pack’s pass defense was ranked 119th, last in the nation, last year.

Nevada was burned on many long plays during the course of the year, but there were many factors that contributed to the Wolf Pack’s inability to stop the pass.

The Wolf Pack faced several top receivers in the country, including Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree, Missouri’s Jeremy Macklin and Maryland’s Darrius Heywerd-Bey.

Nevada defensive back Antoine Thompson was one of many components of the Wolf Pack secondary which were in their first year with the program last season. File Photo/Nevada Sagebrush

All of these receivers were drafted by NFL teams in the summer.

But fresh-faces lining Nevada’s secondary undoubtedly played a role as well: It was the first season defensive backs coach James Ward, defensive coordinator and safeties coach Nigel Burton, cornerbacks Antoine Thompson and Doyle Miller and safety Mo Harvey had worked or played at Nevada.

To become a team with a good secondary, experience is essential.

Despite the 0-2 start of the football team this year and the number of good receivers Nevada will face in the upcoming weeks, Ward has remained optimistic that his defensive backs will improve.
“Our scheme is solid,” he said. “We just need to focus on preventing big plays.”

Senior safety Jonathan Amaya said there really haven’t been any adjustments from last season.

“From last year, I wouldn’t say we have any real different schemes,” he said. “We’re just going to have to play it better and not make as many mental errors as we had. Mental breakdowns is what we have to eliminate really. If we can take away the big plays we’ve got a hell of a chance for success.”

Frey echoed Amaya’s thoughts.

“There are really no different schemes,” he said. “Just improving our technique is the main concern. We just got to start making plays.”

Ward said the focus on stopping the big play will be this week’s primary focus in preparation for Missouri. Frey added that the secondary continues to employ the “press-man” team defense they used last season.

“No matter if we’re playing Golden Tate (Notre Dame wide receiver) or (Oakland Raiders and former Maryland reciever) Darrius Heyward-Bey, we’re still pressing no matter what,” he said.

A change in position is also an adjustment that Frey had to make last season. At Olivehurst High School, in California, Frey played safety and running back.
Starting last year, however, Frey was moved to cornerback. Frey admits the position-change has changed his defensive game slightly.

“It’s kind of different but not too different,” he said. “You’ve still got to cover somebody and make plays.”

Ward certainly believes in Frey’s ability to change position.

“Isaiah has great speed which made the transition not very difficult at all,” he said.

Ward singled out Amaya and Frey as two players the other members of the secondary look up to.

“Isaiah and Jonathan are both very valuable because of their experiences,” he said. “We are fortunate to have both of them and especially look up to Jonathan for his senior leadership.”

Chris Muller can be reached at sports@nevadasagebrush.com