The Georgetown defense enters the 2019 season as talented as any in the last two decades, with depth across the board. One area worth watching on depth is the secondary, where a number of talented reserves will be expected to challenge four starters from 2018.
The Hoyas are solid to open the season at cornerback. Junior Cameron Deen and senior Jalen Goldwire have grown into the roles which saw each play a strong role in 2018, as the Hoyas bent but did not break in the secondary, finishing third in the nation in 2018 in pass efficiency defense. At 6-2, Goldwire is taller than many of his predecessors in the GU lineup, which were often at a disadvantage against taller receivers. However, both will be tested on speed, where the Hoyas are at risk against deeper routes.
Five reserves will back up Deen and Goldwire, but do not yet have the game day experience. One to watch is junior Jonathan Honore, who saw action in 11 games last season but will look up to pick up the momentum as junior Andre Danove is sidelined in 2019.
When Georgetown goes to the three safety package, two positions are in good hands: senior Leon Agee and Ahmad Wilson combined for 77 tackles and five interceptions last season. Junior Roemello Walton figures to be a strong contender for the nickle package and has a great oppotunity to be that bridge to the 2020 secondary leadership when Agee and Wilson graduate.
"Leon has really progressed through camp and is looking sharp, right where we need him to be," said assistant coach Trey Henderson at GUHoyas.com. "Ahmad is also doing a nice job as we are moving him around a bit at a few different positions, but mentally he is doing a good job out there as far as making calls and getting guys lined up. Roemello has started to come along, playing more of a spur position for us and has done everything we have asked of him. His length and athleticism helps us out a lot. Dawson, Zaire and Delano are all working extremely hard and I think they have gotten better from practice one of preseason camp to now. They are really coming along and will provide excellent depth and be key components for us in the fall."
Georgetown's reserves are untested, and injuries could be a big factor in evaluating how well this team can defend against the pass. The Hoyas were only fifth of seven in the PL in pass defense and improved offenses at Bucknell and Lehigh figure to test them deep.
The kicking game is a test of a different kind. Senior Brad Hurst remains a solid punter with a career arc that should put him into the top five on the Georgetown record books. Pencil Hurst in 11 games at punter.
The kicking, that's another story. Hurst did not make a single FG in the last nine games last season, missed five of five versus Lehigh, and struggled mightily down the stretch. It seems likely that Tulane transfer Davis Walker will get a look to back up ore replace Hurst on PAT's and field goal attempts. A steady kicking game may mean the difference for a winning season in 2019, just as it (wasn't) in 2018.
All in all, there's a lot to look forward to in 2019, even with another year where the mirage of Cooper Field stands in the distance. Fans will have to wait yet another year for the promises of 1999 and 2000, much less 2005, 2009, or 2018. Those who do find their ways to the windswept east stands should take some solace in the fact that the Hoyas figure to send out the 15 year temporary seats out in style, with its best season in eight years.
