CORNERBACK
2022 Players not returning: Andre Grayson (Graduation), Jamie Nance (Transfer Portal), Jaden Smith (Transfer Portal)
2023 post-spring ball attrition: Ty Barnett (Transfer Portal), AJ Carter (Transferred to Baylor), Ron Fuselier (Transfer Portal), Malone Matele (Transfer Portal), Dom Tatum (Transferred to Washington State)
Returning Players: Mike Anyanwu, JD Drew, Xavion Steele, Anthony Switzer
New Faces in 2023:
Al Ashford 6’1″ 170 (247 3*) – University of Wisconsin – (3 years to play 3)
2022 (RsFr.) Stats: Saw action in 4 games without recording stats. Missed the rest of the season with an injury.
2021 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at the University of Wisconsin
Offers from: Kent St, Northern Colorado
Original Offers from: Arizona, Army, boise st, Colgate, Colorado, Colorado St, Connecticut, Eastern Michigan, Idaho, Kansas, Kansas St, Lehigh, Nevada, Oregon St, South Dakota, UNLV, Washington St, Wyoming
Primary Recruiter: Mitch White
https://247sports.com/player/al-ashford-iii-46101154/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/7143192/Al-Ashford-III
Gabriel Bryan 6’0″ 190 (NR) – Navarro JC, TX – (2 years to play 2)
2022 (So.) Stats: 8 tackles 2 INTS 2 pass breakups
2021 (RsFr.) Stats: 33 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 1 INT 6 pass breakups
2020 (RsFr.) Stats: 9 tackles 0.5 tackles for loss 2 pass breakups 1 fumble recovery
2019 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Wagner College
Offers from: Akron, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Jacksonville St, Maine, Murray St, Rhode Island, Towson St
Primary Recruiter: Mitch White
https://navarrobulldogs.com/sports/fball/2022-23/bios/bryan_gabriel
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17824773/Gabriel-Bryan
Chase Davis 6’2″ 185 (247 3*) – Little Elm HS, TX
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 2 INTs
2021 (Jr.) Stats: Stats Unavailable
2020 (So.) Stats: Stats Unavailable
Offers from: Arizona St, Central Arkansas, Colorado, Grambling St, Houston Christian, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, New Mexico St, Northern Arizona, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston St, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas St
Primary Recruiter: Ephraim Banda
https://247sports.com/Player/Chase-Davis-46130406/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/15283198/Chase-Davis
Noah Flores 5’10” 175 (NR) – Alta HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 28 tackles 9 INTs 9 pass breakups 1 fumble recovery; 55 receptions 1,121 yards 12 TDs
2021 (Jr.) Stats: 25 tackles 3 INTs 10 pass breakups 1 fumble recovery 1 TD; 31 receptions 631 yards 7 TDs
Offers from: Black Hills St, Montana Tech, Snow JC, Southern Utah
Primary Recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9774539/Noah-Flores
Jaiden Franois 6’0″ 190 (247 4*) – University of Central Florida – (3 years to play 3)
2022 (So.) Stats: Played in 4 games and redshirted at Central Florida
2021 (Fr.) Stats: Played in 9 games; 2 tackles
2020 (Fr.) Stats: Did not see any action at Central Florida
Original offers from: Alabama-Birmingham, Auburn, Central Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Florida A&M, Florida St, Georgia, Indiana, Miami (FL), Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio St, Oregon, Penn St, Syracuse
Primary Recruiter: Mitch White, Ethan Morriss
https://247sports.com/Player/Jaiden-Francois-46037035/high-school-187237/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/10207438/jaiden-francois
Jaylen Martin 6’2″ 190 (247 3*) – East Los Angeles CC, CA – (2 years to play 2)
2022 (So.) Stats: 40 tackles 2.5 tackles-for-loss 4 INTs 9 pass breakups 1 forced fumble 1 fumble recovery 1 blocked kick
2021 (RsFr.) Stats: Did not see action with California
2020 (RsFr.) Stats: Did not see action with California
2019 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at the University of California; Played in 2 games recording 2 tackles
Offers from: Colorado St
Original Offers from: Boston College, byu, California, Colorado, Colorado St, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego St, utah, Utah State, Washington St
Primary Recruiter: LaMarcus Hicks, Monay Swafford, Nick Paremski
https://247sports.com/player/jaylen-martin-46047872/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9998248/Jaylen-Martin
Ja’Kheo Mitchell 5’11″ 175 (NR) – Dixie HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2021 (Sr.) Stats: 18 tackles 3.0 tackles-for-loss 1.0 sacks 6 INTs 11 pass breakups; 37 receptions 637 yards 10 TDs; 4 carries 46 yards
