SIU’s safeties are in relentless pursuit of the ball

Lee Pronschinske

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Last year, SIU’s safeties forced an impressive nine turnovers, exactly half of the defense’s total of forced fumbles and interceptions. If defensive coordinator and safeties coach Lee Pronschinske has his way, that total will be surpassed in 2025.

“I’m looking for a violent group that flys around in relentless pursuit of the ball,” Pronschinske said. “These guys are looking for every opportunity to work a strip attempt, go attack and create a PBU, create an interception."

The home of NFL star Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois has a rich history of producing talented safeties, and while some of the faces are new this season, high expectations are the norm.

“Our safeties are the quarterbacks of the defense, so besides forcing turnovers and making big plays, their job is to get everyone on the same page,” Pronschinske said.

Safeties profiles, with comments from Coach Pronschinske

#5 Cejai Parson, 6-2, 195, Senior

Has 19 games of playing experience, including a pair of starts last season at cornerback. Had his best game at BYU with three tackles.

“He’s improved so much, both on and off the field as a leader, stepping into a leadership role after losing Iverson (Brown) and Ubayd (Steed) from last year. Then you add in his ability to football IQ, understanding how offenses are going to try to attack a certain scheme, and then obviously he shows the ability to be physical, does a good job in coverage and has really good instincts.”

#3 Jagger Williams, 6-2, 185, Senior

Played in 34 games in 4 seasons at FCS Utah Tech (2021-24) and totaled 103 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions

“Jagger’s played a lot of snaps in his career, and with that experience comes confidence. He does a great job of man coverage, has side-to-side movement skills and is constantly hunting the ball, whether it's punch outs, attacking the ball in the air, he’s just one of those guys that has a natural knack for the ball. He’s also done a good job of showing physicality down in the box.”

#4 Vinny Pierre Jr., 6-1, 200, Junior

Has played in all 24 games at SIU the last two years with 31career tackles. Had the game-winning interception on the final drive versus Incarnate Word in 2024.

“He's an awesome young man who's earned this opportunity to go out and show what he's capable of doing in a bigger role. There were times last year when I told Vinny, yeah, I probably should  have gotten you in there for another rack plays. It speaks a lot about who he is as an individual, that he was able to handle those circumstances of those guys ahead of him. Vinny has the ability to show down into the box, be extremely physical, have a little bit more of a nickel-slot corner, body type to him, where he can create some mismatches and also be extremely sound versus the run.”

#12 Johnny Schmitt, 6-1, 190, Sophomore

The Illinois transfer played in 11 games for SIU last season, mainly on special teams, and had eight tackles.

“Johnny played about 40 snaps on defense last year, but started on a couple special teams units, and now has the opportunity to go out there and potentially contribute significant plays and have opportunities on our defense. He works extremely hard, is physical in the run game, and plays well in man coverage. He’s very savvy in that aspect. You're gonna see him, you're not going to hear him, but he's going to go out there and just do his job.”

#31 Grant Thompson, 6-0, 190, Freshman

A true freshman who started college last December. A talented two-way player at North Atlanta High School.

“He's not a freshman, but he is a freshman, because he got those 15 spring ball practices underneath him. He has all the tools physically to go out there and do it. He’s physical at the point of attack. He's a very willing tackler, and shows really good movement skills in space. As with any freshman, we’ll see how he handles the mental aspect of school, football, etc.”

#36 Clayton Lakatos, 6-1, 190, Freshman

A state champion in track at Edwardsville High School and one of the fastest players on the team, he’s impressed during training camp.

“When people see a DB that runs that fast and was a track guy, everyone's worried about their physicality, but I think Clayton's done an excellent job in camp of eliminating any doubts that he can be a physical safety in the Missouri Valley. He kind of takes it as a personal challenge. Pound for pound, he might be the fastest guy on the team. He has all the tools of a good, young safety that'll continue to develop.”

Today was the first day of classes at SIU, and Coach Hill continued his tradition of offering rides to students on Day 1 of class.