University of North Texas Athletics
Photo by: Manny Flores
Position Group Breakdowns: Defensive Backs
4/16/2020 1:00:00 PM | Football
DENTON – The Mean Green secondary will have some fresh faces in key positions in 2020 following the graduation of three starters. The combination of new defensive coordinator and safeties coach Clint Bowen and second-year corners coach Clay Jennings will oversee the defensive backs for the Mean Green We take a deep dive into the secondary in this edition of position group breakdowns.
Bowen weighed in on his philosophy in our defensive line preview earlier this month.
"I am absolutely looking forward to the new look and scheme," Jennings said. "We will have a lot of fresh faces in the back end and this group has a great chance to be very athletic. We will get experience every day because there are only three guys returning with multiple starts.
"I'm looking forward to getting some leadership from Makyle Sanders and Cam Johnson. Going through winter workouts, the chemistry seemed to be mixing pretty well. Keelan Crosby and Jaxon Gibbs are athletic and physical. The redshirt duo of Jevin Murray and Dorian Morris should provide some depth and competition along with the sophomores [DeShawn] Gaddie and [Leandre] Davis. Quinn Whitlock will be bouncing back to make some noise and the addition of Upton Stout this January will provide some depth. The incoming freshman class of Garnett Burke, Jordan Nichols and Tavorice Weaver will provide some depth and competition as well.
"Most of all, I'm excited to see these guys work with Coach Bowen because of his energy and enthusiasm that he brings every day."
Outgoing:
Five members of the Mean Green secondary have graduated, including three starters and another that started several games throughout his career.
Starting corner Nick Harvey, who previously played at South Carolina and Texas A&M, is on his way out following 12 starts for the Mean Green at corner in 2019, his lone season in Denton. Harvey finished with 64 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception, a fumble recovery and seven pass break-ups.
Three-year starter at safety, Khairi Muhammad will no longer be patrolling the secondary, and leaves Denton with 244 career tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, six interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in 51 career appearances (39 starts). Muhammad, a defensive captain in 2019, finished his senior season with 68 total stops, a half tackle for loss, an interception, four pass break-ups and a forced fumble.
Muhammad's partner at safety, Taylor Robinson, has also graduated. Robinson concluded his Mean Green career with 155 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 10 pass break-ups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pair of blocked punts in 48 appearances (22 career starts). As a senior leader, Robinson recorded 63 tackles, an interception, seven pass break-ups and a forced fumble in 2019.
Jameel Moore is the fourth of the five outgoing players to have started a fair amount throughout his North Texas career. Primarily a nickel, Moore made seven career starts in 39 appearances with 71 career tackles, 1.0 for loss and nine pass break-ups. He appeared in all 12 games, starting four in his senior season, posting 35 total stops, five pass break-ups and a tackle for loss during his final season in Denton in 2019.
Dominique Harrison made nine appearances in his only season in Denton, following his transfer from Arizona State. His biggest moment with the Mean Green was when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the win over Middle Tennessee on October 19. Harrison spent the majority of his time on the field as a member of several special teams units, and finished with two tackles and a forced fumble.
New Faces:
There are four new faces with the program, including one who arrived on campus in January and three that will join the program in the fall.
#18 Upton Stout – freshman – Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
Stout arrived on campus in January and was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN, and was a top-150 corner in the country according to the 247Sports Composite ranking system. He helped North Shore High School to back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019. Stout selected the Mean Green after holding offers from Houston, Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico, South Alabama, Utah State and UT San Antonio. A very athletic defensive back, Stout has a chance to provide immediate depth at corner, but has some versatility to potentially play safety as well if need be.
Garnett Burke – freshman – Garland, Texas (Lakeview Centennial HS)
Burke will join the Mean Green ahead of the fall and was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN. The 247Sports Composite ranked him as a top-120 safety nationally. Burke was a three-time first team all-district selection and also showcased his explosiveness as a senior, earning first team punt returner honors. Burke was a multi-sport athlete at Lakeview Centennial High School, also competing in track and field.
Jordan Nichols – freshman – Waco, Texas (Connally HS)
Like Burke, Nichols will join the Mean Green ahead of the fall and was also rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN. 247Sports ranked Nichols as the No. 151 safety in the nation and was a first team all-district selection in 2019 as a senior at Waco Connally High School. He helped lead his team to a district title and the third round of the 4A division II state playoffs. A terrific athlete that measures at 6'1" and 199 pounds, Nichols also lettered in basketball and track and field.
