NICKELBACKS OUTLOOK
Fresno State enters its second season in defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle's scheme, which utilizes the nickelback, a hybrid position that requires a player with the ability to stop the run, is strong in blitz packages and can succeed in coverage.
The group returns four players including starter Morice Norris Jr., with two newcomers.
Who's back: Norris Jr. had a breakout season in 2022, establishing himself as the starter. He played in all 14 games with 12 starts and was fourth on the team in tackles with 57 (36 solo) in his first season of action. He proved to be an instinctual player and had the second-most tackles for loss (8.0) on a defense that fueled the Bulldogs' nine-game winning streak to end the season. The Sanger High product also finished the season with one sack, one forced fumble, one quarterback hurry and six pass break ups.
"He's only going to be better and more prepared this season," Coyle said. "Everything last year was for the first time, since he moved from cornerback. For it being his first time, he did a commendable job, but we expect more out of him this season. He is a playmaker. He can do a lot of things, he's a good blitzer, good cover guy. He's a player that we are going to feature and his role will expand as we move forward."
Nickelbacks coach Jim Nelson said the group will rely on Norris' leadership. "Now that he has a year of experience, he's not just focused on himself," he said. "He can be a vocal leader, a presence in the room and help the younger guys. He also sets an example for not only our group but for the whole defense with how hard he works."
Sophomore Jalen Williams has been taking reps with the nickels after making the switch from cornerback. Williams appeared in nine games last season, playing primarily on special teams.
Charlotin Charles and Justin Houston also return to the group, though Houston is working his way back from an injury suffered during spring ball.
Who's new: The room adds two true freshmen in Augustus Remlinger and RL Miller.
Remlinger is a local product from Buchanan High and the younger brother of Bulldogs' defensive end Charles Remlinger. He was a first team All-TRAC selection as a linebacker after racking up 78 tackles, one interception that he returned for a touchdown, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in his senior season. The freshman has speed - he was a sprinter on the Bears' track team, which finished first in the league, region, and section.
Miller joins the Bulldogs from the Bay Area. He attended Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Francisco where he was a first team All-League player as a junior and senior. Miller accounted for 32 tackles and five interceptions last season, with 143 interception return yards.
What to watch: Who will back up Norris?
With Houston sidelined, the competition to be the No. 2 is a critical question for Coyle, Nelson and the Bulldogs' defensive staff in camp. Charles has been taking a lot of reps through the first week and Nelson said that the converted linebacker has made huge strides during the offseason. Williams could make a fast transition and like Norris, who was a cornerback when he arrived at Fresno State, has the size to be effective in the ro
Miller and Remlinger also have had strong starts to their first fall camp and possess physical skills to quickly become a factor on the Bulldogs defense, Miller with his length and Remlinger with his speed.