July 12, 2006

The following feature on the defensive backfield is the second installment of position by position over the next six weeks on the Wayne State football program.

The defensive backfield will be led by seniors Ryan Oshnock (SS), Derrion Fuqua (CB), Ty Spencer (CB), Jerriel Burrus (FS) and Floyd Ferjuste (FS). Oshnock finished third on the team in 2005 with 61 tackles, while Fuqua had a team-best three interceptions and tied Burrus for team-high honors with six pass break-ups. Burrus made 59 tackles including four for loss plus had four quarterback hurries. Ferjuste contributed 55 tackles.

Sophomores Dante Dunn and Jonathan Klyce were key contributors on special teams while also seeing playing time in the defensive backfield. Providing depth will be junior T. Nigel Hamell, sophomores Steve Wisniewski and Charles Kaiser, redshirt freshman Brent Wisniewski and newcomers Stan Thornton and Kenny Watson at corner and Terrill Akemon and Wendell Thompson at safety.

"All five seniors have had various levels of success in this defense," stated head coach Paul Winters. "Now we expect this position to produce a higher level of play and produce more turnovers and big plays. Jerriel Burrus is one of the most talented players in the league. We want him to be the most productive. Derrion Fuqua, Ryan Oshnock and Floyd Ferjuste are experienced leaders. We need them to create a frenzy with their enthusiasm. Ty Spencer has the talent to be a dominant player. Dante Dunn and Jonathan Klyce have proven to good too sit and will continue their production on special teams. All four freshmen (Stan Thornton, Kenny Watson, Terrill Akemon and Wendell Thompson) have the ability to develop into all-league performers."

Defensive coordinator and backfield coach Kurt Mattix gave us his thoughts on each of his players (alphabetically) for the upcoming campaign:

Terrill Akemon (Fr., FS, Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow) signed with WSU last February. "He is a great athlete and will look to help us this year at one of the safety positions."

Jerriel Burrus (r-Sr., FS, Belleville, Mich./Belleville) has 27 career starts (26 as a DB, 1 at WR). "He is a three-year letterwinner and had a great spring. He looks to be one of the best playmakers on our defense this season. Jerriel is working hard this summer and will see time as a punt returner in 2006 (two career punt returns for a touchdown)."

Dante Dunn (So., CB, Lansing, Mich./Waverly) was WSU's co-Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005. "Dante lettered as a true freshman last year and had a great spring. He will see playing time at corner and also in nickel."

Floyd Ferjuste (r-Sr., FS, Jonesboro, Ga./Cambridge [Mass.] Rindge & Latin) has 19 starts in two years at WSU. "Floyd is a two-year letterwinner at WSU and looks to finish his career playing free safety. He is a tough player who has a knack for being around the ball. He is a great special teams player too."

Derrion Fuqua (Sr., CB, Detroit, Mich./Henry Ford) was WSU's Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2005. "Derrion looks to close out his career at WSU with another great season. He improved as the season went on last year. Derrion is a very physical boundary corner that loves to play the game."

T. Nigel Hamell (r-Jr., SS, Warren, Mich./Fitzgerald) has played in nine career games. "T. Nigel had a good spring and looks to contribute on special teams this season."

Charles Kaiser (r-So., CB, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./Grosse Pointe North) has been in the program for two years. "Charles is looking to contribute on special teams this fall."

Jonathan Klyce (So., CB, Detroit, Mich./Cass Tech) was WSU's co-Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005. "Jonathan lettered as a true freshman last year and will see significant time this season at corner and on special teams."

Ryan Oshnock (r-Sr., SS, Lakeview, Mich./Lakeview) has made 20 consecutive starts. "Ryan is a three-year letterwinner and team captain. He looks to finish a great career at WSU. Ryan is the quarterback of the defense making all the adjustments needed in the backfield."

Ty Spencer (Sr., CB, Detroit, Mich./Martin Luther King) made seven starts in 2005. "Ty is a returning letterwinner that is looking to be a two-year starter at field corner. He is a good cover corner with great technique. He is a leader both on and off the field."

Wendell Thompson (Fr., SS, Flint, Mich./Southwestern Academy) signed with WSU last February. "Wendell is a great athlete that will play safety for us this year. He is a very physical and tough football player. We look forward to seeing him this fall."

Stan Thornton (Fr., CB, Cincinnati, Ohio/Withrow) signed with WSU last February. "Stan is an incoming freshman looking to contribute on special teams and possibly in the two-deep. He is a great athlete who could play wide receiver as well."

Kenny Watson (Fr., CB, Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade-Julienne) signed with WSU last February. "Kenny is an incoming freshman that is a great cover corner on film. He is looking to play field corner. Kenny could also see playing time as a special teams player in the return game."

Brandon Whitfield (Sr., FS, Detroit, Mich./Mumford) had an interception in the spring game. "Brandon had a great spring. He is looking for playing time both at free safety and on all special teams."

Brent Wisniewski (r-Fr., FS, Madison Hts., Mich./Lamphere) was redshirted in 2005. "Brent moved to the defensive backfield in the spring and is looking to contribute at the free safety position."

Steve Wisniewski (So., SS, Madison Hts., Mich./Lamphere) lettered in 2006 as a special teams player. "Steve moved to defense this spring and is looking to contribute at the safety position."