Prattville's Derrick Moncrief fitting well in new role

AUBURN – Derrick Moncrief's view of the field has changed.

The Prattville native has moved from playing the traditional boundary safety position in the secondary to the hybrid Sam/nickel position on the second level of Will Muschamp's defense.

Moncrief, who had 27 tackles with a pass breakup and forced fumble while appearing in all 13 games last season, is enjoying his new role through the first 11 spring practices.

"It's been a learning curve for me," he said, "but I take each and every day just being positive."

While Muschamp utilizes multiple fronts, which is where his defense differs most from previous defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson's 4-2-5 scheme, on the second level the Sam, a linebacker/safety, in the new system is not all that different from the "star" in the prior one.

"We need more a cover body that's able to blitz," defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson said, "and have good zone and man instincts."

The "star" was supposed to do much of the same, but the pass rush component never materialized last season as the defense could ill afford to take Robenson Therezie out of coverage.

In many ways the Sam, which is nearly identical to a traditional nickel back, is the most multipurpose player on the defense, asked to rush the quarterback, cover and be a run stopper depending on the situation.

"The Sam position is evolving into a more space player because of the evolution of offense and what offenses are doing to you," outside linebackers coach Lance Thompson said. "The Sam's got to be a little more versatile. You're looking for a guy that can make plays in space."

At 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds, Moncrief is an ideal size for the position, roughly 20 pounds heavier than a traditional safety and 20 pounds lighter than the linebackers.

"I have an advantage because receivers can't block me," Moncrief said. "I'm real physical. I can tackle real well and I can cover."

His teammates agree.

"Everybody knows that's big body," safety Tray Matthews said. "He can cover and move."

Moncrief is playing with the first-team defense, splitting time with JaViere Mitchell and true freshman Tim Irvin, who has been limited due to a left hand injury, is also getting reps at Sam.

Muschamp is pleased with what he's seen from Moncrief thus far.

"I think he's done a nice job progressing," Muschamp said. "Got to continue to work on some of the coverage things in space but a guy that certainly with the skillset to play in that position and be an effective player for us."

Entering the final stretch of spring practices, Moncrief's goals before the season are to improve his footwork and stamina, which would certainly keep him on the field more in the fall.

"I just want to get stronger," he said. "I have to recover better."