Fresno State Athletics
2022 Position Spotlight: Nickelbacks
8/17/2022 1:33:00 PM | Football
NICKELBACKS OUTLOOKÂ
Fresno State defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle replaced the "husky" position from last season with the nickelbacks, but the group itself didn't see much change with four of its five players returning this season.
Jim Nelson, who was a defensive quality control coach for the Bulldogs the past two seasons, has taken over as the nickels' coach. He has had coaching stops at Indiana (2017-19), North Carolina State (2016), South Florida (2015), Central Missouri (2013-14) and Montana State (2012), but this is his first time as a full-time on-field assistant.
Who's back: Justin Houston started 11 of the Bulldogs' 13 games at the Husky position last season. He racked up 37 tackles (23 solo), and made one of the plays of the year in the Bulldogs' 32-30 victory over Nevada, forcing Wolf Pack wideout Romeo Doubs out of bounds on a score-tying two-point conversion attempt with no time on the clock.
Sophomore Emari Pait made an immediate impact in his first season with Fresno State, playing in all 13 games as a true freshman. He recorded 26 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss and four broken up passes. Fresno State also has some experienced depth in Rian Fields, who saw action in nine games last season with one start.Â
Morice Norris joins the group this season after playing as a true defensive back a year ago, but utilizing a redshirt season. The Sanger High grad has the cover skills and, at 5'11" and 200 pounds, the ability to play in the box and make an impact at the position.
What to watch for in 2022: How the nickelback position fits into the new defensive scheme.Â
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