Tavorice Weaver – freshman – Dallas, Texas (Madison HS)
Like Nichols and Burke, Weaver will join the Mean Green ahead of the fall and was also rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN. Weaver was an all-state selection at corner. He transferred to James Madison High School the summer before his senior season and was named first team all-district. He appeared in 21 varsity games for Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas over his sophomore and junior seasons, totaling 52 tackles, five interceptions, 12 pass break-ups and a pair of fumble recoveries. Weaver also lettered in basketball.
Returners:
#11 Cam Johnson – senior – Houston, Texas (John H. Reagan Heights HS)
Johnson is one of the two returning members of the secondary who started in 2019. He occupied one of the corner spots and made 58 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack, four pass break-ups and blocked a kick in 12 appearances, all of which were starts. The senior has made 38 career appearances, recording 92 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack, and six pass break-ups for the Mean Green. Johnson will be counted on as a leader both on and off the field in 2020.
"Honestly, I feel like we all have a great opportunity in front of us as a group to really polish our skills. Yes, the pandemic has limited our time with each other, regarding the mental aspect of things, but this gives us time to focus on the details of our game, which sometimes you don't always get to spend the most time on with your coaches.
"We all have a pretty close relationship with coach Jennings. He's a guy that we can all go to as a group whenever we need something or if something is going on. He's 'sometimes' a funny dude, but some of his jokes are outdated from time to time, but that's the man with the plan.
"As a group, we are pretty close and getting closer while being away from each other right now. We keep in touch through an active group chat.
"Some strengths as a group that we have is that we all have the same mentality that we want to be great. Everyone has a big chip on their shoulder from last year."
#10 Makyle Sanders – senior – Tyler, Texas (Robert E. Lee HS)
Sanders saw a significant increase in his role in 2019, appearing in 10 games, seven of which were starts. Six of those starts came at the nickel, while the other was when he lined up opposite Khairi Muhammad at safety against Rice. Sanders finished with 38 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, an interception, three pass break-ups and a fumble recovery. Sanders now has 60 career tackles to go along with 3.5 tackles for loss, the interception, three pass break-ups and the fumble recovery in his 35 career appearances. Like Johnson, Sanders will be a key component of the secondary as a leader in 2020.
"I'm excited about the group we have. We've been working all offseason and the sky is the limit for us. I'm ready for us to get back on the field to see how all of the work in the weight room has paid off, as well as the mental part of the game. I think we have a chance to be great this season because of the mindset and the work ethic that we have.
"As a leader, I make sure that I come in with the right mindset every day and make sure that the group comes in ready to work. With our group having a lot of young guys, I make sure that I pass my knowledge down in order for them to succeed.
"As a group, I would say we are all pretty close with each other and have a strong bond. I think that will transfer to the field and we'll all be great together. When we go back, everyone knows it's time to get to work and prove the doubters wrong. I'm excited to get back and prove to everyone how special this group is."
#24 Quinn Whitlock – redshirt junior – Pinola, Mississippi (Copiah-Lincoln CC)
Whitlock suffered through an injury-plagued season in 2019, his first in Denton, and will be sporting a new jersey number in 2020, No. 24. Whitlock appeared in just three games last season, posting three tackles, two of which came in the win over UT San Antonio in September. Whitlock arrived following his transfer from Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where he posted 44 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, six pass break-ups and a fumble recovery in his second season in junior college.
#31 Jaxon Gibbs – redshirt sophomore – The Colony, Texas (The Colony HS)
Gibbs made eight appearances and started three games at nickel in 2019, his first extensive playing time aside from his special teams duties in 2018 in one appearance. Gibbs finished last season with 20 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Gibbs provides a solid presence in the secondary and will likely have a good opportunity to continue to expand his role looking forward to 2020.
"I feel like this is an important year for me, not only becoming a starter, but also to come into a leadership role and I am ready for it. Our DB room is a family, and we're able to teach each other and learn from each other, which is very important with the new defensive style that coach Bowen has brought. I also think that with Coach Bowen coming in, it has given us a fresh start that a lot of guys needed on our defense. He is able to connect with us beyond just being our coach – he is family."
