Novak Encouraged by Depth at Cornerback

I think we've got more players at cornerback than we've had," Novak said. "There are five, maybe six, kids that have put themselves in a position to contribute. Bradley Pruitt (Chicago, Ill./Hyde Park HS) and Melvin Rice (Chicago, Ill/Morgan Park HS) are the starters. Chase Charter (Wichita, Kans./Coffeyville JC) is right there and Patrick George (Chicago, Ill./Gordon Tech), Anthony Mason (Hopkins Park, Ill./Bishop McNamara HS) and James Jefferies (Chicago, Ill./Mount Carmel HS) are kids that can play."

Defensive backs coach John Hauser said that Rice and Pruitt, along with Carter, are at the top of his depth chart. Rice started seven games a year ago while Pruitt had 10 starts at either cornerback or safety.