Allen Park — Clay is one of the most interesting resources the world has to offer.
When moist, it can be shaped or fashioned however the user sees fit, and when dried, it becomes hard, allowing the sculptor to create anything they can envision.
And while the Detroit Lions’ secondary may not exactly be made up of clay, it is chock-full of young players who defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant has the opportunity to get his hands on and build up in his vision.
“I’ve never been afraid to develop. I’ve never been afraid of a challenge,” Pleasant said last month. “I like clay, because then you can shape it and mold it the way you see fit. I know one thing that we’ve done better as a coaching staff is figuring out exactly what we want to be and how we want to do it, and any time there’s more clarity for the coaches, there’s going to be more clarity for the players.”
Someone who Pleasant is pleased to work with is former third overall pick Jeff Okudah, who sustained an Achilles injury in last season’s opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
And while Okudah, 23, might not have fully participated in minicamp, only going through walkthroughs and non-competitive activities, he’s been sticking close by to Pleasant and staying involved as much as he can.
More: Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah ‘hungry’ to return from Achilles injury
Pleasant said he appreciates how much Okudah has stayed engaged, and recognizes the fact he might have to tweak his coaching style due to what the former Ohio State Buckeye has been through in his young NFL career.
“I would like to believe that I don’t change very much as a coach, as far as my expectations and my standards, but I do believe that every person’s battle is a little bit different,” Pleasant said. “And I am sensitive to his situation, and that’s why … I’m very pleased (with) where he is both physically, and then also mentally.
“Mental health is something that’s huge for me for my players, and he seems like he’s in a very good place.”
Whenever Okudah is ready to return, he’ll line up on the opposite side of the field of fourth-year pro Amani Oruwariye, who broke out as a potential building block last season.
In his three seasons with the Lions, Oruwariye, 26, has pulled down nine interceptions and recovered a fumble, seeming to have a knack for getting his hands on the ball and making plays.
“I’m really pleased at his progression that I’ve seen since I’ve been here. I want him to continue to keep getting that ball back,” Pleasant said. “The only small thing that we’ve talked about is being a more efficient tackler in the open field. I think he’s been more aggressive, and I like that side of him, and I’m just really looking forward to seeing Amani grow as a professional.”
Beyond his boundary corners, Pleasant also has guys like AJ Parker and Mike Hughes competing for snaps in the nickel spot, and young safeties like Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brady Breeze fighting to see the field on the back end of the defense.
More: Rookie safety Kerby Joseph ahead of curve, still has to earn snaps in secondary
“Simply put, competition brings the best (out) of us all,” Pleasant said. “And as long as we understand in this profession that you’re continually trying to be replaced as a player, as well as a coach, I think it’ll bring the best out of us all.”
It’s a largely unproven secondary, and it remains to be seen how talented of a sculptor Pleasant is, but there’s certainly no shortage of clay to work with.
rsilva@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @Rich_Silva18