2020 (Jr.) Stats: Missed the season with an injury
2019 (So.) Stats: 1 reception 3 yards; 1 carry 4 yards; 1 tackle
Preferred Walk-on Offers from: byu
Primary Recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://www.hudl.com/profile/16777641/Ja-Kheo-Mitchell
Eric Zambrano 6’1″ 208 (247 3*) – Montana State University – (2 years to play 2)
2022 (Jr.) Stats: Redshirted while in the transfer portal
2021 (So.) Stats: 26 tackles 1 INT 9 pass breakups
2019 (Fr.) Stats: 10 tackles 1 pass breakup
Offers from: None
Primary Recruiter: Mitch White
https://247sports.com/player/46076712/
https://www.hudl.com/profile/11533371/Eric-Zambrano
2023 OUTLOOK
Regarding the NCAA-mandated eligibility freeze from the 2020 season, I’ve learned the player’s eligibility will continue to accrue. Once the player reaches his 4th or 5th season, depending on if the player uses a redshirt season, the player will have the option to return to school for a 5th or 6th season and continue playing one more season. The player will then move from being listed as a senior (Sr.) to a graduate senior (Gr-Sr.)
LEFT
MIKE ANYANWU
I expect graduate senior Mike Anyanwu to reprise his role as a starter at one of the cornerback spots. As a senior in 2022, Anyanwu played in 11 games with 10 starts and picked up 47 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, and 11 pass breakups. As a junior in 2021, he played in all 14 games with 10 starts and racked up 44 tackles, 1.0 tackles-for-loss, 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. As a sophomore in 2020, he played 6 games with 1 start and recorded 3 tackles. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he saw action in 5 games and made 1 tackle. He was forced to redshirt the 2018 season after suffering an injury in fall camp that caused him to miss the entire season. Anyanwu is a very athletic football player that possesses good feet and which allows him to play well in coverage. He has solid lower body strength and agility that allows him to get in and out of breaks quickly. He plays a very physical brand of football. He is quick and athletic enough to recover on plays nicely and has developed into a very solid cover corner.
JAYLEN MARTIN
Junior college transfer junior Jaylen Martin joined the Aggies for summer workouts and is expected to compete for a major role this season. Martin chose the Aggies over an offer from Colorado State. Martin began his collegiate career at the University of California, where he spent three seasons before transferring to East Los Angeles Community College (CA). Martin has 2 years of eligibility remaining. As a sophomore at East Los Angeles Community College in 2022, Martin rolled up 40 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 4 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked kick. As a covid redshirt freshman in 2021, he did not see action at the University of California. As a redshirt freshman in 2020, he once again did not see action at California. As a true freshman in 2019, he saw action in 2 games, while maintaining his redshirt status and recorded 2 tackles. Martin does a great job matching the speed of opposing wide receivers on the sidelines. He is almost always in a position to get his hands on the ball and make things difficult. Martin is extremely skilled at coming down with interceptions, so opposing quarterbacks should think twice about throwing in his direction. He can also be a weapon on special teams units, his aggressive nature has led to a number of punt blocks over his young career.
CHASE DAVIS
One of the more highly touted players of this year’s recruiting class is true freshman Chase Davis. Davis chose the Aggies over offers from Arizona State, Central Arkansas, Colorado, Grambling State, Houston Christian, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, New Mexico State, Northern Arizona, Prairie View A&M, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, Texas A&M Commerce, and Texas State. During an injury-shortened senior season at Little Elm High (TX) in 2022, Davis recorded 2 interceptions in 3 games. Davis has a long frame and his height allows him to neutralize the size of receivers. That size and length will give him an edge on jump balls. With his size and speed combination, he is versatile enough to play safety, corner, or in the nickel. He has great instincts on the field and has a knack for coming up with the football. He is one of the most talented recruits in this entire class and could see the field this season.
