Last year our DL was average at best and below average when it came to rushing the passer. Yes, some of our guys are a year older but does that mean better? Consider a couple of our DT are way overweight and we have a tough schedule, we cannot afford anymore injuries to this unit. Last year we were unable to get any real pressure from our DT position or rarely any tackles behind the LOS. I do believe we will have to resort to a lot of blitzes to get pressure but sometimes that has its own risks. Can this line hold up especially at the middle and end of a long tough season? Will we be able to keep enough guys fresh? I bring this up because SEC is a LOS league. I believe the left side of our OL will be good but the right side concerns me. I think we are strong everywhere else but going forward I'm still concerned about our OL and DL. I know I know time will tell but is anyone else a bit concerned prior to the season beginning? If there is any position that could conceivably blow our chances for a winning season then that one unit for me is the DL.
My biggest concern with DL is tackle depth. Maybe play a 3-4 defense sometimes. May have to if we have any injuries.
$7.4 million (Billy's salary this year) To answer the OP question, just heard Tyreak Sapp had a tipped pick-6 in our scrimmage today. Also, Boone broke up a pair of passes and the secondary is looking stronger too. Mertz even had issues finding his receivers. Pup Howard, Jaden Robinson and Myles Graham were impressive and Gregory Smith III starred at safety (even though he's probably not starting). We're gonna get tested early and often by Miami so we better get pressure on their quarterback. Between Boone, Jackson, Searcy, Sapp, Banks, Slackman and others, we can't be worse, right?
12 players on the roster listed as DL. 1 is out and 3 to 4 are most likely practice players. That gives you 7 players to rotate in and out. There is also 15 players listed at the edge position. 3 to 4 could be rotated inside if needed.
This should make you sightly less concerned about our D-line... “We’re only as strong as our weakest link”: Tyreak Sapp details his leadership role | GatorCountry.com “It’s going to be a better year this year”: Caleb Banks details his improvements this offseason | GatorCountry.com
Gatorcise pretty much nailed it. Depth at nose tackle is a slight concern but not the other tackle spot. This is the most talent and depth on the D-line than we've had in quite a few years. FYI, 3-4 is our base defense, three down linemen and an outside LB covering the weak side edge. Lots of talent at that spot as well.
Thanks Rick, maybe a little. It's almost like we have 18 OL but we're struggling to find 8 that could give us meaningful snaps. We have guys I'm sure we can throw out there but I'm just not sure how impactful they will be. But again time will tell. Here's the thing, most teams will have holes including the teams we will play against. I think great DC's can find ways to mask deficiencies and I think we have coaches in that category. On the flip side, I think our LB's and DB's will do great.
LOL, when your team has had 3 consecutive losing seasons if there isn't any concerns going into a season of playing 8 ranked teams then I want what you've been drinking. It's not like we've been juggernauts. There is a lot on the line this season especially for coach BN. Still, I'm predicting a 7 win season. So, that's a positive.
Three losing seasons, O/U for wins at 4.5, eight ranked teams on the schedule…yadda yadda yadda. Our boys got absolutely no expectations, so why the concerns? Seven wins is a slap in the face. We should’ve won 7 last year easily. I’ll match your 7 and raise you 2 to 9 wins.
Think DL will hold their own. Banks, Slackman will be pushing for All SEC. Really like James, Pup at LB. Safeties will be better. Like this D.
