SB Nation - Jamarca Sanford

Previewing Ole Miss at South Carolina: Q & A with Red Cup Rebellion

Gamecock Man — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:39:38 -0000

More photos » by Rogelio V. Solis - AP

2 months ago: In this Sept. 19, 2009 photo Mississippi tailback Brandon Bolden sprints past a Southeastern Louisiana defender on his way to a 44-yard run in an NCAA football game in Oxford, Miss. The fourth-ranked Rebels will need as much as they can get out from Bolden as they head into Southeastern Conference play. Their first big challenge of the season comes Thursday night against South Carolina and the SEC's No. 2 rushing defense. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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JUCO All American from Red Cup Rebellion and I got together to preview tomorrow's game. Here's what he had to say in response to my questions. My answers to his questions are here. Stay tuned today for more Q & A with Ghost of Chucky.

1. The Rebels have yet to square off against any truly dangerous competition. Do you feel that that gives you an advantage or disadvantage heading into this game?

I’m going to take the cheap way out on this one and say a little bit of both.

First, the negative. The fact that we haven’t seen anyone the caliber of several players on your team is quite scary. We rely on two first-year starters at key positions (LT, RG), and they haven’t set the world on fire against inferior talent. I’m worried about how unprepared they will be against a legitimate line. I’ll go into more depth about that in question four.

On the other hand, the fact that you’re our first test could also be a great thing. In our first two games, we haven’t had to show anything. In each game, our gameplan has been unbelievably vanilla. South Carolina’s lack of film could be the difference in the game this year. The Rebels have run the Wild Rebel maybe four times all year. Each of those times has been the same generic jet sweep that every other team does now. Nutt and Austin have a few wrinkles up their sleeve that could win the game for the Rebels.

2. Most of us haven't gotten to see much of Ole Miss on TV yet. What have you learned about the Rebels so far? How are you doing vis-a-vis expectations?

Well, first of all, we’re winning big. The Rebels boast the #1 scoring offense and the #2 scoring defense in the conference.

The problem is that most of the great stats end there. The Rebs have done a great job of capitalizing off of the mistakes of Memphis and Southeast Louisiana, but will those mistakes continue? If they don’t, there could be trouble on the horizon for the Rebs. We’re sixth or seventh in most other major team categories, and that’s against two teams that we really have no business playing.

Expectations are a funny thing. I think that at least 80% of our fan base (and 100% of our bloggeurs) don’t believe we deserve our ranking. We have done nothing to prove that we are the #4 team in the country. It’s just the nature of the beast though I guess. When media pollsters want to seem "cool" or "different" by putting a non-perennial power in the top ten, they run the risk of being forced into moving that team up the rankings when teams above them lose. With the losses being handed to USC, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech, the Rebels are moving on up based on position alone.

So since there’s still an unanswered question up there, let me try to answer it in just a few more sentences. We have learned that the Rebels have talent. Jevan Snead is still good (although half our fan base disagrees), and our defense is stingy. Our offensive line is struggling.

3. I hear the Rebels are playing well so far defensively, albeit against weak competition. What's the story there? The question mark coming into the season was the secondary. How are they holding up, and how will they perform against a South Carolina passing attack that has played well the past two weeks?

We’re all holding our breath on the secondary. They look like a totally different group from last season, which is excellent. Still, we remember last year, and realize that these are basically all the same players from last year, other than Jamarca Sanford, a safety who we used to stack the box more than actually play coverage (although he was a starter).

We’re playing close to receivers, making plays on the ball, and generally being badasses. Ole Miss is tied second in the SEC in interceptions with 4, and that’s in only two games. I know we’re playing against bad teams, but last year, we couldn’t even defend bad teams through the air. We’re also second in the league in pass defense efficiency and seventh in the league in pass yards per game, up from twelfth last year.

So in short, we’re excited about the pass defense, but I think we’re going to hold off on getting too excited before we play legitimate teams.

4. The Gamecocks hope to return some defensive linemen from suspension and injury this week and will hope to have a strong pass rush. How will the Rebels inexperienced offensive line hold up against Eric Norwood and company?

All of us over at the Cup are scared to death of Eric Norwood. He’s a freak of nature. I certainly don’t think it will be easy against the South Carolina defensive front seven.