#19 Leandre Davis – sophomore – Rosenberg, Texas (Terry HS)
Davis made an impact as a true freshman for the Mean Green in 2019, specifically as a special teamer, appearing in all 12 games and recording three tackles. Davis, who was on the two-deep at safety last season, will have the opportunity to push for more time this coming season. Davis was originally a three-star rated prospect by ESPN and the 247Sports Composite ranking system coming out of Terry High School. He was a three-time 1-5A first team All-District selection from 2015-17 and also competed in track and field as a sprinter and high jumper.
#26 Alex Morris – junior – Humble, Texas (Atascocita HS)
Morris, like Davis, was on the two-deep at safety in 2019, but spent the majority of his time on the field on special teams. He recorded 15 tackles in 12 appearances last season and at 6'1" and 194 pounds brings solid athleticism and some physicality to the safety position. To date, Morris has made 24 career appearances and 18 total tackles. Morris will also be in the mix to compete for the now vacant safety roles within Bowen's defense and new scheme.
"There's one quote from our DB room that stands above anything else: 'Stay ready so you don't have to get ready.' I believe every DB is fighting for something at home or between those lines. We push each other and keep our noses down while we work. Our group can be goofy at times, but I can see us growing as a determined unit. Working with Jaxon Gibbs and Keelan Crosby during these weird times really has helped me connect with the group and those two will be big contributors. We have newcomers that may be a little behind due to [what's going on], but them following the talent in front of them, they could skyrocket into key elements of our defense in the coming years. With that being said, Upton Stout will definitely be a big contributor in the upcoming year and years to come due to his work ethic and skill. Ever since little league, I've seen great skills in him. He's humble and hungry, plain and simple. This position group with the great coaches we have in place could spark something [special]."
#22 Keelan Crosby – redshirt sophomore – Anna, Texas (Anna HS)
Crosby dealt with injuries in 2019 and appeared in only four games, taking a redshirt. He finished with eight tackles across those four appearances and has now made 16 career appearances at North Texas following his 12 appearances as a freshman in 2018. At 6'1" and 177, he provides good height at corner and likely will push for time on the two-deep at the position under Jennings' and Bowen's tutelage.
#17 DeShawn Gaddie – sophomore – Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS)
Gaddie made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2019, playing a big role on special teams and getting some snaps at corner throughout the year. He appeared in all 12 games during his first season on campus, recording three tackles and blocking a punt. Gaddie is another option at corner that provides good height and length, at 6'1" and 177 pounds. He was originally a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals, and was ranked the 101st best corner in the country by 247Sports in the 2019 class. His athleticism was on display in high school as a member of the track and field team, competing as a sprinter and jumper (long jump and high jump). Gaddie will undoubtedly factor into the competition at corner in 2020.
#15 Dorian Morris – redshirt freshman – Mesquite, Texas (Poteet HS)
Morris redshirted in 2019 after appearing in just three games during his first season on campus in Denton. He was originally rated a three-start prospect according to 247Sports, the 247Sports Composite ranking system and Rivals. ESPN also ranked Morris as a top-150 athlete in the country in the 2019 class. As a senior at Mesquite Poteet High School, Morris had seven pass break-ups and an interception in six appearances. Morris, who measures at 5'10" and 167 pounds, has a ton of speed. He was a sprinter in high school and also competed in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays.
#27 Jevin Murray – redshirt freshman – Pearland, Texas (Shadow Creek HS)
Murray redshirted during his first season with the Mean Green, and is listed as a safety, but is versatile enough to also mix in at nickel and corner if need be. Originally rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, the 247Sports Composite ranking system and Rivals. The composite ranked him as the 136th best safety prospect in the country in the class of 2019. As a senior, Murray recorded 30 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, six pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Both he and Morris will be expected to compete and provide depth in the secondary.
#46 Javier Neal – redshirt sophomore – Whitehouse, Texas (Whitehouse HS)
Neal made the first five appearances of his Mean Green career in 2019, primarily on special teams. He did not appear during his first year on campus in 2018.
#16 Jahvon Millard – redshirt sophomore – Atlanta, Georgia (North Springs HS)
Millard, did not appear for the Mean Green in 2019, spending a lot of time working with the scout team. Millard was a two-year starter at North Springs High School in Atlanta, and had 86 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles as a senior.
#13 Preston Buchanan – redshirt sophomore – St. Louis, Missouri (Bridgton Academy)
Buchanan redshirted after not appearing during his first season on campus after walking on to the program. Buchanan worked extensively with the scout team in 2019.
