Hawaii Football: 3 most critical defensive players for 2018
By Paul Taylor
3. Rojesterman Farris II
If there was a strength on the Rainbow Warrior’s defense last season, in was in the secondary. In reality though, “strength” is pretty redundant, when the pass defense still ranked 102nd in college football for average yards allowed per game.
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As with the D-line, the secondary faces a big challenge after losing both starting safeties from last season. This will arguably be Batoon’s biggest challenge as defensive coordinator, as he is also the safeties coach.
However, the secondary does see one of the better cornerback duos in the Mountain West Conference return. Of the two, Rojesterman Farris II is the third key player on defense for Hawaii.
Farris led all returning secondary players with 43 tackles last season. He also had four or three pass defenses, depending on which media outlet you go with.
The Coral Springs, Florida native has good size for a corner and is generally regarded as a solid contributor with upside. He’s also already shown he can handle being a regular, after starting all 11 games he appeared in last year.
However, Farris is going to have to step up his game this season and prove he can shut down, or at least contain the opposing team’s top receiver. If he can justify the faith put in him, it will give the secondary — and in turn the rest of the defense — some much-needed confidence.
Next. Warriors go back in time to move forward. dark
Do you agree with our three key players on defense, or is there anyone else you believe is worthy of inclusion? More generally speaking, what kind of production are you predicting for the Rainbow Warriors defense this coming season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.