If we want to win, we’re going to have to adjust to that and try to get the ball away quickly. Luckily, Jevan has a very quick release. The fact that we often pass from under center should make it difficult for us as well.

Honestly, I’m not going to sugar coat this one. I’m not excited about having to trot out our offensive line versus your defensive line. It’s going to be very difficult.

The one thing I will say is that where our offensive line struggles a little bit in pass protection, they seem to excel in run blocking. They’re relatively good at pushing defenders out of the way to open holes for Brandon Bolden. I’m not sure they will effectively do that with Norwood in the box, but it won’t be as easy as I once thought for Norwood to totally rough up the running game.

5. Who will win this game, and how will it go down?

I mean… I write for an Ole Miss blog. While we try hard not to be homerish (I’m predicting that freaking Arkansas will beat us), there will always be a slight bias. I’m going to say the Rebels win one that’s closer than the ranking would say.

Snead outplays Garcia, but only slightly. Bolden does the same to Giles, who I think is emerging as your feature back. Sure, Maddox is fine, but Giles gives you the extra pop you need at halfback.

Eric Norwood gets at least one sack, but our defense also manages to pick off Garcia and strip at least one ball away from you.

The Rebels by 7.

Playing the Numbers Game: New Vikings Get Their Numbers

Gonzo — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:44:19 -0000

According to Access Vikings, the newest members of the team have all gotten their new numbers. Here they are. . .at least when I get that Harvin jersey in a few weeks, I'll know what number is on it.

Vikings' Draftees

Percy Harvin (WR, Florida) - #12

Phil Loadholt (OT, Oklahoma) - #71

Asher Allen (CB, Georgia) - #30

Jasper Brinkley (LB, South Carolina) - #54

Jamarca Sanford (S, Mississippi) - #33

Vikings' Undrafted Free Agents

Sean Glennon (QB, Virginia Tech) - #6

Nick Moore (WR, Toledo) - #14

Vinny Perretta (WR, Boise State) - #15

Kahlil Bell (RB, UCLA) - #36

Ian Johnson (RB, Boise State) - #42

Devon Hall (S, Utah State) - #44 (Chuck Foreman's number? Really?)

Robert Francois (LB, Boston College) - #57

Tremaine Johnson (DT, Louisiana State) - #67

Jon Cooper (C, Oklahoma) - #68

Bobby Lepori (OT, Fresno State) - #72

Andy Kemp (G, Wisconsin) - #78

Nick Walker (TE, Alabama) - #89

Antoine Holmes (DT, North Carolina State) - #97

Quick List of Vikings' Undrafted Free Agent Signings

Gonzo — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 03:57:44 -0000

More photos » by Rogelio V. Solis - AP

7 months ago: Mississippi defensive tackle and potential first round draft choice Peria Jerry, background center, listens as his cousins Derek Pegues, left and Jamarca Sanford, critique the early selections of the 2009 NFL draft, Saturday, April 25, 2009 in Hattiesburg, Miss. A large number of rating services suggest Jerry will be selected in the first round. Pegues, who was a defensive back at Mississippi State, and Sanford, also a defensive back at Mississippi, both have been mentioned as potential later round draft picks or free agents. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

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Well, the 2009 NFL Draft is officially in the books. With their seventh round selection, number 231 overall, the Vikings drafted Jamarca "Mon" Sanford, a safety from Ole Miss. Dan from our outstanding SBNation draft site, Mocking the Draft, had Sanford as one of "his guys" prior to the draft taking place, which tells me that the guy is worth having around.

So now we reach the second phase of the draft, that being the fast and furious race to sign the best undrafted free agents from this year's draft class. According to KFFL, here are some of the names that have been inked by the Minnesota Vikings.

The biggest name on the list is Ian Johnson, RB, Boise State. He's also known as "The Guy That Ran In the Statue of Liberty Play In the Fiesta Bowl Against Oklahoma and Then Proposed To His Hot Cheerleader Girlfriend Afterwards." And yes, that all deserves to be capitalized. I wonder what kind of conversations he'll have with Adrian Peterson, who was on the opposing sideline for that instant classic.

