Tape and disappointment fuels Gaulden's bowl focus

Nickelback Rashaan Gaulden is third on the team in tackles with 63. He has 6 tackles-for-loss, which is tied for third best on the team. But, for the redshirt sophomore from the Midstate, it's the play that he didn't make that drives him.

That play was a would be pick-6 in the first quarter against Vanderbilt. It's a play he not only relives in his mind, but it's one he sees often thanks to an end-of-regular-season cut-up tape from the coaches.

“After the season, coach made individual clips of each player in the defensive backfield," Gaulden explained. "This whole bowl prep we have been trying to redefine our tools and work on the techniques we need to get better at. Coaches put on things that showed us our deficiencies and that has really helped us come out and be focused.

“It's good and bad plays. Dropping the interception at Vanderbilt. That's really a tough break. As a defensive back you have to have confidence. You have to bounce back from good and bad plays and I think I responded well after that dropped pick. But that pick would have put six on the board. I'm going to try and make that up when we go to Nashville.”

Gaulden calls his 2016 campaign an 'OK' year, but one he must grow from.

“From watching the individual tape, I had an ok season,” Gaulden said. “I definitely wanted to make more impact plays for the team. Those are the things I'm working to improve on. I'm trying to make plays to benefit the guys around me. I feel like I need to do better at that.”

Specifically, Gaulden has spent the last 10 days or so focusing on a couple of things.

“Sponge technique. That's my technique when I'm playing off (receivers) having better feet and eyes. Things like that. Trying to be better at being more patient in the slot with receivers and my blitz mechanics as well.”

Youth development

A year ago, Gaulden made his return to football after a broken foot cost him the 2015 season. Gaulden said the work for him last December was huge heading into the winter and spring. This month Gaulden said a couple of teammates, who haven't played a lot, have caught his eye.

“From a defensive back standpoint, I have been seeing Marquill Osborne making major strides to improve his craft and better himself,” Gaulden said. “Also, I think Darrell Taylor is going to be special when his time comes. He's been one of those guys who shows up everyday. He comes to work and has been making plays in the team periods. He's going to be ready to go for us next year.”