Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 7: John Flanders

Originally Published: Feb 21, 2010 3:40 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

CB John Flanders

Background:

The Midwest City, Oklahoma native was a regular in the defensive backfield in 2009, playing in all 12 games for Tulsa. He played in 14 games as a true freshman in 2008 and started five.

Why He’s on the List:

The Golden Hurricane lost two senior starters at cornerback from last season. Flanders will now step into the full-time role as the starter on one side.

Best Case Scenario:

Flanders is the most experienced corner on the Hurricane roster. Two years of playing in the pass-happy Conference USA should have more than prepared him for the starting spot. Opponents should be weary of Flanders this season as he will more than likely log his first interception and more.

Worst Case Scenario:

Flanders may not have been a full-time starter, but it is still worrisome that two linebackers each had more interceptions in 2009 than he has had in his whole career. It is hard to tell if that is an enigma or a sign that Flanders needs improvement on his ball skills.

My Take:

TU loses four senior starters from its defensive backfield. Outside of the offensive line, nowhere is cohesion more important than in the secondary. The question is not so much how will Flanders do; but how will the secondary gel together during the season? As one of the more experienced players, Flanders must step up and provide leadership for a unit that has been depleted of its core players.



Other Tulsa players to watch (click the names below to read the full stories)
Day 1: QB G.J. Kinne
Day 2: WR/KR Damaris Johnson
Day 3: LB Tanner Antle
Day 4: WR Trae Johnson
Day 5: OL Brandon Thomas
Day 6: Jake Alexander