2011 Big Sky Position Rankings: Billings Gazette

[EWURanger]

Top 10 Defensive Backs

2 - Matt Johnson, Sr., S, Eastern Washington
Comment: Made big plays at big times last season.
4 - Jeff Minnerly, Jr., S, Eastern Washington
Comment: Former QB had no problems on defense in '10.

En route to a national title, Eastern Washington safety Matt Johnson played as big a role as anyone on the Eagles' defense. Johnson had nine tackles and broke up a pass in a 20-19 victory over Delaware in the championship game, and collected nine tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery the week prior in a semifinal win over defending champ Villanova. His 105 total stops were more than any DB in the league.

Smarts is what separates Jeff Minnerly from most safeties in the Big Sky. How else can you make a successful move from backup quarterback to starting free safety? A whiz in the classroom, Minnerly had 48 tackles and three picks last year, and busted up two passes in Eastern Washington's championship victory over Delaware.

Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/article_fc7b5d82-caaf-11e0-a34d-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1VffitJOm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[eaglesfootball]

not bad for a kid that was a qb just a little more than a year ago.