#36 BJ Lewis – redshirt freshman – Melissa, Texas (Melissa HS)
Like Buchanan, Lewis redshirted after not appearing during 2019, his first season in Denton after walking on to the program.
Bowen weighed in on his philosophy in our defensive line preview earlier this month.
"I am absolutely looking forward to the new look and scheme," Jennings said. "We will have a lot of fresh faces in the back end and this group has a great chance to be very athletic. We will get experience every day because there are only three guys returning with multiple starts.
"I'm looking forward to getting some leadership from Makyle Sanders and Cam Johnson. Going through winter workouts, the chemistry seemed to be mixing pretty well. Keelan Crosby and Jaxon Gibbs are athletic and physical. The redshirt duo of Jevin Murray and Dorian Morris should provide some depth and competition along with the sophomores [DeShawn] Gaddie and [Leandre] Davis. Quinn Whitlock will be bouncing back to make some noise and the addition of Upton Stout this January will provide some depth. The incoming freshman class of Garnett Burke, Jordan Nichols and Tavorice Weaver will provide some depth and competition as well.
"Most of all, I'm excited to see these guys work with Coach Bowen because of his energy and enthusiasm that he brings every day."
Outgoing:
Five members of the Mean Green secondary have graduated, including three starters and another that started several games throughout his career.
Starting corner Nick Harvey, who previously played at South Carolina and Texas A&M, is on his way out following 12 starts for the Mean Green at corner in 2019, his lone season in Denton. Harvey finished with 64 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception, a fumble recovery and seven pass break-ups.
Three-year starter at safety, Khairi Muhammad will no longer be patrolling the secondary, and leaves Denton with 244 career tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, six interceptions, 11 pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in 51 career appearances (39 starts). Muhammad, a defensive captain in 2019, finished his senior season with 68 total stops, a half tackle for loss, an interception, four pass break-ups and a forced fumble.
Muhammad's partner at safety, Taylor Robinson, has also graduated. Robinson concluded his Mean Green career with 155 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, 10 pass break-ups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pair of blocked punts in 48 appearances (22 career starts). As a senior leader, Robinson recorded 63 tackles, an interception, seven pass break-ups and a forced fumble in 2019.
Jameel Moore is the fourth of the five outgoing players to have started a fair amount throughout his North Texas career. Primarily a nickel, Moore made seven career starts in 39 appearances with 71 career tackles, 1.0 for loss and nine pass break-ups. He appeared in all 12 games, starting four in his senior season, posting 35 total stops, five pass break-ups and a tackle for loss during his final season in Denton in 2019.
Dominique Harrison made nine appearances in his only season in Denton, following his transfer from Arizona State. His biggest moment with the Mean Green was when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the win over Middle Tennessee on October 19. Harrison spent the majority of his time on the field as a member of several special teams units, and finished with two tackles and a forced fumble.
New Faces:
There are four new faces with the program, including one who arrived on campus in January and three that will join the program in the fall.
#18 Upton Stout – freshman – Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
Stout arrived on campus in January and was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN, and was a top-150 corner in the country according to the 247Sports Composite ranking system. He helped North Shore High School to back-to-back state championships in 2018 and 2019. Stout selected the Mean Green after holding offers from Houston, Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico, South Alabama, Utah State and UT San Antonio. A very athletic defensive back, Stout has a chance to provide immediate depth at corner, but has some versatility to potentially play safety as well if need be.
Garnett Burke – freshman – Garland, Texas (Lakeview Centennial HS)
Burke will join the Mean Green ahead of the fall and was rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN. The 247Sports Composite ranked him as a top-120 safety nationally. Burke was a three-time first team all-district selection and also showcased his explosiveness as a senior, earning first team punt returner honors. Burke was a multi-sport athlete at Lakeview Centennial High School, also competing in track and field.
Jordan Nichols – freshman – Waco, Texas (Connally HS)
Like Burke, Nichols will join the Mean Green ahead of the fall and was also rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN. 247Sports ranked Nichols as the No. 151 safety in the nation and was a first team all-district selection in 2019 as a senior at Waco Connally High School. He helped lead his team to a district title and the third round of the 4A division II state playoffs. A terrific athlete that measures at 6'1" and 199 pounds, Nichols also lettered in basketball and track and field.
