In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, Indiana Hoosier Defensive Backs coach, Joe Palcic, provides insight on why Tracy Porter is ready to vie for a starting position in the Saints’ secondary.
B&G.com: Coach Palcic, we appreciate your taking the time to fill Saints fans in on what you know about Tracy Porter.
Coach Palcic: You’re welcome; it’s my pleasure.
B&G.com: Coach, I understand you have some “ties” with the Saints… is that correct?
Coach Palcic: Yes, I do. My youngest sister (Monica) is married to Mark Simoneau, my dad (Bob Palcic) was a Tight Ends coach under Jim Haslett when he was with the Saints, and Sean Payton was on the coaching staff at Miami of Ohio when I played there.
B&G.com: What can you tell us about how <st1:city> Tracy</st1:city> developed during his time at <st1:state> <st1:place> Indiana</st1:place> </st1:state> ?
Coach Palcic: Well, all you have to do is put yourself in his shoes. Here he was, a kid from <st1:state> Louisiana</st1:state> , and he’s dropped in a college town in the Midwest ( <st1:place> <st1:city> Bloomington</st1:city> , <st1:state> Indiana</st1:state> </st1:place> ). He didn’t know anyone, and I’m sure he was a little homesick. But as time went on, he applied himself, made friends, and really developed into a true leader on the football team.
B&G.com: Did you recruit him to <st1:state> <st1:place> Indiana</st1:place> </st1:state> ; what was so intriguing about Porter?
Coach Palcic: No, I didn’t. Actually, he was brought here (recruited) by the prior coaching staff. Former head coach Jerry DiNardo liked his talent and upside and persuaded <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> to come. In his first year, he was a true freshman. He was “raw.” By that I mean that you could see the athleticism, but he needed to polish his technique and anticipation.
B&G.com: How did it pan out?
Coach Palcic: He showed us enough for him to make the roster. He actually became a regular in the secondary and really showed his potential. In his very first game, he got a “pick” and returned it 90 yards. Unfortunately, he broke his clavicle (collar bone) midseason, in the 6<sup> th</sup> game. Of course, that cut his freshman season short.
B&G.com: What stands to you out about his development?
Coach Palcic: His maturity and savvy as a player really took off. After he returned the following season, he was so good that we put him on the opposing teams’ best receiver. He’s gone up against some of the best in the country, and really held his own.
B&G.com: What was the most impressive performance in any game you can recall about Tracy Porter?
Coach Palcic: I’d say that two stand out. The first was in ’06 vs. UCONN. He dominated in that game. He had two int’s, multiple passes defended, a blocked FG and returned a punt for a TD. The other memorable game was last season vs. the Fighting Illini. In that game, <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> had two int’s, and he was stout in run support to help stop Mendenhall.
B&G.com: When a player comes into the NFL, it can be a make-or-break decision if you have the wrong man in a man-to-man scheme if he’s more of a cover-2 player. Can you explain why this is so critical, and tell us which <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> best fits?
Coach Palcic: Yes, I’d be glad to. For instance, a team like the Indianapolis Colts (who uses the cover-2) don’t usually draft cornerbacks with their top (early round) choices because of their defensive schemes. This is because cover-2 only requires that a corner bumps and jams a receiver in the short to medium range, and releasing the receiver to the backpeddling safeties over the top in deep routes. Because of this, a typical cover-2 cornerback may not be as easily exploited as true man-to-man cornerback (who has full coverage responsibility …even on deep routes). So a cover-2 corner may be effective, and may be able to “cheat” more to provide run support sooner because he knows he can release the receiver after so-many yards. But not all defensive backs can make the transition from zone/cover-2 to man-to-man. In <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> ’s case, he can fit either system because he’s skilled and disciplined enough to hold man-to-man responsibility. And he can also revert to the zone/cover-2, if that’s the scheme called for in the defense or game situation.
B&G.com: Did the Hoosiers make it to a Bowl game last season?
Coach Palcic: Yes. We were invited to the “Insight Bowl” in <st1:city> <st1:place> Phoenix</st1:place> </st1:city> (Sun Devil stadium). <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> played well. No int’s, but he held his own.
B&G.com: How does Tracy Porter compare to other CB’s taken this year?
Coach Palcic: (laugh) You want an “unbiased answer?” Well, I know that he’s one of the most fluid defensive backs to be drafted in recent years…bar none. If you want a quick comparison: Many were touting Talib as a hot first-rounder. In my opinion, Talib would fit in cover-2 schemes, but may have difficulty in man-to-man schemes because he’s not as fluid in hip & leg movement (to react & change direction) as <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> is. I could go down the list in comparison, but I think that gives you an idea of where I’m coming from.
B&G.com: Seeing that Tracy Porter is a <st1:state> Louisiana</st1:state> native, how did he react when he found out he was coming back to the <st1:place> <st1:placename> Bayou</st1:placename> <st1:placetype> State</st1:placetype> </st1:place> ?
Coach Palcic: All I can say is that it was very special! For him, it was a dream come true. Throughout his time at <st1:state> <st1:place> Indiana</st1:place> </st1:state> , he’s always made it know that the Saints were his favorite team. His mom traveled to see him as much as she was able, but she refused to take the airlines (…she hated to fly). So, she sacrificed and drove the round trip more than a few times. Now that <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> is “back home,” I know that both he and she are ecstatic!
B&G.com: What do think are Tracy Porter’s chances in making the final Saints’ roster?
Coach Palcic: I believe his chances are excellent. In game situations, <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> let’s his play do the talking. I know that in the NFL some defenders like to talk smack, but that’s not <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> ’s style He has the talent, he has the confidence, and he has the game smarts that will translate into big dividends for the New Orleans Saints’ defense. Realistically, I see <st1:city> <st1:place> Tracy</st1:place> </st1:city> making the cut as a nickel (at least) …and will likely push for a starting spot. The term “draft steal” is an overplayed term. But don’t be surprised if it resurfaces when people look back on this pickup by the Saints.
B&G.com: Once again coach, we are delighted to have you share this information with an excited and eager Saints’ fan base. On behalf of BlackAndGold.com and Saints fans everywhere, thank you for your insight and perspective on Tracy Porter. All the best to the Hoosiers this season.
Coach Palcic: You’re welcome; good luck with the Saints.
