By Stephen Cooney

Tate takes on role of utility defensive back…

“Tate doesn’t start for us, but he might be the best defensive back we have.” Defensive Backs Coach Lyle Hemphill said. “He plays both Cornerback and Safety. We can line him up anywhere.”

The only reason senior defensive back Stephen Tate does not start is because he plays both cornerback and safety Hemphill explained. “He actually plays more snaps then anyone else in the secondary. He is always in giving someone a blow.”

Even though safety and cornerback are both positions in the secondary they are not similar by any means. Corners focus mainly on coverage while Safeties must know the entire scope of the defense. Safeties have to be able to assist in the run game while understanding the scheme and pass coverage while corners must be able to match up and shut down wide receivers in the secondary.

It takes a special player with a high football IQ and dedication to play both of these positions not only in the same season but in the same game. Tate is a special player with the dedication to make playing both positions work. On the team’s off day in the recreation center training.

“I am in the gym because I want to get better.” Tate said. “There is never a day off. Football is 365 days a year. When you sleep someone else is working, you have to get it in anyway.”

Not only does Tate spend his off day in the gym he also spends more of his free time watching film. “He puts a lot of time in.” Hemphill said. “He leaves here every Sunday with two tapes and I know he is sitting in his room watching film. I know because I ask him questions and he knows the answers.”

“I watch a lot of film.” Tate said about his intense preparation. “My approach is I attack film, getting to know your opponent. You’re reading a guy all game. A certain tip will get you an interception. You have to know what they are going to do.”

Even Tate pointed out the intricate differences of safety and cornerback in his film study. “Safety you have to see things in a broader perspective. That is safety mentality. See things on a broad concept.” Tate said. “Corner you are reading tendencies and demeanor. Does he take plays off, is he aggressive is he passive.”

Along with film Tate placed a heavy emphasis on the sometimes overlooked facet of conditioning. “You cannot get tired out there.” Tate said. “Football is all about conditioning. Gotta be in shape to play this game, the great ones are. If you are tired you are sloppy. If you are in shape everything else just falls into place.”

Tate also explained that he has no preference in his position in the secondary. “I like corner. I like being out on an island. It is a challenge I like accepting challenges.” Tate said. “Safety, I like being involved. I get involved in the run game.”

Tate has taken to his new roll as a corner though this season. “You have the opportunity to take someone out of the game.” Tate said. “I enjoy shutting people down and telling them they can not do anything.”

Tate also explains the nature of playing Cornerback. “It is a very competitive position.” Tate said. “You have to be on your P’s and Q’s you can be humbled just like that; you can’t sleep. It is the only position where you can make ten tackles, an interception, or everything else and let up one touchdown that changes the game and it is a terrible game.”

Tate’s dedication and his football intelligence allow him to play at high level at both the safety and cornerback position. “He has a very good understanding of the game of football.” Hemphill said. “He hasn’t complained once. He just wants to win.”

“I don’t really mind.” Tate said. “I am playing football and I am healthy.”

…while Darby is the Pride’s stalwart safety

When walking across a tightrope there are many things you would want to be sure of before you started. The poles must be set in place, the distance marked off, the rope must be secured but more importantly the safety net must be set in place. It needs to be strong, capable and able to cover all areas in case of a mishap with the rest of the apparatus. The safety net is a vital piece of the equation in order to make sure the tightrope walker does not fall to their death if a single piece of the equation falters.

Picture a football field as a tight rope the goal lines marking off the distance and the defense of a football team as the tightrope walker and the safety of the defense as the security net. The safety must be able to cover the pass, stop the run and on occasion save the defense or the team from total disaster. The safety is the last gasp at success if a play breaks lose just as the safety net is a life saving piece of equipment for a falling tightrope walker.

The Pride have their safety net in senior Safety David Darby. Darby plays both strong safety and free safety for the pride and has the ability to cover the deep pass and also play inside the box to stop the run. Darby is 5th on the team in tackles with 45 total and second on the team in interceptions with three. Darby is a versatile player and an asset to the pride defense.

“Darby has the ability to be a middle third type of guy,” Defensive Backs Coach Lyle Hemphill said. “But we also put him in the box and he lines up next to linebackers, he is very versatile.”

Not only does Darby have the ability to play in pass coverage and be a threat against the run he is an extremely physical player in both aspects of the game. “Usually I like to play physical regardless if it is in coverage or against the run.” Darby said.

“He is just a really good physical defensive back.” Hemphill said. “He is a good tackler, smart, just a very good instinctual football player.”

Darby’s physicality and his instincts are what separate him from many other safeties but his ability to play both the pass and the run, were described as his biggest asset by Hemphill. “We put him at the point of the attack. Not many teams have a safety like him, that can do both so well.” Hemphill said. “We can put him in the box and he fits in. We can put him in the two deep and he fits in. He allows us to be very multiple on defense.”

When asked about his attributes Darby credited his instincts, his desire and the work that he has put into football but his physical nature shines through his play and his attitude.

“I like to get up in the box.” Darby said. “I like to come down, fight off blockers and make tackles. I like to make the big hit.”

When asked what was more important an interception or a big hit he said, “I would say an interception because it changes up the momentum, but just for that.” even further showing off his physical nature.

As the Prides safety net Darby still brings physicality to the cover all position of the defense. Darby is able to play inside the box like a linebacker and also drop back into deep coverage and make big plays on the ball. Darby’s safety net is made of versatility and toughness but the toughness allows him to impact the game.

“I was always told when I was younger if you couldn’t do anything just make your presence felt.” Darby said. His toughness and physicality make his presence felt.

“Darby is physical, one of the most physical players I have been around.” Senior Defensive Back Stephen Tate said. “He is very tough.”