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Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
TigerCam Takes An Early Look At The Football Defense
September 07, 2011 | Football
Senior defensive backs Blake Clemons and Jaiye Falusi join coordinator Jared Backus to share some early thoughts on the Princeton defense.
Last season was a rocky one for the defensive unit, which was torn apart by injuries during the first game of the season and struggled to get any continuity the rest of the way. There were several highlights, including a trio of All-Ivy honorees, but Backus expects much more consistent play this season.
The returns of senior linebacker Steven Cody and junior defensive lineman Caraun Reid are big reasons, as is a fully healthy Mike Catapano, who earned preseason All-America honors on the defensive line. But the development of players like both Clemons and Falusi, the senior leaders in the defensive backfield, and Andrew Starks, a linebacker who ranked fourth in the Ivy League in tackles, will also play a big role.
There are several other players with starting experience, including Dan Fitzsimmons, Tim Kingsbury, Matt Landry and Mandela Sheaffer, who will also be important contributors when the season kicks off Sept. 17 against Lafayette.
Tickets remain available for both the Lehigh game and the entire 2011 Princeton Football season.