Anthony Johnson Jr.'s move to safety and how it's changed Iowa State's defense

[Connor_Ferguson]

Wrote a bit on Anthony Johnson Jr. and what his play did for Iowa State on Saturday. Interesting piece to watch during games.

Anthony Johnson's move to safety has changed Iowa State's defense in 2-0 start

The move from cornerback to safety in Anthony Johnson Jr.'s final season with Iowa State has played a big part in the program's first 2-0 start since 2012. Head coach Matt Campbell says that it's changed the look of his team's defense and allows them to play schematically like they were not able

cyclonefanatic.com

 

[Cyclonepride]

Having a guy who has all conference cornerback skills at the safety is a huge advantage.

 

[VeloClone]

Once again Campbell and Heacock don't just talk about adjusting scheme to get the eleven best on the field but they do it. It was a stroke of genius because an offense can't just adjust the play like they do when they see the run stopper safety sub in for the nickle corner. Having a guy who can do both in full time at safety is huge.

It is also huge for Johnson as NFL teams look at him. They love to have guys who can run, hit, tackle, and cover. Being versatile is a huge advantage when trying to make an NFL roster. The last guy proven to being able to play both corner and safety is really a huge safety net for a team.

 

[nrg4isu]

Anthony's only real knock is that he's not had any INT's which is incredible given how much he's played and how well he covers. Hopefully he gets a few this year.

 

[Cyclonepride]

Anthony's only real knock is that he's not had any INT's which is incredible given how much he's played and how well he covers. Hopefully he gets a few this year.

I get the general sense from watching our defense that defending the pass is job 1, making the tackle is job 1A, and intercepting the ball is nice if it doesn't endanger jobs 1 or 1A.

 

[Aclone]

I found it fascinating that he said that safety was a bit of a weakness last year.

I feel like that’s a combination of A. Isheem Young couldn’t cover, and B. Injuries sapped a lot of Greg Eisworth’s effectiveness. Plus C. Beau Freyler wasn’t quite ready until late in the year. Oh, and maybe D. Something-something Craig McDonald.

So maybe addition by subtraction is a real thing?

 

[davegilbertson]

I get the general sense from watching our defense that defending the pass is job 1, making the tackle is job 1A, and intercepting the ball is nice if it doesn't endanger jobs 1 or 1A.

Speaking of 1 and 1A, don't think it's a coincidence that their team leader, shut-down corner, team captain is wearing #1 this year after last season.