MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama added two junior college defensive backs on consecutive days this week, signing safety Jonathan Cameron on Wednesday and Justin Sorrell on Thursday to National Letters of Intent.
Both South Alabama defensive back signees will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Jaguars, who completed their first season of football in 2009 under head coach Joey Jones.
Jonathan Cameron
Cameron, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound native of Puckett, Miss., played the past two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which finished in the top 10 of the final 2009 NJCAA rankings. He recorded 39 tackles this past season, including two for loss and one sack.
Before junior college, Cameron played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. He chose South Alabama over an offer from East Carolina.
“We feel great about Jonathan, he’s tall, rangy and has great speed,” Jones said. “He is a really good athlete who can play either cornerback or safety. On his visit, you could tell that Jonathan is an individual with great character. We knew that we wanted him here at USA.”
Justin Sorrell
Sorrell, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound defensive back, spent the past two seasons at Blinn Junior College in Texas. The Buccaneers went 11-1 this season and won the National Junior College Athletic Association national championship.
Sorrell finished 2009 with 77 tackles, second on the team, and two interceptions. He picked South Alabama over UTEP, McNeese State and Lamar. Lamar is on the Jaguars’ 2010 schedule.
“Justin is a very athletic safety who is a great tackler. He also has the ability to play man coverage as well,” Jones said. “Justin is a great combination player, he is exactly what we are looking for in a safety.”
Depth in the Secondary
South Alabama used converted players in the secondary during the 2009 season after early injuries thinned the position. Matt Saucier moved over from quarterback and Ken Barefield from wide receiver to add depth.
The Jaguars’ schedule will become more difficult in 2010, and both signees bring junior college experience to the defensive backfield.
