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Nixa cornerback Tyler warns opponents not to sleep on Eagles' defense

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Jordan Tyler notes Nixa not only has some of its premier athletes running pass routes, but defending pass routes, as well.

Tyler and the rest of the Eagles' defensive backs don't receive near the notoriety as their counterparts in practices. But just as Nixa's passing game figures to be a strength, passing against the Eagles isn't expected to be easy.

Tyler, Jake Miller and Spencer Ward all return for their second year starting in the secondary and there is also confidence in Nixa's camp that Nate Brower and Broden Mabe will emerge as quality first-year starters

"I hope no one sleeps on us," Tyler said of Nixa's defense. "Everyone just talks about our offense. I hope they realize how good of a team we actually are, instead of just talking about our offense." 

Tyler collected three interceptions last year, while Miller had one pick and 28 tackles and Ward had one interception and 17 tackles while splitting time between offense and defense.

"We feel confident we're going to be the best secondary in Missouri," Tyler said. 

Tyler adds he and his defensive cohorts benefit by defending the likes of Kael Combs, Austin McCracken, Rylan Michel, Noah Engelman and Wyatt Vincent on a daily basis.

"I definitely will say it makes us better guarding Kael, Austin, Noah, Wyatt and Rylan," Tyler said. 

Tyler's progress on defense has been rather rapid. He was only moved from wide receiver to cornerback last year. 

"I have more confidence in myself on defense than I did on offense," Tyler said. 

He's matured into the Eagles' best one-on-one defender on pass routes.

“He’s our guy if we want to play man coverage,” coach John Perry said. “He’s athletic enough to do it.”

"Every game I'm going to draw the best receiver," Tyler said. "I like that a lot. Coaches trust me a lot and have a lot of confidence in me that I can do what I can."

At 5-foot-9, Tyler can't see eye to eye with some receivers. He doesn't read their eyes, anyway, in regard to keeping up with them on pass routes. 

"I mainly watch the hips," he said. "Wherever the hips are going to go, they are going to go. If I have great eye discipline, I'm going to be able to guard them wherever they go."


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