Word: rafteryã
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...attempt to divert resources away from what is expected to be his strongest unit on paper come opening kickoff, the wide receiving corps, Murphy has shifted junior wideout James Harvey across the line of scrimmage, where he will eventually challenge for the free safety slot left vacant by Raftery??s graduation. Harvey had long requested the opportunity to switch to defense, a desire which became more pronounced when his snaps at wide receiver dwindled last season, and his solid performance when called upon for special teams duty cemented the move...
Juniors Gary Sonkur and Ricky Williamson are the only two holdovers from last season’s starting lineup, at cornerback and free safety, respectively, leaving two holes should Raftery??s spot not go to Harvey...
It’s the way Raftery??s smarts have translated onto the football field that has been critical to the Harvard defense this season...
Along with being expected to make tackles (Raftery??s fourth on the team, with 63) and break up passing plays (he has four interceptions and nine break-ups), the free safety is expected to “quarterback” the defense and get the players in front of him to adjust positioning. In addition, Raftery has been forced to lead by example a secondary that has been banged-up and, as a result, lacking experience in recent days...
...Raftery??s rise to prominence in the Harvard secondary was an unlikely one. Starring at Sammamish High School in Bellevue, he was All-King County at running back from his sophomore through senior years...