The other names KFFL has linked to the Vikings are:

Vinny Perretta, WR, Boise State
Jon Cooper, C, Oklahoma
Andy Kemp, G, Wisconsin
Robert Francois, LB, Boston College
DeVon Hall, S, Utah State
Andy Schantz, LB, Portland State
Justin Kucek, P, Minnesota (invited on a tryout basis)
Colt Anderson, S, Montana (h/t to Montana Vike for passing that one along)

That gives you one more thing to mull over from what was a pretty exciting weekend for the Beloved Purple. We'll have plenty of discussion of the draft fallout as the week progresses. However, it's been a long weekend, and now it's time to go to bed. Have a good night, ladies and gentlemen, and we'll see you back here tomorrow!

Who are 'your guys?'

Mocking Dan — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:03:16 -0000

Every year, for good or bad, I really fall for a few prospects. I refer to them as "my guy" and get pretty stoked when they're picked.

I never designate a high draft pick "my guy" or someone who plays for my favorite team (Akron - don't laugh, please).

Sometimes "my guy" ends up being a solid choice. Last year, it was Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable. I really liked KIrk Morrison of San Diego State in 2005. In 2004 it was, oddly, Memphis kicker Stephen Gostkowski. In 2001, it was Floyd Womack, mostly because I really, really like pork chops.

Other times, "my guy" has an embarrassingly poor career. In 2006, it was Darnell Bing. In 2007, it was sort of Paul Oliver, who was taken in the supplemental draft. There are plenty of others, like Roy Schuening or Lynell Hamilton, but I don't want to make myself look too bad.

This year, I have selected a few guys as "my guy." It's a high honor, clearly. Here they are:

- Jamarca Sanford, Strong safety, Ole Miss
Reason: He's very fast and gets after the ball. Just fun to watch on the field.

- Julian Edelman, Quarterback, Kent State
Reason: What, he's not ranked anywhere on the site? I know. He doesn't really have a position. It's just a coincidence that the next Josh Cribbs is going to come from the same school.

- Kevin Barnes, Cornberback, Maryland
Reason: Before a nasty knee injury, this guy was incredible. He was very fun to watch and has good ball skills. If he's as athletic as he was as a junior, he could be a steal.

- Tyrell Sutton, Running back, Northwestern
Reason: He's another guy who looked so much better early in his career before injuries struck. He's a very intelligent guy and a good receiver.

Tell me, who are "your guys?"

Previewing Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss: Secondary

Seth C — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:00:05 -0000

SECONDARY

Player	Ht/Wt	Class	Position	Tackles	Passes Defended	Interceptions
Jamar Wall	5'10"/195	Jr.	CB	59	10	2
L.A. Reed	6'2"/212	Sr.	CB	19	3	0
Brent Nickerson	6'0"/195	Jr.	CB	26	1	0
Darcel McBath	6'1"/196	Sr.	S	70	7	6
Daniel Charbonnet	5'11"/203	Sr.	S	55	6	5
Anthony Hines	6'1"/222	Sr.	S	30	4	0
Jordy Rowland	6'1"/196	Sr.	S	27	3	0
Franklin Mitchem	6'2"/201	So.	S	15	0	0
Marshay Green	5'9"/170	Jr.	CB	29	6	1
Cassius Vaughn	5'10"/185	Jr.	CB	40	3	2
Dustin Mouzon	5'11"/175	Sr.	CB	22	1	1
Marcus Temple	5'9"/181	Fr.	CB	16	1	0
Jamarca Sanford	5'10"/200	Sr.	S	80	0	0
Kendrick Lewis	5'11"/192	Jr.	S	78	6	4
Johnny Brown	5'11"/207	So.	S	27	0	0

Texas Tech

Darcel McBath plays offense?
Nah, he just likes interceptions.

If there's one thing that this group improved upon from last year, it's the turnovers. Granted, a number of the interceptions were early in the year, the fact that this group, as a whole has been better at creating turnovers, so much so as this year's group is on the plus side of turnover margin, something that hasn't happened in the previous 2 seasons.

In fact, for the year, the Red Raiders had more interceptions, 17, that touchdowns given up, 16. That's a pretty amazing statistic and a testament to the progress this team has made defensively. And one other thing, this team had at least 1 interception for all but 3 games this year. Turnover and play making machines.

The passing yards given up can be deceiving, Texas Tech is giving up 238.08 yards a game through the air, which is 91st in the nation, but good for 3rd in the Big 12. I think that says a little something about the Big 12 offenses, or rather offenses in the big 12 in general. They are just simply prolific.

