Injuries have been a problem for the defensive Tigers since fall camp opened, and no one, including Robenson Therezie, is excluded.
Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said at a press conference on Thursday afternoon that Therezie, who was one of the Tigers' key defensive players last year, has been dinged up and is questionable for the start of the season.
"He hasn't had a lot of reps," Johnson said. "We're not sure about our depth there behind Justin Garrett."
Johnson also spoke of the young players, saying the talent is there for them to make an impact this upcoming season, but he has been disappointed with the two scrimmages so far.
"The guys who are fighting for starting jobs or trying to get into that two-deep, we didn't make a lot of progress," Johnson said.
The young players' nagging injuries have also been a spot of frustration for Johnson, as it has kept some young players from getting the reps they need to show the coaches what they can do.
"The nagging injuries have had a two-step forward, one-step back effect," Johnson said.
At the safety position, Johnson said that Rudy Ford has moved ahead of Derrick Moncrief at boundary safety.
When it comes to cornerbacks, Johnson has no doubt who his top two players are.
"The best two corners right now are [Jonathon] Mincy and [Jonathan] Jones," Johnson said.
There is still no clear cut favorite on who will be the third linebacker, though Johnson said freshman Tre' Williams has kept himself in the battle for the position.
"Williams has done enough that I got to keep him battling for the two-deep," Johnson said. "He makes typical freshman mistakes."
Johnson made it clear that if a freshman was good enough to play, he would play.
"I'm not big on redshirting," Johnson said.
On the defensive line, Raashed Kennion "is making progress" and could be used as a third-down pash rusher.
Other injuries for the Tigers include Josh Holsey, who is still dealing with recovery from ACL surgery, and LaDarius Owens, who is fighting an undisclosed infection.
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