With training camp just over a week away, there is going to be a push for starting spots in the Falcons young secondary. One key position that is going to get a lot of heat is the vacant corner back spot left available once DeAngelo Hall bolted for the west coast. The front runner so far is second year man from Shippensburg College Brent Grimes. While in college, Grimes posted 140 tackles, and a school record of 38 passes defensed. He also set a conference record of 27 takeaways. Grimes also set the school mark with 82 punt returns for 1,126 yards and fourth all-time in school history with 45 kickoff returns for 1,183 yards.
Signed by the Falcons in 2006, he never got his feet wet because he was waived due to injury. Grimes was signed back by the Falcons in 2007 and allocated for NFL Europa and played for the Amsterdam Admirals. Not the prototypical corner, but with a lot of swagger and a lot to prove, the 5-10 185 pound Grimes is looking good to take over the vacant starting corner spot. According to head coach Mike Smith, Grimes has shown a lot of promise and potential, and could be the leader.
The Falcons have no way to tell until the first preseason game gets underway August 9 at Jacksonville. There is a big difference in actual practice time and live game time. So far this offseason, the Falcons have finished their OTA's and mini camps, and Grimes is leading the pack. The competition Grimes will face is free agent from the Houston Texans Von Hutchins, and second year man from Auburn David Irons. Irons is a very fiery corner that would fit the nickel packages very well. But training camp will give the last taste of who will line up next to second year starter from Arkansas corner Chris Houston. A lot of athletes make it to the NFL, but very few actually stay and succeed. Have the Falcons found a "diamond in the rough" or just another dud to keep the position warm for another player. Only time will tell.
Keywords: Atlanta Falcons, NFL
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