As a clear disclaimer, I am really optimistic about our defense. However, I think we need to be realistic with our expectations with the pluses and minuses as it relates to what we know, do not know, and glaring weaknesses:
Defensive Line:
+ Emerging DEs: Washington and Spence look ready to light the world on fire at DE. They are a perfect SDE/WDE combo that bring a lot to the table. They have some real game experience and have already showed potential in actual game experience. I expect huge things but do keep in mind they are only sophomores and haven't been completely proven yet.
? Depth at DE: On the hoof, our DL looks pretty stocked from a numbers prospective and being physically imposing. But think of this...Steve Miller and J.T. Moore have little-to-no game experience and neither have showed much since arriving here, Marcus is intriguing as a pass rusher but is far from an every-down guy if someone gets injured, and not much has been said of either incoming DEs in Tyquan Lewis or Tracy Sprinkle (I think both need some time to develop anyways). Hopefully Miller and Moore can be serviceable if needed and I look for Bosa to step it up here and become part of the rotation at both DE and DT.
? Production at DT: We have tons of bodies here and I love the potential. If healthy, I think Bennett is a star...but health has always been a big if for him. Hale has some game experience and while his play has not been spectacular, he is a blue-collar guy that can do his one-eleventh for us. Schutt really impressed me and I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the field just as much (if not more) as Hale. I also think Carter can be a monster for us but he still has not proved he can play with a chip on his shoulder. I really LOVE the incoming freshman in Price and Hill...either is ready to contribute in my eyes but of course they must earn it. Also keep an eye on Bosa for third-downs here. I think we will be fine here but we need to be more than fine to compete for a NC...the DT play must be great, especially with the question marks at LB.
- Experience/leadership: How do you just bootstrap yourself into the place of Simon, Goebel, Williams, and Hank? I think the answer is you don't...at least not at first. I expect some growing pains early on with glimpses of brilliance (much like last season) but eventually with experience and adjustments, I think the talent takes over. Along with talent must come leadership as well and someone needs to get somewhere in the ballpark of Simon to lead this DL.
LB:
+ Shazier: Let's get real...the only sure thing is Shazier and he is the best in the Big Ten, maybe the country. Absolutely explosive and should dominate for us. If he goes down, we are in trouble.
? Perry and Grant: Both are physically impressive and have all the ability in the world. We know that. However, one MUST step up and be an OSU caliber linebacker or we are in big trouble. I really think Perry is ready to make that step and Grant seems to have made some big strides. However, their play had been subpar at best and they must be good-great this year. It would be a huge plus if both step up...even though we will be in the nickel alot, having some rotation and depth is needed. Haven't heard anything on Camren Williams really.
? The freshies: Mitchell and Johnson are tremendous talents, but do they pick up the scheme quick enough to make big contributions? I think one of Perry or Grant step up but in the event that they do not/injuries happen, we need one of them to be ready. I will be interested to see if Darron Lee or Worley come over to LB soon.
- Depth: Already alluded to this with the guys we have, but look at those we don't have due to attrition...Perkins, Crowell, Jamel Turner, Luke Roberts, Marcus (moved to DL), Ejuan Price, Chad Hagan, Scott McVey, Dorian Bell, and Jordan Whiting. 10 guys and you know that at least one or two would be contributing here. Add to the fact that Grant didn't develop quickly and Marcus got moved, and you have the problem we have. We need to hope for healthy players here and hope the young guys step up.
- Production: Aside from Shazier, nobody has really produced. I thought Perry look solid when he was in last year but again, we need alot better than solid. On paper, we have some great athletes at LB. That needs to turn into production.
DB:
+ Experience/Talent: By far the most experienced unit and we know that. Even Grant has some solid experience coming into the starting spot and has showed real potential. Roby is likely the best CB in the country and Bryant has big play ability if he wraps up. Barnett is steady and a good leader. 'Nuff said.
+ Depth: Behind our starters there is a ton of talent. Reeves has looked really good and is in great physical shape, Bogard has good reports coming out after his injury, I've always like Murray, Griffin is great on special teams and can play CB, and Wood is back to add some experience at safety.
+ Freshmen: I really think we had the best DB class in the country in 2013. We already saw Apple impress in the spring game. It's assumed Bell will be the third safety rotating in and he is an absolute playmaker that can't be kept off the field....I wouldn't be surprised to see him take a spot somewhere if anyone's performance slacks. Conley is getting reps with the one's and has a ton of potential. Worley is a huge hitter, great athlete, and could step in at nickel. Burrows was highly rated but may need some time to grasp the defense. How this class fits in to our defense remains to be seen, but I expect some contributions from a guy or two here.
? Nickel: Powell looks poised to take over this spot and run with it, and I think he looked great in the spring game. Can come play the run and is not a liability at all in coverage. However, he needs to prove it on the field. If not, I really thought senior Corey Brown looked ok here but it looks like he might get lost in the shuffle...Withers has made it clear he needs to step it up. I also think Bell could thrive here if either of the aforementioned falter.
- Tackling: I have re-watched most of our games from last year and the tackling was just brutally bad for the most part. There was some improvement down the stretch but not to where it needs to be. With the talk of experience, we often forget how frustrating this unit was for much of the year. I hope the improvement towards the end of the year translates to 2013 because we will need them to make some big tackles with the inexperience up front.
*Overall I think our defense will be as fun to watch early on as they will be frustrating. There are just some big holes to fill and filling them with talent will cause excitement and a new mix of play on defense, but there will also likely be some letdowns as well. Hopefully we work out most of those issues in the first two games, as we play awful opponents. However, I do think Cal's offense could give us issues again and we need to really have the kinks worked out by the time we play Wisky in game 5. I think if we recognize our weaknesses and potential weaknesses going into the year, we can be more realistic about what to expect from the defense.
