Position Analysis 2009 | Defensive Backs

Leading up to the opening of training camp, boiseburn.com will give you a closer look at the position-by-position breakdown of players who have been signed by the Burn and are expected to attend camp. Other players may be added at each position before the season opens March 28 at Tri-Cities. Preseason Position Analysis: Defensive Backs Signed**: 7 Returners: Ernest James, Terrence Sanders, Demond Williams New: Brian Williams, Brandon Hampton, Chris Clark, Maurice Banks Terrence Sanders: 2nd-team All-AF2 National Conference in 2008 after leading the Burn with nine interceptions. His 205 return yards on those interceptions ranked third in af2 and two of the interceptions were returned for touchdowns. Finished second on the team in tackles (68.5) and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the season-finale at Spokane. Played collegiately at Eastern Illinois. Demond Williams: Finished tops on the Burn with 71 tackles and tied for second in interceptions (6). He also led the Burn in all-purpose yardage with 1,415, an average of 101.1 per game. He was a four-time Ironman of the Game for his exploits as a defensive back and kick returner. Finished in the top-ten in kick-return average (23.6) and took two kickoffs back for scores. Was a two-year starter at Michigan State. Ernest James: Tied for second on the team with six interceptions. Had 15 tackles and two interceptions in three games against Stockton in 2008. He was one of just four players to appear in all 16 games for the Burn and finished third on the team in tackles (60.5) and pass breakups (12). He was a mainstay in the defensive backfield at Idaho State in college. Brian Williams: A first-year af2 player out of Washington State. Played for the Cougars in 2006 and 2007, appearing in 20 games (2 starts) and totaling 28 tackles. He had a free-agent tryout with the NFL?s Oakland Raiders following his Cougar career. Brandon Hampton: The 5-foot-8 Hampton was a 2-year starter at cornerback for Cal-Berkeley, finishing his career with 129 tackles and five interceptions. As a senior, he had a career-best 11 tackles and pass breakup against Tennessee in the Bears? 2007 season-opener. Also intercepted a pass against the Volunteers in 2006. Chris Clark: Played collegiately at Montana, reaching the 1-AA national playoffs during each of his four seasons with the Grizzlies. Best statistical season was his senior year, when he collected 59 tackles and an interception. College teammate of former Burn players Eric Allen and Matt Dlouhy. Maurice Banks: Played four years at Georgetown, earning a reputation as a big hitter. Switched from quarterback to defensive back during his freshman season and went on to finish his career with 186 tackles and six interceptions from 2002 to 2005. **Players signed as of February 12