As we have touched on several times, cornerback is position that needs to be shored up for the 2016 season.  UND returns several players with experience but nothing seems to be a sure thing with this group.  Which isn’t good when you play in the Big Sky Conference.

Rumors

In our eyes, both corner positions are up for grabs after the first 9 practices.

The contenders:

  1. Incumbent starter Tyus Carter:  the true sophomore out of Denver played OK last season as a true freshman, getting a ton of game reps throughout the year.  He showed flashes of how good he can be.  Thus far in camp he has looked solid but was seen in a jersey at the last practice.  So he may be nicked up again after seriously injuring his shoulder last season.  If healthy Carter will have the inside track on one starting CB spot.
  2. Incumbent starter Deion Harris:  The junior had an up and down sophomore season in 2015.  He notched two interceptions and 12 pass breakups but was fairly inconsistent throughout the season.  Harris needs to stay healthy as he already was hurt early in camp.  That doesn’t help with consistency.  He has the size (6’3″) to be a playmaker back there but needs to take that next step both mentally and physically.
  3. True Freshman Torrey Hunt:  We touched on Hunt earlier in the fall with our Need To Succeed series.  Thus far in camp Hunt has played as advertised.  Good athlete, good size and speed but needs more and more reps.  Still learning the techniques and plays a bit loose at times.  Which happens when your 18.
  4. Junior Chris Carter:  Carter has been a backup most of his time at UND.  He gives maximum effort and is a hard working kid.  We don’t think he will start but will once again be a backup and play on special teams.
  5. Sophomore Garrett Bollant:   After putting up excellent testing numbers this spring, Bollant has had himself a nice fall camp so far.  Might even go as far as to call him a “surprise of camp”.  Just the other day he had a nice interception during one-on-one drills where he used solid technique to box-out the WR and go up and get the ball.  If he keeps it up he could make his way onto special teams, at least to begin with.
  6. True Freshman Evan Holm:  Much like Bollant, Holm has been a surprise of fall camp.  He was taught well during his time at Edina High School as he shows excellent technique and instincts.  Very fluid hips and good speed, has been solid in one-on-ones vs. rookies and veterans alike.   Holm won’t start but he will be playing this fall.  Check that:  Holm won’t start at Stony Brook – after that all bets are off.

Until Tyus Carter and Deion Harris show they are the starters, both jobs are WIDE open.  UND some how, some way, needs to find two corners they can rely on.

The CB position seems to be snake bit by injuries and inconsistency the past two years.  Alex Tillman was the only consistent player they have had and he was a graduate transfer senior.  Maybe we need to wait for all the youth to grow up, who knows.

The rub is UND doesn’t have time for them to grow up and there is once again a “position battle” at cornerback.

My opinion:  Right now your starters are Jr. Deion Harris and Fr. Torrey Hunt.  Carter being in street clothes scares me.  Your wildcard to start:  Evan Holm (yet another true freshman).

(Credit to Matt Schill of UND Media for the feature image).