Nickel and Safeties

A healthy Harper will likely get the start at Nickel. If things at corner were a bit more stable, I suspect we would see JRob playing Nickel and Harper would play Strong. Depth at Nickel will be Preston Rex and Koa Eldredge. Don't be surprised if Chika ends up getting some reps at Nickel. Chika is likely done at safety so he will either play corner or Nickel moving forward.

Strong Safety
Alfrey will enter Fall camp as SS1 but a recovering Wakely and a game savvy Slade will absolutely push Alfrey. Alfrey has the best size at the spot, unless Damuni gets his wish and moves to SS. Alfrey hasn't quite returned to his pre injury speed but what he lacks in speed he makes up in physicality and tackling technique. Wakely was nothing but solid throughout 2023 and proved that he can play the position competitively in the Big 12.

FS
A recovered Wall will likely enter Fall camp as FS1. Wall started 4 games in 2023 and prior to his injury, was the highest rated safety on our defense. He gave up no balls over the top and showed that he could come down hill and stop the run. He is the best tackler we have at FS. Damuni played some FS in 2023 but his skillset may be better suited to play closer to the LOS. He has a backer mentality and may really flourish at SS. Damuni just had surgery after Spring ball so he may miss some of Fall camp. A recovering Damuni will likely lead to a real opportunity for Prassas to step up and try to earn some reps. Our safety position is a very physically demanding position. Look at all of the injuries we have had at the position over the last 2 seasons. The depth at FS is a real concern. In a perfect world we would not even consider playing a 17 year old kid on the back end of our defense against the brutal and physical offenses we face in the Big 12. Chika is likely done at safety so expect him to compete at corner or Nickel. Keep your prayers rolling here that we can keep Wall healthy and that Damuni can bounce back from surgery, ready to contribute at safety. Satuala is now in camp and is running drills with the safeties currently. I don't expect to see Satuala at safety in 2025 and beyond.