Football | 9/5/2019 10:00:00 AM

    The three safety positions are the heart and soul of the West Liberty secondary and head coach Roger Waialae is blessed with more experienced playmakers than places to put them this fall – an enviable "problem" for any football coach.
    "We have several guys who have been with the program four or five years, graduated, and come back for their final season of eligibility," Waialae said. "Our safeties can all play multiple positions and any of the cornerbacks have the ability to move back there. This gives us the luxury of putting together some different packages with an eye toward taking advantage of some match-ups."
    Returning at the nickel is fifth-year senior Brandon Morrison (6-0, 200), a graduate student who made history last season as WLU football's first NCAA Division II Academic All-American. Morrison has also been taking snaps at will linebacker but that would merely open the door for another four-year standout, Lherry Fontilisse (5-9, 185), who could fit in here or at any of the other four spots in the Hilltopper secondary.
    Former high school teammates Jamaal Petteway (5-7, 170) and DaJuan Jones (5-8, 190) have proven to be quick studies and provide quality depth behind Morrison and Fontilisse.
    Logan Deri (6-1, 205), a 3-time All-MEC selection with more than 200 career tackles, returns for his fourth season at weak safety. Redshirt freshman Koty Hudson (6-0, 195) had two interceptions in the spring game and is the likely starter at free safety. Ty Holmes (5-10, 175), another graduate student and fifth-year senior who earned All-MEC honors two years ago before missing 2018 due to injury, is still working his way back to full strength but figures to be an impact performer at some point during the season.
    A trio of freshmen – Spencer Hutchison (6-0, 185), Josh O'Hare (6-0, 195) and Kaden Rice (6-0, 185) – have also made their presence felt during the preseason.
    "One thing we've noticed is that having so many experienced guys back there really helps the new guys catch on to things faster," Waialae said. "Working on a daily basis with players who have so much knowledge and experience really eases their transition. We'd like to redshirt the freshmen but they've all done enough good things to make that a pretty difficult decision."
    The 2019 season gets under way Saturday when West Liberty makes the short trip down the hill to Wheeling for a 1 p.m. kickoff.