This unit has been Weis' greatest failing as a recruiter. Prior to this year's awesome bumper crop, Charlie struck out on prospect after prospect, and even let a few high-profile commits get stolen away for good measure. Many are predicting that this year's ridiculous crop of big men will save the day, but if there's one position where freshman are able to make the least impact, it's defensive line. Losing Trevor Laws to graduation was a huge hit to a defensive line that was already horrific against the run. Here's my best guess at the two deep:
DE: Pat Kuntz, Sean Cwynar
NT: Ian Williams, Pat Kuntz
DE: Justin Brown, Ethan Johnson
Justin Brown is pretty much a no brainer to reclaim his starting spot. He's been mediocre at best, but he'll provide a much needed veteran presence. If Kuntz returns (more on that in a bit), odds are he'll move over to his natural position, defensive end. This would allow us to start our three best defensive linemen by promoting Ian Williams to starting nose tackle. He had the sixth most tackles on the team last year despite playing less than a third of the downs. That's either an indication that he is an all-American in the making, or a stunning indictment of the rest of the defense. I'd venture to guess the truth lies somewhere inbetween. Pat Kuntz is listed as the backup DT because we're slightly deeper at defensive end, he has a year at DT under his belt, and all the other DT's on the roster will be true freshmen. True freshmen Sean Cwynar and Ethan Johnson are listed as backup DE's, but I wouldn't be surprised to see one of our current OLB's get slotted there. Cwynar is an early enrolee, which should give him a leg up on the other freshmen, and Johnson is a five star man-beast. They both have sky-high ceilings, but again, don't count on them to be very good as true freshmen.
All in all, a pretty dire situation. Best case scenario: Kuntz returns and we have two high-quality starters, a mediocre starter, and two true freshmen making the 2-deep. Worst case scenario: Kuntz can't get his grades up and we have one high quality starter (a true sophomore), a mediocre starter, a true freshman starter, and every single backup is also a true freshman. In any scenario, the starters are gonna get tired and give up chunks of yards, especially in the second half. That doesn't even take injuries into consideration, which are pretty much a guarantee at these positions. Bottom line… one of, if not the, biggest concerns we have heading into the season. Pray that Kuntz gets his grades up, injuries are minimal, and that someone either improves drastically or moves here from another position. Yeesh.
Linebackers
It could be argued that our most important recruit this offseason was Jon Tenuta. Tahnootah(!) is one of the most respected defensive minds in college football, and should get top-notch performance out of our linebackers.
OLB: Kerry Neal, John Ryan
MLB: Maurice Crum, Steve Paskorz
MLB: Toryan Smith, Aaron Nagel
OLB: Brian Smith, Morrice Richardson
Blazing fast sophomores Kerry Neal and Brian Smith are virtually guaranteed to reclaim their starting positions. I expect this talented duo to provide a tremendous pass rush and be one of the bright spots of the defense. Crum, the only 5th year senior on the defense, is a real playmaker. He's not the most impressive physical specimen, but he's a great field general and he flat out makes plays. The guy just has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Toryan Smith is my best guess to replace Joe Brockington at the other MLB spot, but it's pure speculation based on recruiting hype.
Overall, this should be a solid group. Three returning starters with a good amount of experience, seemingly adequate depth, a healthy infusion of freshman talent… and TAHNOOTAAH! Color me optimistic.
Defensive Backs
The strength of our defense, and probably the best unit on the team. We return three starters from one of the best (statistically) backfields in the country last year. Part of that ranking was due to our abysmal rush defense, and a joke of an offense, but that doesn't mean this unit wasn't legit.
CB: Darrin Walls, Gary Gray
CB: Terrail Lambert, Raeshon McNeil
FS: David Bruton
SS: Kyle McCarthy
We are incredibly deep at both cornerback and safety. Darrin Walls and Terrail Lambert will reclaim their starting cornerback spots, but don't be surprised if sophomore Gary Gray gives Lambert a run for his money. Rumor has it the five star freshman was absolutely blowing the coaches away before his season ending injury. Walls is a human blanket. Needs to work on his run support, but easily one of the best cover corners in the country in terms of raw athletic ability. Lambert is a veteran and has a nose for the ball. Gray and McNeil will play nickel and dime back, respectively, and they would both make capable starters at any program. Bruton will reclaim his role as free safety, where he kicked ass and took names. My best bet for Tommy Z's replacement is Kyle McCarthy, and lets face it, he'll be an upgrade. I love Zbikowsi as much as anybody. He was a tremendous punt returner, a vicious hitter, and an awesome personality, but he was constantly out of position. That maniac was simply uncoachable. I didn't list any backups at the safety spots because there's a whole bunch of guys that could end up there, including Jashaad Gaines, Sergio Brown, Leonard Gordon, Ray Herring, and the speedster Hunter Smith.
Bottom line, we're set at defensive back for years. I couldn't be more excited about this group.
Pulling it all together…
Even though we're going to suck donkey balls in the trenches, I fully expect the defense to improve significantly. 99% of our defensive problems were caused by the offense last year. No defense is going to look good when the O leaves them on the field the whole time, constantly puts them in horrendous field position, and forces them to play tight by convincing them that we'll lose the game if the opponent can put a single point on the board. Since the offense literally can't get worse, I have to believe it'll get better. Improved field position, more rest, eight returning starters, the best recruiting class in the country, an easier schedule, and TAHNOOOTAH(!) should all add up to a much better defense. We've got an exceptional backfield and all the talent in the world at OLB. Our only major issue will be depth along the defensive line, and that's surely going to prevent us from being an elite defense. I would, however, expect us to field a defense that is at least competitive with everyone on our schedule not named USC. If only we could say the same for our offense, which could improve 500% and still be the worst in the country…
Labels: Tahnootah
