Our defensive backs are probably the weakest link in our new D, although our CBs are looking good. If the safeties can hold their own, the Hens could challenge for the title.
"As the Blue Hens defense goes about reinventing itself this preseason, two of the most important people in that process are free safety Graves and strong safety Bratton.
Much rides on their development as Delaware approaches its Aug. 30 opener at Colonial Athletic Association rival William & Mary.
The two are poised to step into the breach left by the graduation of four-year starter Kyle Campbell and Garrett Schultz, a Temple transfer who blossomed into one of Delaware's most reliable playmakers in 2006.
Bratton, from Manassas, Va., and Graves, a Raleigh, N.C., resident, are sophomores who got a brief taste of the action last fall as true freshmen, when injuries and need forced them into immediate service for the 5-6 Blue Hens.
Each appeared in five games, with Graves even starting at Northeastern and James Madison, before injuries -- Graves hurt his neck and Bratton his shoulder -- cut their seasons short.
But now is their time, even though it's still early in their college careers.
"We know they're talented," said Rapone, who also coaches UD's safeties. "We know they want to be good. What hurts them is they're inexperienced and unproven. Every snap, they get a little more maturity."
The two saw plenty of snaps, passes thrown their way and blockers and ball-carriers hurtling in their direction Saturday, when Delaware had its first full-scale intrasquad scrimmage of preseason camp at Delaware Stadium.
Both frequently were part of the action. Graves earned hoots and hollers from his defensive mates after breaking up Joe Flacco's pass intended for Kervin Michaud and tracking down Omar Cuff on a 50-yard gain. Bratton was lauded after an open-field tackle on Cuff.
"They're both much further along than last year, and I think they're both ready to take on those responsibilities," Delaware coach K.C. Keeler said. "Those two kids need to be the quarterbacks of our team [on defense]. Both are in tremendous shape and, mentally and physically, they're light years from where they were last year."
Knowing that much is expected of them, Graves and Bratton took a diligent offseason approach. They stayed in Newark all summer, taking summer classes. Their football work involved improving their physical condition but also their game knowledge through videotape and playbook study.
"Coming into the season, everybody's question was the defensive backs and how we were going to perform," said the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Bratton, referring to the fact that Delaware also must replace cornerbacks Rashaad Woodard and Roger Brown."
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