AJ McCarty

I know Ashley and Colt have their notes coming as well, but I had a surprising note come to me. It was about the secondary being the strength of practice so far. There could be some negative stances on this, but there are also sources saying the WRs have stepped it up during practice and Tyquan Thornton is standing out with his new size and strength on display. RJ Sneed remains reliable and makes every catch, but all are being blanketed by the secondary and the instruction of Kevin Curtis. Brian Stewart raised the bar and Curtis has run with it. The attention to watching film in the DB room is among the best on the team and it is paying off. The CBs are able to keep their heads inside during an outside press with their speed.Raleigh Texada continues to be leader at CB and best on the field. Kalon Barnes has a little more height, but is still in his progression as a CB. He has the physical tools, but he can get his feet flipped at times on breaks, which leads to open receivers where he has to rely on athleticism to make the play. Chateau Reed is the surprise as he continues to do things he shouldn't be able to do at his size and youth. Extreme athlete is what one person told me. AJ McCarty is still growing into the position, but will see time on the field early in the season to get ready for conference play. He as the speed and strength, but needs to trust technique. Alfahiym Walcott is another big CB moved from safety that is pushing Barnes and will see the field matched up on outside big WRs. Byron Hanspard and Brandon White are the two running 3rd now. White continues to move from CB and S and back after his injury. Mark Milton continues to improve as well and could slide to safety in an emergency. Zeke Brown, now on scholarship, isn't going to hurt you.Christian Morgan is up to 215 and ready for a breakout. Physicality has never been an issue and his athleticism is still there at this weight. JT Woods is also close to 200 and his length is allowing him to get to balls and make it more difficult for QBs to go over him. Mike Harris continues to improve and gain strength. Jairon McVea is solid and better in his new role and understands the entire secondary. Devin Neal is backing up Morgan and able to step in as a starter in 2022. Neal is not afraid of contact and improving in coverage and understanding of the defese. Walk-on Colby Delashaw returns from an ACL injury this season and has added good weight. He likely would have played last year before the injury on the final play in 2020 fall camp. Don't be surprised if he gets on the field against Texas State and Texas Southern besides special teams. Jalen Pitre, Lorando Johnson, Jr., and Devin Lemear are all going to make an impact, but I see them as more LB than S, but each has coverage skills and the ability to stop a TE or slot and as Mims from OU found out, don't think it'll be easy for you on a slip screen.Tevin Williams, Cisco Caston, Romario Noel, are built like Reed, Walcott, and Woods, and as athletic.