The Tulsa defensive backs seem to get the blame for the Hurricane’s sometimes helpless pass defense last season. No need to go over the numbers. It often wasn’t pretty.

But there were some promising things to take out of the season. Players developed and did come up with some plays. A more mature defensive backfield should help Tulsa from giving up the record numbers it allowed last season.

Leading the way at cornerback is Kerwin Thomas, who is one of TU coach Philip Montgomery’s favorite topics.

“I do like Kerwin a lot. I thought, really, Kerwin took some steps this spring that are really helping him become a better football player,” Montgomery said. “I thought we had a lot of good play back there this spring, which we needed, and I think that made Kerwin even more motivated to become a better player.”

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound junior from Wagoner tied for the team lead in interceptions in 2015, returning two for 46 yards, and led the team in passes defended with 12. He was fifth on the team in tackles with 60, including two for losses, and was one of only two defensive players, along with linebacker Trent Martin, to start all 13 games.

“I think his technique has gotten better, he’s got really good top end speed,” Montgomery explained. “He’s playing the ball so much better at the point of attack. Got to continue to put more weight on him, but overall, his physical play picked up this spring, and I think just his confidence picked up this spring, so I’m excited about Kerwin.”