When North Texas head coach Todd Dodge introduced the Mean Green’s 2008 recruiting class, he billed it as one that would make an immediate impact.

DaWaylon Cook

At the time, it seemed like a host of transfers would be the quickest to earn a role with the team. It turns out UNT’s freshmen are up to the challenge of the college game as well.

UNT’s coaches will decide today what its two-deep depth chart will look like for its season opener at Kansas State. Chances are at least five freshmen will be on the depth chart with another three or four on the travel squad.

“It’s encouraging,” Dodge said. “When we recruited this class we knew that on the defensive side of the ball, with the lack of returning players and the way we were upping the talent level, that they were going to have a chance. You don’t know how they are going to react to that. We have been pleased with [defensive backs] Royce Hill, John Shorter, Darien Williams and DaWaylon Cook. All four of those guys’ heads are spinning sometimes, but they compete.”

Linebacker Brandon Akpunku could also be on the Mean Green’s depth chart, while defensive lineman Troy Franklin is certain to be on the travel roster.

With Northeastern Oklahoma A&M transfer Adryan Adams battling for a starting job at cornerback and Kylee Hill all but assured of a starting job at safety, the Mean Green will have a much different look to its rotation than it did last season.

UNT is hoping that influx of talent will help the Mean Green improve its performance defensively over 2007, when the team finished last nationally in scoring defense with an average of 45.1 points allowed per game.

Cook is like several of the Mean Green’s freshmen who are expected to help not only defensively, but on special teams as well. The former Dallas Samuell standout is playing on three of the Mean Green’s special teams units while also learning a whole new position on defense.

“We are ready to get some action right away,” Cook said. “This is my first time playing cornerback, but I am getting used to it.”

Cook is one of UNT’s new recruits who has not needed long to adjust to the college level.

If the Mean Green’s young secondary players continue to develop, they could be the future of the team’s defense. Cook, Hill, Shorter and Williams form UNT’s second team defensive secondary.

The group will continue to grow together over the next few years. Throw in a few other young players like Franklin and Akpunku and the Mean Green could have a young defensive unit that develops together.

Briefly…

Center Kelvin Drake continued to go through limited work during practice while recovering from an ankle injury. … Offensive lineman Nate Jenkins continued to run late in practice in an effort to get into better shape.

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com .