Defensive position battles Day 2

Line backer

There is still no word on who will replace former line backer Toronto Smith.

“It’s tough. Obliviously not only what [Smith] does as a football player but also his leadership qualities,” Cristobal said.

Cristobal mentioned he expects junior line backer Markeith Russell “to take a step up.”

“There is a lot of good young talent that was sitting behind [Smith] waiting for their turn and learning,” Cristobal said.

Safety

In the defensive back field, new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has several options to replace safety Ash Parker. Orlando mentioned he is pleased with the way senior Chuck Grace has progressed.

“Chuck has done a real solid job for us. He’s a guy that knows our packages,” Orlando said. “We have the flexibility to move Cyp [Jonathan Cyprien] if we need to. We have the flexibility to move a couple other defensive backs that have some skill sets at safety.”

Orlando went on to say that it is still early in camp to decide on starters and that the coaching staff needs to see the players in pads to get a clearer picture.

Justin Azpiazu

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Line backer

There is still no word on who will replace former line backer Toronto Smith.

“It’s tough. Obliviously not only what [Smith] does as a football player but also his leadership qualities,” Cristobal said.

Cristobal mentioned he expects junior line backer Markeith Russell “to take a step up.”

“There is a lot of good young talent that was sitting behind [Smith] waiting for their turn and learning,” Cristobal said.

Safety

In the defensive back field, new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has several options to replace safety Ash Parker. Orlando mentioned he is pleased with the way senior Chuck Grace has progressed.

“Chuck has done a real solid job for us. He’s a guy that knows our packages,” Orlando said. “We have the flexibility to move Cyp [Jonathan Cyprien] if we need to. We have the flexibility to move a couple other defensive backs that have some skill sets at safety.”

Orlando went on to say that it is still early in camp to decide on starters and that the coaching staff needs to see the players in pads to get a clearer picture.