Smith wants better play from USF secondary

Posted Sep 19, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Sep 19, 2011 at 02:50 PM

USF may be 3-0, but defensive backs coach Rick Smith isn’t pleased with the way the Bulls secondary is playing right now, knowing the group is capable of performing much better.

“I don’t think we’re sharp, technique-wise. I don’t think we’re breaking on the ball like I want them to break on the ball,” Smith said. “We’ve got to get a lot better or we’re going to be in for a surprise when we play next week.”

One player in particular Smith wants to see improvement from is senior cornerback Quenton Washington, who is “questionable” to remain in the starting lineup following sub-par performances in wins over Ball State and Florida A&M according to the coach.

Washington gambled on a play that resulted in a touchdown during the second quarter of Saturday’s 70-17 win over FAMU, going for an interception and missing. The play prompted Smith to bench Washington, a team captain, for the remainder of the first half.

“I told him I knew that he was a great player, but he’s not playing great. He’s got to get his stinger back,” Smith said of Washington, who the coach said was more focused when he returned to the field for the opening series of the second half against the Rattlers. “He said ‘yes sir.’ He’s not pouting. I know that he’ll come back this week.”

If Smith chooses not to start Washington against UTEP, the two candidates to step into that role are junior George Baker and sophomore JaQuez Jenkins.

Smith said Baker, who he turned to after benching Washington against FAMU, has “come out of nowhere” and really played well, grading out a winner in each of the last two games. Jenkins has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury but is scheduled to return to practice Tuesday, Smith said.