Kendarin Ray
CAMP UPDATE: The Safety & Nickel Positions
8/14/2022 3:13:00 PM | Football
TULSA, Okla. –– The safety and nickel safety positions return six letterwinners to the Tulsa defensive unit in 2022.
Strong safety Kendarin Ray (6-4, 208) returns after missing the final seven games of the 2021 season with an injury. He totaled 33 stops in six games after leading the Hurricane in tackles and pass breakups a year earlier with 63 tackles and seven breakups
"Having K-Ray back has been unbelievable. He understands our defense. He knows what to put us in – checks, calls, he communicates so well on the back end. He's a great leader at that position," said Tulsa Head Coach Philip Montgomery.
Free safeties LJ Wallace (6-2, 210) and Jaise Oliver (6-2, 212) saw extensive action a year ago with Wallace starting three contests and Oliver six, playing both safety spots. Oliver totaled 39 tackles and five pass breakups, while Wallace tallied 27 total stops, including 21 solos, and had one pick-off.
Sophomore Sean O'Keefe (6-2, 194) and redshirt freshman Zion Hopes (6-3, 180) provide great size, length and athletic ability in adding quality depth at the safety positions.
"LJ and Jaise are really playing well right now. There's a big battle for the free safety spot. Both of them really performed well in fall camp. They each have a lot of game experience. They've had staring experience, but no the full-time starter," said Montgomery. "Their level right now is at a point where they're doing things like veteran guys and haven't missed a beat."
"Zion and Sean are both long-body guys and are doing a really good job of learning and growing. I've been impressed with their carry-over from the spring to now. You can see them making big strides. From a young guys' perspective, they're really doing a good job of learning and growing."
At the nickel safety position, graduate Bryson Powers (6-0, 192) has been an important cog in the Tulsa secondary the past four seasons as a part-time starter, compiling 144 tackles, six pass breakups, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games.
Another six-year player at the nickel position is Daiquain Jackson (5-10, 210), who has played a vital role on Tulsa's special team's unit as well as at the nickel position.
A newcomer to the spot is transfer Jehlen Cannady (6-0, 180) after playing in two games last year for the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs
"At nickel, Bryson has played a lot and has a ton of experience as well. Like K-Ray, he does a great job communicating, coaching guys up too and getting them in the right spot. Daiquain brings some veteran experience to the position as well."
Season ticket packages for the six-game home schedule range from $75 to $330 and can be purchased online at TulsaHurricane.com/tickets or by calling 918.631.4688.
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