*The first installment of a series highlighting position groups on the 2023 Morehead State football team. First up, the defensive backs.
MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Comprised of safeties and cornerbacks, Morehead State returns experienced Eagles in the secondary heading into 2023.
Andrew Strobel, who is entering his third season as defensive coordinator for the Morehead State football team, has taken over coaching duties in the secondary and offered up his thoughts on the group.
"I have been extremely pleased with the defensive backs so far this camp. We return eight guys from the 2022 roster and three more who transferred in last January. We were also able to recruit a couple of transfers that will provide us with experience and much-needed depth," said Strobel.
Two of the main returning Eagles are
Cooper Krezek (Preseason All-PFL) and
Jihad McCall, both starters at the safety position. Krezek was an honorable mention on the All-PFL team in 2022 after leading the team in tackles with 100, blocking three kicks, forcing one fumble, and scoring two touchdowns of his own on a pick-six and a blocked punt return. McCall racked up 27 tackles of his own with an interception, a fumble recovery, and four blocked kicks.
In addition,
Dylan Cook and Matthew McCelland saw action in 2022 and will see an "increased role" in 2023.
Alex Herrera and
Noah Skobis are also back for MSU.
"The cornerback position has a mixture of old and new faces," Strobel said. "We return three contributors from last fall in
Major Dailey,
Kaleb Lyons, and
Luciano Corpora-Ellis. We were able to bring in four transfers that will provide us with experience and depth - Ben Haywood,
Nick Chrest,
Jackson Benjamin, and
Julius German."
The depth and experience at the position will allow some of the new faces to learn as they begin their careers in blue and gold. Other transfers include
Zane Porter, Hayden Peterson, and
Elijah Graham, while a pair of freshman –
Caleb Arthur and
Terrell Henry – are entering their first season at the collegiate level.
"It has been a fun group to coach, and I look forward to watching them perform at a high level this fall."
Morehead State kicks off the season with the home opener vs. West Virginia State on Aug. 31.