Tavorice Weaver – freshman – Dallas, Texas (Madison HS)
Like Nichols and Burke, Weaver will join the Mean Green ahead of the fall and was also rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN. Weaver was an all-state selection at corner. He transferred to James Madison High School the summer before his senior season and was named first team all-district. He appeared in 21 varsity games for Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas over his sophomore and junior seasons, totaling 52 tackles, five interceptions, 12 pass break-ups and a pair of fumble recoveries. Weaver also lettered in basketball.
Returners:
#11 Cam Johnson – senior – Houston, Texas (John H. Reagan Heights HS)
Johnson is one of the two returning members of the secondary who started in 2019. He occupied one of the corner spots and made 58 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack, four pass break-ups and blocked a kick in 12 appearances, all of which were starts. The senior has made 38 career appearances, recording 92 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a half sack, and six pass break-ups for the Mean Green. Johnson will be counted on as a leader both on and off the field in 2020.
"Honestly, I feel like we all have a great opportunity in front of us as a group to really polish our skills. Yes, the pandemic has limited our time with each other, regarding the mental aspect of things, but this gives us time to focus on the details of our game, which sometimes you don't always get to spend the most time on with your coaches.
"We all have a pretty close relationship with coach Jennings. He's a guy that we can all go to as a group whenever we need something or if something is going on. He's 'sometimes' a funny dude, but some of his jokes are outdated from time to time, but that's the man with the plan.
"As a group, we are pretty close and getting closer while being away from each other right now. We keep in touch through an active group chat.
"Some strengths as a group that we have is that we all have the same mentality that we want to be great. Everyone has a big chip on their shoulder from last year."
#10 Makyle Sanders – senior – Tyler, Texas (Robert E. Lee HS)
Sanders saw a significant increase in his role in 2019, appearing in 10 games, seven of which were starts. Six of those starts came at the nickel, while the other was when he lined up opposite Khairi Muhammad at safety against Rice. Sanders finished with 38 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, an interception, three pass break-ups and a fumble recovery. Sanders now has 60 career tackles to go along with 3.5 tackles for loss, the interception, three pass break-ups and the fumble recovery in his 35 career appearances. Like Johnson, Sanders will be a key component of the secondary as a leader in 2020.
"I'm excited about the group we have. We've been working all offseason and the sky is the limit for us. I'm ready for us to get back on the field to see how all of the work in the weight room has paid off, as well as the mental part of the game. I think we have a chance to be great this season because of the mindset and the work ethic that we have.
"As a leader, I make sure that I come in with the right mindset every day and make sure that the group comes in ready to work. With our group having a lot of young guys, I make sure that I pass my knowledge down in order for them to succeed.
"As a group, I would say we are all pretty close with each other and have a strong bond. I think that will transfer to the field and we'll all be great together. When we go back, everyone knows it's time to get to work and prove the doubters wrong. I'm excited to get back and prove to everyone how special this group is."
#24 Quinn Whitlock – redshirt junior – Pinola, Mississippi (Copiah-Lincoln CC)
Whitlock suffered through an injury-plagued season in 2019, his first in Denton, and will be sporting a new jersey number in 2020, No. 24. Whitlock appeared in just three games last season, posting three tackles, two of which came in the win over UT San Antonio in September. Whitlock arrived following his transfer from Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where he posted 44 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, six pass break-ups and a fumble recovery in his second season in junior college.
#31 Jaxon Gibbs – redshirt sophomore – The Colony, Texas (The Colony HS)
Gibbs made eight appearances and started three games at nickel in 2019, his first extensive playing time aside from his special teams duties in 2018 in one appearance. Gibbs finished last season with 20 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Gibbs provides a solid presence in the secondary and will likely have a good opportunity to continue to expand his role looking forward to 2020.
"I feel like this is an important year for me, not only becoming a starter, but also to come into a leadership role and I am ready for it. Our DB room is a family, and we're able to teach each other and learn from each other, which is very important with the new defensive style that coach Bowen has brought. I also think that with Coach Bowen coming in, it has given us a fresh start that a lot of guys needed on our defense. He is able to connect with us beyond just being our coach – he is family."
#19 Leandre Davis – sophomore – Rosenberg, Texas (Terry HS)
Davis made an impact as a true freshman for the Mean Green in 2019, specifically as a special teamer, appearing in all 12 games and recording three tackles. Davis, who was on the two-deep at safety last season, will have the opportunity to push for more time this coming season. Davis was originally a three-star rated prospect by ESPN and the 247Sports Composite ranking system coming out of Terry High School. He was a three-time 1-5A first team All-District selection from 2015-17 and also competed in track and field as a sprinter and high jumper.