I don't know if it's fair to say that the offense begins with one safety or another, Daniel Charbonnet or Darcel McBath and it's probably fair just to think of them as being 1.A and 1.B. in terms of importance for this team. I thought McBath did an outstanding job later in the year, displaying his athletic ability that I thought we all knew that he had, but we didn't get to see until later in the year. D. Charbonnet was/is the guy that no one thought was going to be anything special, but has turned into an all-conference player. To me, they are both absolutely integral in stopping both the run and the pass. McBath led the team with 6 interceptions for the year, 3 of those coming against Kansas while D. Charbonnet had 5 for the year, 3 of those against SMU and 1 very important one against the Longhorns.

At cornerback, L.A. Reed was supposed to be the starter from the beginning of the season, but injuries kept Reed sidelined for the beginning part of the year, which slowed his development. Brent Nickerson stepped in nicely, although he had his rough spots, most cornerbacks do, but thought he did a good job for the most part.

If you had asked me to name all of the cornerbacks that have logged significant time this year I would have surely said more than the 3 listed above, but amazingly, Ruffin McNeill relied on his deep group of safeties to help in the sub-packages.

Anthony Hines, Jordy Rowland and Franklin Mitchem each have good size, speed and experience. I think that's by design as McNeill would rather have versatile guys who can play and cover multiple positions.

Mississippi

Jamarca Sanford makes you close your eyes.

The Rebels have a little strange in their pass defense thus far. When the Rebels limit opposing teams in the passing game, they win, when they don't . . . they lose.

In Ole Miss' 8 wins, the Rebels have only allowed teams to pass at 6.1 yards/attempt, gained 12 interceptions, given up only 6 touchdowns and allowed a passer rating of 102.63. In their 4 losses it's a completely different game as Ole Miss allows 7.9 yards/attempt, only intercepted 2 passes, given up 8 touchdowns, and allowed a passer rating of 156.84. Keep in mind that of Mississippi's 4 losses, 3 came against competent passing teams in Wake Forest, South Carolina and Alabama (questionable). The other loss was Vanderbilt, which only passed for 71 yards for the game so that tended to throw off the averages a bit, although Vandy was wildly successful passing the ball when they did (a 152.20 passer rating).

Perhaps the most interesting thing as I looked up players and stats for Ole Miss was the relatively size of these guys. All of them are under 6 feet, although, quite a few of them are close, and there should inherently be some advantages for the bigger/taller Texas Tech receivers (Crabtree, Lewis, Swindall, Leong and James).

Back to the Ole Miss secondary, the Rebel secondary is mostly comprised of cornerbacks, almost the exact opposite of the methods attempted by Texas Tech. Sanford and Lewis have a majority of the tackles and interceptions and the 4 cornerbacks, Green, Vaughn, Mouzon and Temple have all logged significant time, although Green and Vaughn are the primary corners. Considering that Texas Tech will go 4-wide and I would imagine that the linebackers will see some time, Mouzon and Temple will be tested early and often.

Conclusion:

Another tough matchup to decide and as we've discussed before, this type of look at each of the units tends to favor one over another because the conferences where they play. I mentioned above each teams' passer ratings and pass defense and Ole Miss ranks 61st in pass defense (PD) and 44th in pass efficiency defense (PED). Texas Tech ranks 91st in PD and 67th in PED. Texas Tech is worse in PD than Ole Miss, but is ranked 3rd in the Big 12, while Ole Miss is better, but ranks 11th in their conference.

Team	PED (Conf. Rank)	PD (Conf. Rank)
Texas Tech	127.46 (3)	238.08 (3)
Mississippi	118.91 (8)	209.83 (11)

Again, it's tough comparing apples to oranges, but statistically, Ole Miss has been better defending the pass, and although these numbers don't necessarily play this out, there are some numbers that I've found that I hope to post later in the week regarding Texas Tech struggling to stop the pass.

I'm giving the nod to Ole Miss, but again, it's close.

Previous Matchups

Quarterbacks :: Running Backs :: Receiver :: Offensive Line :: Defensive Line :: Linebackers :: Secondary :: Special Teams :: Coaching

Matchup	Advantage
Quarterback
Running Back
Receivers
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Linebacker
Secondary

Poll

Who do you favor in this matchup of secondaries?

Texas Tech

83 votes

Mississippi

41 votes

124 votes | Poll has closed