I have trouble finding difference-makers in the front 7.
Naz is the best in the front 7, but does he command a double-team? Probably not. Like any other defender on our line, I don't think they are a bull-rush threat. Naz and Dalton have a quick first step and are athletic, but i didn't see them overpowering people last yr. They've both added 15 pounds, so maybe this will change, but they both have a reallly high center of gravity.
Jeremiah Clarke has been in the program longer than Dalton, and looks the part, but instead of cementing his spot in the first string he missed all of spring and came back 10 pounds lighter.
DE was disappointing last yr and I have trouble expecting much more from the returnees. Esp with Drennon missing time lately. Sometimes true frosh are every-down difference makers but this is rare for our level of recruiting.
Cayson Collins was in the dog house last yr due to play-book issues. He seemed to have trouble with play recognition, decision making etc. J Jackson started over Collins. Nickel package was originally going to be Schoettmer and Jackson/Collins, but Shakeel outplayed him for that role. He's fast and physical, but like Travis Hughes he needs to a better job understanding where he needs to be. Hopefully he's fixed this stuff or we're screwed since it sounds like he's the starting in 4-3 as well as nickel.
Cole Holcomb primarily played special teams, didn't get much run, so he's a big question mark to me.
Malik Simmons and Sam Smiley were veterans, but we should have enough talent to replace them in the secondary.
My expectations for defensive improvement over last yr are not tremendous. I expect O to be great again.