#26 Alex Morris – junior – Humble, Texas (Atascocita HS)
Morris, like Davis, was on the two-deep at safety in 2019, but spent the majority of his time on the field on special teams. He recorded 15 tackles in 12 appearances last season and at 6'1" and 194 pounds brings solid athleticism and some physicality to the safety position. To date, Morris has made 24 career appearances and 18 total tackles. Morris will also be in the mix to compete for the now vacant safety roles within Bowen's defense and new scheme.
"There's one quote from our DB room that stands above anything else: 'Stay ready so you don't have to get ready.' I believe every DB is fighting for something at home or between those lines. We push each other and keep our noses down while we work. Our group can be goofy at times, but I can see us growing as a determined unit. Working with Jaxon Gibbs and Keelan Crosby during these weird times really has helped me connect with the group and those two will be big contributors. We have newcomers that may be a little behind due to [what's going on], but them following the talent in front of them, they could skyrocket into key elements of our defense in the coming years. With that being said, Upton Stout will definitely be a big contributor in the upcoming year and years to come due to his work ethic and skill. Ever since little league, I've seen great skills in him. He's humble and hungry, plain and simple. This position group with the great coaches we have in place could spark something [special]."
#22 Keelan Crosby – redshirt sophomore – Anna, Texas (Anna HS)
Crosby dealt with injuries in 2019 and appeared in only four games, taking a redshirt. He finished with eight tackles across those four appearances and has now made 16 career appearances at North Texas following his 12 appearances as a freshman in 2018. At 6'1" and 177, he provides good height at corner and likely will push for time on the two-deep at the position under Jennings' and Bowen's tutelage.
#17 DeShawn Gaddie – sophomore – Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS)
Gaddie made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2019, playing a big role on special teams and getting some snaps at corner throughout the year. He appeared in all 12 games during his first season on campus, recording three tackles and blocking a punt. Gaddie is another option at corner that provides good height and length, at 6'1" and 177 pounds. He was originally a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals, and was ranked the 101st best corner in the country by 247Sports in the 2019 class. His athleticism was on display in high school as a member of the track and field team, competing as a sprinter and jumper (long jump and high jump). Gaddie will undoubtedly factor into the competition at corner in 2020.
#15 Dorian Morris – redshirt freshman – Mesquite, Texas (Poteet HS)
Morris redshirted in 2019 after appearing in just three games during his first season on campus in Denton. He was originally rated a three-start prospect according to 247Sports, the 247Sports Composite ranking system and Rivals. ESPN also ranked Morris as a top-150 athlete in the country in the 2019 class. As a senior at Mesquite Poteet High School, Morris had seven pass break-ups and an interception in six appearances. Morris, who measures at 5'10" and 167 pounds, has a ton of speed. He was a sprinter in high school and also competed in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relays.
#27 Jevin Murray – redshirt freshman – Pearland, Texas (Shadow Creek HS)
Murray redshirted during his first season with the Mean Green, and is listed as a safety, but is versatile enough to also mix in at nickel and corner if need be. Originally rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, the 247Sports Composite ranking system and Rivals. The composite ranked him as the 136th best safety prospect in the country in the class of 2019. As a senior, Murray recorded 30 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, six pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Both he and Morris will be expected to compete and provide depth in the secondary.
#46 Javier Neal – redshirt sophomore – Whitehouse, Texas (Whitehouse HS)
Neal made the first five appearances of his Mean Green career in 2019, primarily on special teams. He did not appear during his first year on campus in 2018.
#16 Jahvon Millard – redshirt sophomore – Atlanta, Georgia (North Springs HS)
Millard, did not appear for the Mean Green in 2019, spending a lot of time working with the scout team. Millard was a two-year starter at North Springs High School in Atlanta, and had 86 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles as a senior.
#13 Preston Buchanan – redshirt sophomore – St. Louis, Missouri (Bridgton Academy)
Buchanan redshirted after not appearing during his first season on campus after walking on to the program. Buchanan worked extensively with the scout team in 2019.
#36 BJ Lewis – redshirt freshman – Melissa, Texas (Melissa HS)
Like Buchanan, Lewis redshirted after not appearing during 2019, his first season in Denton after walking on to the program.
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