SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Leading up to the start of the 2023 season on Aug. 31 at Nicholls, Hornetsports.com will have a break down of each position group. Single-game and season tickets are available for online purchase HERE.

• Eight players return to the Sacramento State secondary who have started games for the Hornets. However, one glaring absence will come at nickelback where the team is forced to replace Marte Mapu who was the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and a third round draft choice of the New England Patriots.
• Caleb Nelson headlines the cornerbacks after being named second team all-Big Sky last season. Nelson, who transferred from North Dakota prior to last season, tallied 37 total tackles while starting 12 games at cornerback. He led the team with 12 pass breakups and started the season with a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown against Utah Tech. Nelson also blocked a field goal attempt in the team's win over Montana on ESPN2.
• Dillon Juniel is the leading candidate to start opposite of Nelson at cornerback. Juniel started five games and played in all 13 last season. He finished the year with 32 total tackles and had nine PBUs. He had interceptions against Utah Tech and UC Davis to tie for the team lead.
• There is significant experience behind the pair as Patrick Dean, Jalin Speed and DJ Houston have all seen time at the position. Dean  has played in 20 games during his season and had one of the best plays of last season with a diving interception at Weber State.
• Jason Oliver, a transfer from Colorado, could also challenge for a spot in the rotation. Oliver appeared in 12 games for the Buffaloes last season and was a three-star recruit out of high school in 2021.
• Eian Moore, Cameron Broussard, Kylen Ross, Gavin Davis-Smith and Davion Ross (no relation) each have starts at safety during their careers. Davis-Smith (11 starts) and Broussard (10) earned the majority of the starts a year ago. Broussard had 69 tackles and tied for the team lead with two interceptions. Davis-Smith finished with 46 tackles in his 13 games. Moore started four games and was credited with 39 tackles last season.
• Kaleb Higgins transferred from Cal and will provided added depth at safety. Higgins graduated from Folsom HS and will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
• Jace O'Hara will likely take over for Mapu at nickelback. O'Hara has played in every game the last two seasons and has totaled 35 tackles in that span. Sophomore Darian Pollard and true freshman Fata Puloka will also play the position.

Aug. 17 - Wide Receivers
Aug. 18 - Defensive Backs
Aug. 19 - Running Backs
Aug. 20 - Linebackers
Aug. 21 - Quarterbacks
Aug. 22 - Specialists
Aug. 23 - Offensive Line/Tight Ends
Aug. 24 - Defensive Line