Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks receiver Cody Hollister (81) catches a pass as Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathon Mincy (6) and Derrick Moncrief (24) make the tackle during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick Moncrief
Entering the season as the nation’s top rated safety among junior college transfers and a JUCO All-American in 2013, Derrick Moncrief appeared to have the inside track on the starting spot at strong safety.
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Then, a couple of weeks before the August 30 season opener against Arkansas, Moncrief missed a few practices with an illness. Sophomore Rudy Ford, a converted running back, took the lead in the competition for the position and never looked back on his way to a team-leading 93 tackles.
Now Moncrief – who had 27 tackles in 13 games for the Tigers including a pivotal forced fumble in the fourth quarter against Ole Miss – could be in line for a position change heading into his senior season.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 218 pounds, the Prattville, Alabama native is a little lighter than one would ideally want in an outside linebacker, but he has the physical tools to handle the position. He’s known as a big hitter, but also has the speed of a safety, which could make him a big asset in passing situations.
Moncrief played about 25 snaps at Star in the Outback Bowl (Wisconsin ran 85 plays total), which could help him to transition to weak side linebacker if that’s where he fits best in Muschamp’s new defense.
Next: JaViere Mitchell