TOLEDO, Ohio – A season-ending injury to junior cornerback Justin Clark in 2019 was a blow to Toledo's depth in the secondary, but it also had a silver lining.
Chris McDonald, a true freshman, was thrust into the starting lineup and acclimated himself well, playing in all 12 games and breaking up 10 passes. Now McDonald is part of a secondary that features four returning starters, three of them at cornerback.
Clark, McDonald and senior Samuel Womack will all be vying for playing time at cornerback. Womack finished second in the nation with 15 pass breakups and added two interceptions in 2019. Clark had an interception and four breakups as a starter in 2018 and will look to return to form in 2020.
"He looks good, it's good to have him back," head coach Jason Candle said of Clark. "He's played a lot of football for us in big moments. He's a smart, savvy guy who understands our defensive schemes very well. He took the time while he was injured to really learn football and improve from a mental standpoint."
Sophomore Jalynn Williams and freshman Quinyon Mitchell should both see time at corner this season as well. Williams saw action in all 12 games last year and tallied 33 tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss. Redshirt freshman Mike Coleman and junior Noah Hamlin, a transfer from Cincinnati, will provide depth for the Rockets.
Toledo is strong at safety, as well, with senior Tycen Anderson leading the way. Anderson was second on the team with 84 tackles and broke up five passes at strong safety in 2019. The Toledo native has played in all 39 games during his career as a Rocket and will be one of the leaders of the defense in 2020.
"Tycen is the type of guy who can naturally captivate a room because he is such a good kid," Candle said. "He means a lot to our team, he means a lot to our defense, and I am thankful to have him in our football program."
Junior Saeed Holt started in all 12 games at safety in 2019, making 74 tackles and leading the team with 11.0 tackles for loss.
Sophomore Nate Bauer returns as well after notching 38 tackles and three TFL last year. Sophomore Zachary Ford will be in the mix for playing time; he recorded 32 tackles and two interceptions in 2018 but missed nearly all of last year due to injury. Junior DeAmonte King, sophomore Caleb Sutherland, and junior Troy Simon should all see the field at safety this season. Candle said he is also keepng an eye on freshman Maxen Hook.
