(S24) - PT 4 - Trial by Fire

[mithrandir]

Andrew Witten was a shut-down cornerback in the DSFL for the Tijuana Luchadores. In his season in the minors, Witten failed to record an interception, but he locked down his side of the defense, recording 12 pass deflections and giving up very few catches. He even had a game in which he did not allow a single catch. Moving up to the ISFL after only one season of development was difficult for Witten. He went from being an undisputed #1 corner to being the 4th best cornerback and 5th best defensive back on the team. With Deon Taylor and David Rector dominated at the outside cornerback positions and Xavien Adams playing well as the nickel back, Witten was asked to play a position he had never played before: strong safety. He was even overshadowed in the safety pair by safety of the year Mason Blaylock at free safety. Witten ended his first season without a single interception and only three pass deflections, though he did have some success rushing the quarterback, recording five sacks in his rookie season. His second season was also spent at the strong safety position, and Witten continued to develop and improved statistically in every area, including recording his first interception. Finally, this season, with Taylor retired and Adams gone in free agency, Witten has come into his own, and is a favorite to receive a Pro Bowl bid at cornerback.