CSU Football Preview - Defensive Backs

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Leading up to the much-anticipated kickoff against the defending BCS National Champion Florida Gators, CSUsports.com will do a position-by-position breakdown of the 2009 Charleston Southern Buccaneers. Today we feature the defensive backs.

“This is probably our number two question going into the fall,” said Head Coach Jay Mills. “We have a couple of solid leaders in Chris Kuzdale, who will likely earn all-conference consideration, and Matt Bach, who is a great team player and a leader. Even the new faces have been very encouraging early on.”

Kuzdale (So.) will anchor the free safety spot, while Bach (Sr.) earned the spring most-improved award and will serve as the starting strong safety. L.B. Cravey (R-Jr.), Anthony Velez and Mike Springer will all look to battle for the starting spot, and at the very least, will add depth.

At corner back, Jacques Bazile (Jr.) returns with the most experience, having started 11 of 12 games last year. The speedy Bazile spent his offseason qualifying for the NCAA Regional Track and Field Championships with the CSU 4x100m relay team. Shawn King (R-So.) and Antwain Harvey (R-Fr.) will also see plenty of time, while the coaching staff is expecting great things from newcomers Kenny Johnson (Fr.), Charles James (R-Fr.), Jordan Fulford (Fr.) Joe Robinson (Jr.) and Joel Chin (Fr.)

CSU will open the season with a 7 p.m. kickoff in Gainesville, Fla., on Sept. 5. The game will be televised by Fox Sports Network.

Position-By-Position Preview Schedule: (Click on the link to be directed to the story)
Offensive Line – Monday, Aug. 10
Defensive Line –  Wednesday, Aug. 12
Quarterbacks – Monday, Aug. 17
Linebackers – Wednesday, Aug. 19
Wide Receivers – Friday, Aug. 21
Defensive Backs – Monday, Aug. 24
Running Backs – Wednesday, Aug. 26
Tight Ends – Friday, Aug. 28
Special Teams – Monday, Aug. 31