WASHINGTON – The Georgetown University football team is less than two weeks away from its season opener when the Hoyas play host to Marist on September 4 at Cooper Field. As the squad works hard in preseason camp, GUHoyas.com will take an in-depth look at each of the team's position groups, with this edition featuring the defensive backs.
 
The secondary has been a strength of Georgetown's powerful defense in recent years, leading the Patriot League in 2019 in both passing defense (154.5 ypg) and passing efficiency defense (107.0), while ranking second in interceptions (12). While the Hoyas return five members of the secondary who appeared in at least 10 games in 2019, there has been a lot of turnovers within the safety and cornerback groups with 12 players entering their first collegiate season and looking to make an immediate impact with both the defense and special teams.
 
Safeties

• Ahmad Wilson, a team captain and the 2021 No. 35 Joe Eacobacci Memorial Jersey recipient, leads the returners in the secondary, having appeared in 33 games on the Hilltop.
• The graduate student has registered 135 career tackles and has earned All-Patriot League honors in each of his first three seasons, including two first team nods.
• Fifth-year senior Roemello Walton was fifth on the squad as a junior with 49 tackles and has appeared in 27 games in his career.
• Jovone Campbell had a breakout freshman season in 2019, finishing with 28 tackles while appearing in 10 games.
• Juniors Khalil Saunders and Noah Carr played in six and five games, respectively, as freshmen, combining for five tackles.
• Cartez Campbell comes to the Hilltop as a four-time all-region selection, making more than 100 tackles in high school.
• David Ealey III, who is transitioning from linebacker, and Preston Murray both come from championship programs, while Murray recorded 13 interceptions in his high school career.
• Shane Stewart was an all-county selection while recording 52 tackles and an interception as a senior.
• Freshman Kenneth Borders was an All-American in high school, recording more than 300 tackles, while classmate Diandre Harris earned all-conference honors.

 
"I am very excited about the potential for our safeties for this season," said Special Teams Coordinator Trey Henderson, who works with the safeties. "The group has been working extremely hard this preseason to solidify starting positions and they have shown the athleticism to be significant contributors to the team in the fall. These young guys have a very diverse skill set which should allow us to give opposing offense problems. We have recruited a lot of young talent who have been working very hard to develop and this group will play an integral role to the success of our team in the fall."
 
Cornerbacks

• Graduate student Jonathan Honoré led the Hoyas with three interceptions as a junior and, in 22 career games, has made 38 tackles.
• Seniors Delano Salgado and Micah McNeil combined for four interceptions and 24 tackles in 2019
• Sophomore Zayid Aziz earned all-district honors in 2019, while classmate Colby Moss registered 60 tackles and two interceptions as a senior.
• Sherman Steptoe II is entering his first collegiate season after recording 28 pass breakups and four interceptions as a senior.
• Freshmen Rashon Adams Jr. enjoyed decorated high school careers, picking off four passes as a senior with seven breakups.
• Kamren Watkins-Hunter recorded six interceptions and 14 pass breakups between his sophomore and junior seasons.

 
"I am very excited about the cornerback position for this season," said Assistant Coach Paul Padalino. "The group is returning a couple of very hard working, playmaking upperclassmen who are great role models and leaders for the position. Their leadership and work ethic have driven the culture of competitiveness within the group. We have recruited a lot of young talent who have been working very hard to develop, build depth at the position, and compete to get out on the field. I am very excited for the potential for this upcoming season and for the years to come."
 
The Hoyas open the 2021 season on September 4 when the Blue & Gray welcomes Marist to Cooper Field. Georgetown will play five home games this fall, including three Patriot League matchups and a nonconference tilt against Harvard (September 18). Tickets for all five games at Cooper Field are now on sale and can be purchased HERE.