UB Football Two a Days Previews: Defensive Backs

Featuring UB’s most likely draft pick in the 2017 draft, the defensive backfield returns one of the top corners in the MAC and one of the top up-and-comers at the position as well. The safety group features a nice blend of returnees and JUCO talent that will hopefully give UB’s opposing QBs fits.

Projected Starters

CB -Boise Ross, Sr., 6-0, 195 - Arguably the most talented player on the UB roster, Ross will be UB’s lockdown corner yet again. Last season, Ross had his first full season at defensive back after being moved there from wide receiver the year prior and Ross thrived. Ross was 5th in the nation in passes defensed and set a new school record for passes broken up in a season. At one point in the season Ross actually led the nation in passes broken up. He only had 2 interceptions last season and that number may not increase if opposing offenses choose not to throw his way. Ross was also named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List for the nation’s top defensive back. Look for Ross to compete for a spot on the first team All-MAC squad and be a potential NFL Draft pick next season.

CB - Cam Lewis, So., 5-11, 188 - With the departure of Marqus Baker, Lewis will look to improve on a stellar true freshman season in a starting role. Lewis is a speedy corner that has the ability to keep up with any opposing receiver and take any interception back to the house. Lewis had the most tackles for all UB freshmen with 29 tackles and his lone interception he took for a touchdown. Lewis has the ability to be an All-MAC performer and will see plenty of action with opposing offenses looking to avoid throwing towards Boise Ross.

S - Ryan Williamson, Jr., 6-0, 200 - Williamson has played in every game since his freshman year and will look to take another step forward in his development this season. Last year, Williamson notched 83 tackles and two interceptions and was a key contributor in an overall underwhelming safety group. Look for Williamson to have the starting strong safety job and be a key cog in the defensive backfield.

S - Tim Roberts, 6-1, 205 - Roberts is a JUCO transfer from Fullerton College, and he (and his Troy Polamalu hair) will be looking to make an instant impact in the defensive backfield. Roberts is a ballhawk and totaled 3 interceptions in one game for Fullerton, setting a program record. Roberts was named the starter for the season opener against Albany.

Key Reserves/Names to Watch

Brandon Williams, So., 5-11, 185 - Williams is a former reserve and special teams player that will likely serve as the team’s nickel corner in obvious passing situations. Williams has limited stats on defense but brings good speed and will be able to keep pace with opposing slot receivers.

Tatum Slack, So., 5-9, 195 - Slack is a California native that transferred to UB from Upland College where he collected an interception and 3 pass break ups during his lone season there. Slack will be competing for time on the second team behind Lewis and Ross.

Jeremiah Dadeboe, R-Fr., 6-1, 198 - Dadeboe is the younger brother of safety Andrews Dadeboe and is a former 3-star recruit. He brings excellent size and athleticism to the position, being a former volleyball player he has the vertical leap to reach the ball at its highest point before the receiver can get to it. Dadeboe will be in competition for one of the backup roles.

Cameron Skipworth, R-Fr., 5-11, 180 - Skipworth is another redshirt freshman that will be competing for time on the 2nd team in the rotation.

Craig Hardgers, Jr., 5-9, 185 - Hardgers is a transfer from HVCC and was converted to the defensive backfield from the wide receiver position. Hardgers will likely serve as depth and a special teams presence this season.

Ousmane Camara, Jr., 6-1, 192 - Camara is a walk on that will provide depth.

Andrews Dadeboe, Jr., 6-0, 207 - Dadeboe was last year’s starter at one of the safety spots alongside Ryan Williamson. Dadeboe tied for the team lead in interceptions with 2 last season and has the athleticism to defend the pass well. Dadeboe will be competing with Dev Lamour and Tim Roberts for the second starting spot at safety.

Dev Lamour, Jr., 6-2, 200 - Lamour is an interesting prospect that is coming off of his redshirt season and has impressed throughout camp. Lamour played his prep ball in Canada and brings length and speed to the safety position and was presumed to have the starting gig but was injured late in camp.

Will Rembert, Sr., 6-1, 205 - Rembert is a redshirt senior that hasn’t seen a ton of playing time over the course of his career and will be a reserve this season.

Incoming Freshmen

Tyrone Hill, Fr., 6-1, 195 - Coming from one of the top prep programs in the Northeast, Hill will make an impact when he reaches the field. With the size and ability to play safety and corner, Hill will eventually be an important chess piece for Brian Borland to use. Hill is a former 3-star recruit and had offers from several Power-5 programs. Hill may redshirt this season but there is a chance that he could break into the regular rotation.

Roy Baker, Fr., 6-2, 175 - A lanky corner from South Florida, Baker will give the UB defensive backfield much needed length. Baker will likely redshirt this season.