Spring Ball Notebook: Defensive Backs
Projected Spring Showcase Depth Chart
#12 Kaleb Anthony, So, Cornerback, McDonough, GA
#17 Stan Cross, Jr, Cornerback, Nashville, TN
#14 Malcolm Bell, rFr, Defensive Back, Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
#20 Deon McLean Jr., rFr, Safety, Trenton, NJ
The secondary for the Huskies is shaping up to be a unit with tremendous upside. Through spring practice they have proven to be opportunistic in coming up with takeaways, just ask Coach Dalton Hilliard and his new haircut. The secondary is flush with youth, competitiveness, and length.
Jackson Mitchel, the leader of the UConn defense, was asked who has impressed most during spring ball, he was overly impressed with the secondary, especially the sophomore corner from Georgia, “Kaleb missed some time with injury at DB last year, but he’s going to be big for us at corner.” Both the wide receiver groups and defensive backs have been impressive through Spring ball and should be the matchups to watch during the Spring Showcase.
When it comes to Kaleb Anthony, no task seems too big or too small for him to take on. He has been lining up against a variety of different receivers throughout practice, showing versatility in his coverage. The Georgia native appeared in only seven games as a freshman but he looks like he is one of the team’s top cover corners so far. He has shown vast improvement in his game.
Stan Cross was a JUCO transfer from Iowa Central CC. The junior from Nashville filled in for the depleted UConn secondary last year and played admirably when he was thrust into a starting role. Cross seems to have taken that momentum into this season and has been lining up on both sides of the field, which makes him very valuable, whether it be as a starter or a backup.
Malcolm Bell is one of the longer defensive backs on the team and his length has proven disruptive so far through spring ball. Bell has shown up in the notebook with several pass deflections, including ripping a pass out of the hands of Nigel Fitzgerald, one of the standout receivers from the Wide Receiver Notebook. Bell redshirted as a freshman, but now looks poised to be a contributor for the Huskies in 2022.
Deon Mclean Jr. was used sparingly in two games last year, so there was not much of a body of work to go off of. Based on gut instinct, Mclean Jr. can definitely play. The New Jersey native seems to have exceptional athleticism, along with natural instincts, and above-average change of direction skills. It was not a surprise to learn that he was a champion track runner in the 400-meter dash. Don’t sleep on McLean Jr, he could be primed for a safety/slot role on defense.
Keep your eyes on the Kaleb Anthony vs. Keelan Marion if they get matched up during the Spring Showcase. That is a battle that should go down for the ages. Both have shown incredible progress in their respective games coming into their sophomore seasons, and both are leaders for their respective groups. The Showcase should be incredibly fun to watch.