GABRIEL BRYAN
Entering fall camp looking to make a move up the depth chart will be junior college transfer junior Gabriel Bryan. Bryan originally began his collegiate career spending three seasons at Wagner College but will join the Aggies after spending last season at Navarro Community College (TX). He will have 2 years of eligibility remaining. Bryan chose the Aggies over offers from Akron, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Michigan, Jacksonville State, Maine, Murray State, Rhode Island, and Towson State. As a sophomore at Navarro Community College in 2022, Bryan recorded 8 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 pass breakups. As a covid redshirt freshman in 2021, he totaled 33 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, 1 interception, and 6 pass breakups. As a redshirt freshman in 2020, he was credited with 9 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery. As a true freshman in 2019, he spent the season as a redshirt at Wagner College. Bryan was a two-way player in high school but has been a defensive back in college. He is dynamic no matter where he lines up and has the speed and ball skills to excel at cornerback. He reacts quickly once the ball is snapped and thanks to his time at wide receiver he is able to stay with opposing players easily. He is a physical defensive back and he gives max effort every play. He will bring a lot of athleticism to the table.
NOAH FLORES
Adding depth to the position is preferred walk-on true freshman Noah Flores. Flores chose to join the Aggies over offers from Black Hills State, Montana Tech, Snow Junior College, and Southern Utah. As a senior at Alta High (UT) in 2022, Flores totaled 28 tackles, 9 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery. As a junior in 2021, he logged 25 tackles, 3 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery, and a touchdown. Flores is not only a defensive back but he was a very accomplished wide receiver as well. He excels at watching the eyes of an opposing quarterback and baiting him into throwing the ball his way, he then speeds up and snatches the ball out of the air. He is a tough player that isn’t afraid to mix it up with larger players. When the opportunity arises he is a sound tackler, making sure that he gets low enough to make the play and wrapping up well.
RIGHT
JD DREW
Redshirt freshman JD Drew is going to get the first crack at the top spot on the depth chart. As a true freshman in 2022, Drew saw action in 4 games while maintaining his redshirt status and was credited with 4 tackles. As a senior at Booker T. Washington High (OK) in 2021, Drew rolled up 30 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. As a junior in 2020, he recorded 13 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. As a sophomore in 2019, he was credited with 2 tackles and 1 blocked punt. Drew has long strides for someone his size and impressive speed. The speed he possesses stands out in the open field. He is a fluid athlete that has made a seamless transition from high school to college. He plays tight coverage and his athleticism allows him to make plays on the ball in nearly every situation. He is also a sound tackler when the opportunity arises and puts his entire body into his hits. He has great size and long arms for the cornerback position.
XAVION STEELE
Graduate senior Xavion Steele is going to be counted on to be a major contributor this season. As a redshirt senior in 2022, Steele saw action in all 13 games and recorded 9 tackles and 2 pass breakups. As a senior in 2021, he saw action in 4 games being credited with 1 tackle before an injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season and receive a medical redshirt. As a junior in 2020, he played in all 6 games, starting in 1, and logged 2 tackles. As a junior college transfer, he joined the Aggies in time for the 2020 winter semester. As a sophomore in 2019, at Fullerton Community College (CA), Steele racked up 59 tackles, 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 15 pass breakups. For his efforts, he was named Junior College Defensive Back of the Year by Gridironrr.com. As a true freshman in 2018, he tallied 48 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, 4 interceptions, returning 2 for touchdowns, 7 pass breakups, and 1 blocked kick. Steele is a natural ball-hawk and possesses blazing speed as he sprints down the field after an interception. He can make up for a misstep or mistake by closing on the ball well. His speed allows him to get into a position to make a play and his ability to track the ball in the air helps him make good use of it. He is a very physical player for his position and likes to prove it by hitting opposing players with a solid amount of force.
AL ASHFORD
Transfer sophomore Al Ashford expects to compete for playing time immediately. Ashford chose the Aggies over offers from Kent State, and Northern Colorado. Ashford began his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin and he will have 3 years of eligibility remaining. As a redshirt freshman at Wisconsin in 2022, Ashford saw action in 4 games but did not record any stats. He then missed the remainder of the season with an injury. As a true freshman in 2021, he spent the season as a redshirt. Ashford has a high upside frame with length and room to add muscle mass. He is tough in coverage, particularly in bump responsibilities. He is competitive near the line of scrimmage and comfortable in one-on-one scenarios. He rarely gets caught flat-footed and is very quick to react to plays in front of him. He has good ball skills and can go up vertically in matchups against bigger wideouts. He has decent straight-line speed and can stick to speedier receivers. He is a willing run defender, with the ability to stay low and trip up ball carriers with solid technique.
