Position Profile: Secondary

Wofford's secondary is packed full of depth and untapped talent. While only two starters are returning, there's three redshirt freshmen and a pair of true freshmen who, along with the returning players, would like to make a difference on the other side of the line of scrimmage for the Terriers this season.

Here's the preliminary depth chart for the secondary:

CB	Bernard Williams Josh Grimes
	Brion Anderson Chris Armfield
SS	Cole Higbie Zack Cole
FS	Jaleel Green Philemon Permis

Bernard Williams, shown here
intercepting a pass in spring
practice, ranked second
among returning players
in tackles last season.
Alex Hicks/
Spartanburg Herald-Journal Photo

We arguably have the most depth of the whole bunch at cornerback. Bernard Williams leads the position in seniority, as the New York native started in every game last season, and his 74 tackles ranked second only to linebacker Kevin Thomas of the returning players (McCrimmon and Scioneaux also ranked above Williams). Williams also forced three fumbles, broke up seven passes, and caught an interception.

Junior Chris Armfield was the starter in every game on the other side, recording 44 tackles, three interceptions and five pass break-ups.

Brion Anderson, tabbed as an early favorite for starter going into the fall, posted seven tackles and a pick in his appearances in ten of the eleven games. Sophomore Josh Grimes saw some action last season, including a solo tackle. 

Another sophomore, Jesse Williams came into the game against Gardner-Webb last season. An offensive powerhouse in high school, redshirt freshman Jamario Williams completes the crew.

Let's look at safety. Although he didn't play last season, Philemon Permis broke onto the scene in 2012 with an interception against Lincoln (PA), building off of Terriers' domination of the D-II Lions. Permis is back this year with determination at free safety. His competition comes as sophomore Jaleel Green, who played in all but two games last season, forcing a fumble and making nine tackles, six of which came against Presbyterian.

Redshirt freshman Cole Higbie and senior Zack Cole are early favorites for a starting spot at strong safety. The latter saw action in every contest last season (four tackles) after missing 2012.

Sophomore Jason Reamer hasn't seen any game action, while redshirt freshman Nick Ward was not only a multi-sport athlete at South Moore (OK); he also played on both sides of the football.

Four true freshman round out the group, Michael Sarafianos and Malik Rivera. Sarafianos showcased great strength and ball focus at free safety at Tampa (FL) Catholic, while Rivera brought pure force to Bartram Trail (FL) at strong safety.

Pierre Johnson was a threat on both sides of the football at Pinellas Park (FL), while Brandon Kuhn showcased his talents at strong safety at Fleming Island (FL). NOTE: Pierre Johnson has since left the program.

A tremendously talented group, regardless of what class they're in. We've got nice depth at both cornerback and safety - overall, safety is younger, but have no fear, because these are some great athletes that are coming in.

This secondary contributes greatly to the overall strength of the defense.

[Some statistical data courtesy WoffordTerriers.com]