DEFENSIVE BACKS OUTLOOK:
The Bulldogs' secondary looks to build on a productive 2023, and with a strong veteran presence and far more experience in defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle's system than a year ago, has a chance to again be one of the best units in the country.
With Dean Clark and Camryn Bracha returning at safety, they'll maintain solid coverage and leadership on the field. The loss of Carlton Johnson at cornerback is a blow, but the return of Cam Lockridge from injury should help offset that.
Who's back (safeties): Clark was the team's second-leading tackler in 2023 and ranked among the Top 20 in the conference, despite missing one game to injury. He racked up 83 total tackles with 47 solo, one tackle for loss, one fumble recovery, two quarterback hurries and four pass breakups. Clark also had three interceptions, tied for third in the conference.
The Massillon, Ohio native has garnered an impressive collection of preseason honors. He was a preseason All-Mountain West selection by Phil Steele (third team) and Athlon Sports (fourth team). Clark also is on the watch list for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, and an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee.
Bracha has been wreaking havoc on the offense through fall camp.
"I can't wait to not play against Cam Bracha everyday," offensive coordinator Pat McCann said. "He is so talented, smart and he goes 100 percent every single play. He terrorizes us on offense."
The Clovis native and Fresno City College transfer aims to build on an impressive first season with the Bulldogs when he appeared in 11 games with four starts. He totaled 38 tackles (22 solo), 3.0 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup.
Kosi Agina, another Valley native, adds valuable depth, having played in 43 career games. He appeared in 10 games last season, totaling 17 tackles including a career-high 10 against San Jose State. Agina provides experience on defense and on special teams.
Jayden Davis, a Bullard High grad, appeared in eight games as a special teams contributor in 2023. He has made significant strides during the offseason, showcasing his playmaking ability and positioning himself to compete for more snaps this season.
The room also returns Ryan Wilson and Justin Johnson. Jaden Carrillo also made the move from cornerback to safety during the offseason.
Who's back (cornerbacks): Lockridge was the defensive MVP in the Mountain West Championship game in 2022 when he had two interceptions in a 28-16 victory at Boise State. He saw action in four games last season before suffering a season-ending injury and was in on 12 tackles with 1.0 TFLs, one interception and one pass breakup.
Lockridge had a breakout season in 2022 after transferring to Fresno State from Hawaii, appearing in 13 games with eight starts. He recorded 39 tackles (26 solo) and led the team with five interceptions, returning them for a combined 100 yards.
"Lockridge had a great summer," Coyle said. "He has a great outlook on the season ahead. Where he's at mentally is the best that he's been since he came to Fresno State. He's determined to pick up where he left off. He has a lot of talent. He's a playmaker."
Al'zillion Hamilton stepped up for the Bulldogs in Lockridge's absence, proving himself to be a solid cornerback. He started the final 10 games of the season and recorded 31 tackles (22 solo) with two interceptions and eight pass breakups. With 10 passes defended, he ranked seventh in the Mountain West with an average of 0.77 passes defended per game.
Julian Neal has made significant strides this offseason and is expected to see considerable playing time in 2024. He saw action in 11 games as a contributor on defense and on special teams last season and was in on nine tackles, including a career-high six tackles against New Mexico State in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl.
The room also returns Jomarion Briggs and Ah'marion Ashley. Gus Remlinger also made the move back from nickel to cornerback during the offseason.
Who's new (safeties): Two true freshmen join the unit.
Gerayas Grimes attended Casteel High in Queen Creek, Ariz., where he was a first-team all-region player in 2023. During his senior season, he recorded 74 tackles with 4.0 TFLs, two interceptions, 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and one blocked field goal.
Tommy Nix, a graduate of Clovis East High, chose to stay home and play for the Bulldogs. He played all four years as a two-way player, earning accolades such as TRAC Specialist Player of the Year and Clovis East MVP. He also was a third-team All-State selection. On defense, Nix recorded 72 tackles and five interceptions. On offense, he amassed 1,313 receiving yards on 67 catches and scored 17 touchdowns.
Who's new (cornerbacks): Five newcomers have joined the unit, including one junior college transfer and four freshmen.
Jakari Embry transfers to the Valley from Golden West College (Huntington Beach) where he was a 2023 first team all-league selection. He played in 11 games, totaling 46 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups. Embry began his collegiate career at Bethel University before transferring to Golden West.
Embry had extra time to work with the Bulldog defense, joining the team as a mid-year addition for the spring.
Cam Cole graduated from Juan Seguin High in Arlington, Texas, where he was a three-year starter in the secondary. In his senior season he had 23 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and six pass breakups. Cole was also a special teams contributor as he was named the District Special Teams Most Valuable Player.
Kiontre Harris, a Valley native from Lemoore High, helped lead the Tigers to conference championships in 2022 and 2023. He was a first team all-conference selection in 2022 and 2023. During his senior campaign he had 40 tackles and three interceptions, and added 500 receiving yards on the other side of the ball.
Loyall Mouzon, a three-star recruit from Millikan High in Rochester, N.Y. was a first-team all-league selection. He played both sides of the ball as a defensive back and a wide receiver. In his senior season he recorded 31 tackles with five interceptions, four passes defended and one forced fumble.
Jordan Pierro, another Valley native, is a three-star recruit out of Clovis West. He played cornerback, safety and wide receiver for the Golden Eagles and was a three-year varsity letter winner. On defense, totaled 85 tackles in his senior season and was the team's defensive MVP and a first-team All-TRAC selection.
What to watch: Fresno State lost Lockridge early last season. Clark and Bracha were in their first seasons working in the Bulldogs' defense, and both dealt with injury issues. There were some things to overcome. But the Bulldogs did, and Coyle and defensive backs coach J.D. Williams put together one of the most productive units in the country. Fresno State ranked in a tie for first in the Mountain West and fourth in the nation with 17 interceptions, and led the conference and was tied for 10th in the nation allowing opponents to complete only 55.5 percent of their pass attempts.
The Bulldogs' opponents also had a 118.21 passing efficiency rating, the lowest in the league and 16th in the nation.
Fresno State could be better in 2024, and cause opposing quarterbacks a lot of problems pre-snap and in disguising coverages.
While the Bulldogs have a returning starter at quarterback in Mikey Keene, several opponents on the schedule will have first-year or relatively inexperienced quarterbacks including Michigan, New Mexico State, New Mexico, UNLV, Washington State and San Jose State.
In the two seasons and 27 games Coyle has been calling defenses, Fresno State has allowed opponents to complete only 54.4% of their passes and average 196.7 yards per game with a passing efficiency rating of 113.88.