ERIC ZAMBRANO
Fighting to make a move up the depth chart is preferred walk-on transfer redshirt junior Eric Zambrano. Zambrano began his collegiate career at Montana State University and he will have 2 years of eligibility remaining. As a junior at Montana State in 2022, Zambrano sat out the season as a redshirt following entering the transfer portal. As a sophomore in 2021, he played in 15 games with 14 starts while picking up 26 tackles, 1 interception, and 9 pass breakups. As a true freshman in 2019, he saw action in all 14 games and logged 10 tackles and 1 pass breakup. Zambrano is a big-bodied, physical dude. He is very versatile and can play anywhere in the secondary. His impact may not always be seen on a stat sheet because passes don’t get thrown his way. His size allows him to be a very competitive player once the ball is in the air. He has great feet and is disciplined when it comes to knowing his assignments.
JA’KHEO MITCHELL
Adding depth to the position is true freshman preferred walk-on Ja’Kheo Mitchell. As a senior at Dixie High (UT) in 2021, Mitchell totaled 18 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. As a junior in 2020, he missed the season due to an injury. As a sophomore in 2019, he was credited with 1 tackle. Mitchell is an athlete in every sense of the word. I have him pegged as a cornerback because of his outstanding size and ability at the position, however, he could potentially land on the offensive side of the ball at wide receiver. He is exceptional at using his height to high-point the football. He tracks the ball well once it is in the air. He has shifty feet that will help him quickly change direction. He can be a physical presence when necessary.
NICKEL
ANTHONY SWITZER
Redshirt junior Anthony Switzer is back, healthy, and is looking to make up for lost time by beating up on the Aggies 2023 opponents. As a junior in 2022, Switzer suffered a knee injury during the spring game and was forced to redshirt and miss the entire season. Switzer joined the Aggies in time for spring ball last season after beginning his collegiate career at Arkansas State University. As a junior at Arkansas State in 2021, Switzer saw action in 8 games and totaled 38 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble. As a sophomore in 2019, he tallied 30 tackles, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. As a true freshman in 2019, he recorded 23 tackles. Switzer is a prototypical striker. He is a player who can roam all over the field to make plays. He is a violent tackler who is equally skilled in defending the run and the pass. He can cover opposing offensive players from the slot, tight end, or out of the backfield. He is a player with a high football IQ who uses that to diagnose a play early and then uses his athleticism to make a big hit. His versatility will be a big plus for the Aggies as it will allow him to be used in several different roles.
JAIDEN FRANCOIS
Sophomore transfer Jaiden Francois is the latest addition to the roster and will be fighting to make an impression once fall camp begins. While initially signing with the University of Nebraska out of high school, Francois enrolled early and spent just 6 months in Lincoln before entering the transfer portal and landing at the University of Central Florida. Francois has 3 years of eligibility remaining. As a sophomore at Central Florida om 2022, Francois saw action in 4 games while maintaining his redshirt status but did not record any stats. As a covid true freshman in 2021, he played in 9 games and recorded 2 tackles. As a true freshman in 2020, he did not see any action at Central Florida. Francois has a reputation for being a hard-hitting defensive back. His outstanding instincts allow him to always be in a position to make plays. That is a trait you either have or you don’t. His knack for reading a quarterback allows him to break on the ball, and force a turnover. He has been known to show off his tremendous ball skills by ripping away a reception for an interception.
PROJECTED 2023 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
CORNERBACK
LEFT
22 Mike Anyanwu (5-9, 180, Gr-Sr., 4L, 2*)
21 Jaylen Martin (6-2, 175, Jr., JC, 3*)
19 Chase Davis (6-3, 180, Fr., HS, 3*)
00 Gabriel Bryan (6-0, 190, Jr., JC, NR)
25 Noah Flores (5-10, 170, Fr., HS, NR)
RIGHT
18 JD Drew (6-0, 165, Fr., RS, 3*)
7 Xavion Steele (5-9, 180, Gr-Sr., 2L, 3*)
13 Al Ashford (6-0, 180, So., TR, 3*)
00 Eric Zambrano (6-1, 208, Jr., TR, 3*)
23 Ja’Kheo Mitchell (5-11, 175, Fr., HS, NR)
NICKEL
1 Anthony Switzer (6-0, 210, RsJr., RS, 3*)
00 Jaiden Francois (6-0, 190, So., TR, 4*)