FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant is elated about the hiring of Dan Quinn as the team's 16th head coach.
His brother, Marcus Trufant, played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks. He was on the team when Quinn was the assistant head coach/defensive line in 2009 and 2010.
“He told me that he’s a great coach,” said Trufant in a phone interview from San Diego on Saturday. “He’s going to help the players and he will get the best out of us. I’m excited.”
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Trufant has been working out in San Diego and helping some prospects get ready for the combine.
The emergence of Trufant was an under-reported story during last season as the Falcons went 6-10. He was given more responsibility as the season progressed.
Trufant, who was the team’s first round pick in 2013, started to take on more responsibility during the Baltimore game when the former staff decided to match him against Steve Smith when the team played man-to-man coverage. He continued in that role for the remainder of the season.
Trufant was strong in coverage and played the run well. His play was recognized after the season as he was named to the All-NFC team by the Pro Football Writers of American alongside of Seattle’s Richard Sherman.
“I was pleased to receive that honor,” Trufant said. “But I know I can improve and want to get better.”
Trufant said that preparing and practicing against Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones and Roddy White in practice has accelerated his growth.
He said that he can’t want to get started under Quinn and will be on hand when the team starts its offseason training program.
“I’ll be there for all of that,” Trufant said.
Marcus Trufant was also able to give him a scouting report on former teammate Marquand Manuel (2004-05), who will served as the defensive back coach under Quinn.
“My brother said that you could tell that he was going to be a coach,” Trufant said.
Quinn, who has been evaluating the Falcons roster, has also reached out to Trufant.
“I’ve talked to him,” Trufant said. “He can’t wait to start working with us. I’m looking forward to it and I’m ready to start getting this turned around.”
Trufant played 1,099 snaps last season and was the highest rated player on the defense according to Pro Football Focus. He was the sixth rated cornerback in the league overall behind Denver’s Chris Harris, Indianapolis Vontae Davis, Sherman, New England’s Darrelle Revis and Kansas City’s Sean Smith.
Trufant, who had nine passes defensed and three interceptions, is clearly ready to get started under the new administration.
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