If he does as well as expected in Tuesday's contests - where 31 elected delegates are at stake - he will need to pick up only a handful of endorsements from the remaining uncommitted "super-delegates" - party officials with a free choice over who to support - to pass the winning post.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said first-round pick Dee Milliner will compete for a starting job at cornerback opposite Antonio Cromartie, while Josh Bush, Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett will be in the mix at safety opposite Dawan Landry.