When I look at recruiting, I am never worried about if we can recruit offensive guys. We load up on twitchy, game-breaking type players on offense. Historically, I can't say the same for our defense. And then the few guys that I think are twitchy seem to get stuck in our system.
We do have a few guys that could make game-changing plays IMO:
- Boykins - So much more potential here. I do think he can be an everydown nickel for us.
- Cheeks - I can't wait to get him healthy!
- Gray/ Echols - Gray has protypical OLB size/ speed and Echols can be a missile. They both have had learning curves but I expect another bump up from them. More plays behind the line of scrimmage!
- DL - I actually like our athleticism here but something different has been holding each guy back. Health..strength...technique...confidence..conditioning. I want to see them put it together collectively! This unit could shift overnight easily and change the direction of our program. Similar things could be said on OL but our outstanding skill position talent has outweighed collective OL shortcomings. Carter/ Williams had crazy YAC for a reason!
- DBs - These guys have been an enigma. I never thought it was a lack of physical ability but mentally good lord. The guys were physically in position to make plays unless there was a total mental breakdown (which happened more than we liked). I am really hopeful about a few of the transfer additions (i.e. Huzzie and Allen) here! I also hope a few of the experienced guys like Hollins get another shot to provide quality depth for us. Add in a healthy Conley who can float between Safety and Nickel based on need.
- Jack - Taylor going down last year the D the most! Gainer may be a bigger upgrade especially if he brings Taylor's work ethic and passion. Our younger guys are hopefully getting bigger/ faster/ stronger and not just fatter.
I kind of just talked my way into being reservedly excited about the potential of our defense this year. lol I STILL DON"T TRUST IT until seeing it on the field in September!
We do have a few guys that could make game-changing plays IMO:
- Boykins - So much more potential here. I do think he can be an everydown nickel for us.
- Cheeks - I can't wait to get him healthy!
- Gray/ Echols - Gray has protypical OLB size/ speed and Echols can be a missile. They both have had learning curves but I expect another bump up from them. More plays behind the line of scrimmage!
- DL - I actually like our athleticism here but something different has been holding each guy back. Health..strength...technique...confidence..conditioning. I want to see them put it together collectively! This unit could shift overnight easily and change the direction of our program. Similar things could be said on OL but our outstanding skill position talent has outweighed collective OL shortcomings. Carter/ Williams had crazy YAC for a reason!
- DBs - These guys have been an enigma. I never thought it was a lack of physical ability but mentally good lord. The guys were physically in position to make plays unless there was a total mental breakdown (which happened more than we liked). I am really hopeful about a few of the transfer additions (i.e. Huzzie and Allen) here! I also hope a few of the experienced guys like Hollins get another shot to provide quality depth for us. Add in a healthy Conley who can float between Safety and Nickel based on need.
- Jack - Taylor going down last year the D the most! Gainer may be a bigger upgrade especially if he brings Taylor's work ethic and passion. Our younger guys are hopefully getting bigger/ faster/ stronger and not just fatter.
I kind of just talked my way into being reservedly excited about the potential of our defense this year. lol I STILL DON"T TRUST IT until seeing it on the field in September!
