Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
2019 is hindsight considering 2018 was an absolute shit show with the exact same players. 2023 was elite and in theory 2024 should be even better.2019 was about as good as it gets. That D was loaded at all 3 levels. 2016 was also elite. I like this D but there are still question marks. DT and LB are unknown and I don't see an elite pass rusher. Great to have JT back tho. He would've been tough to replace
You might not have to worry about that in the very near future.I’ll feel better if Proctor comes back for year 8
Sure. I mean, we all know how easily distracted this fanbase can b........Hey look! Squirrel!So are we feeling better than right after the Cotton Bowl
I'll be honest. I wasn't impressed with Styles this past year. I feel like he was out of place, took bad angles, and purely relied on his physical nature. There were a lot of failed arm tackles and way more missed tackles. I am looking for a much improved sophomore year.So now with Downs in the fold I’d think the starting line up should be similar to the following.
DE JT
DT Hamilton
DT Williams
DE Sawyer
LB Simon
LB Styles
CB Burke
NB Hancock
S Ransom
S Downs
CB Igbinosun
Should be noted that the reports are Styles had to really struggle to keep his weight down. The beat is pretty good with these things and made light that they think he’ll play LB and will likely be around 245-255 range which is nuts.
The depth and options should be spectacular too with Hicks, Matthews, Kanu, KJ, Curry, Simpson Hunt and Hartford.
This secondary allows us to play far more aggressive than last year and I hope we do. There’s no reason to sit back all year that’s for sure. Maybe don’t go all 2022 but I think meeting halfway between 2022 and 2023 would be a perfect balance.
This is by far the best defense I can remember ever coming back. Just need the OL to hold up their end of the bargain.
Yeah I agree. To me I just never felt Sonny’s presence in a game.I'll be honest. I wasn't impressed with Styles this past year. I feel like he was out of place, took bad angles, and purely relied on his physical nature. There were a lot of failed arm tackles and way more missed tackles. I am looking for a much improved sophomore year.
I would just put Styles/Hicks at LB...Hicks is going to play a lot this year. Otherwise I filled in the two/three-deep behind the guys you listed because I agree that is the starting lineup. I don't see any portal transfers on defense at this point to shake it up, mostly we will focus on the OL and be done with it after that.So now with Downs in the fold I’d think the starting line up should be similar to the following.
DE JT, Curry (Curry should play plenty, he would be a starter if JT and Sawyer didn't both come back)
DT Hamilton,Kanu, McDonald (McDonald should be ready to contribute some, but I liked Kanu in the limited action we saw from him)
DT Williams, Malone, Moore (I expect Malone to get a few more reps this year after focusing on football and learning the defense, Moore may see a little action in preparation for next season)
DE Sawyer, Jackson/Houston (I think Eddrick Houston may play right away, he is physically ready and crazy talented)
LB Simon, Powers, Reese (Powers should be ready to hit the field and show what he's got, Reese is more of an edge guy imo that could see some time on 3rd down situations for now)
LB Styles/Hicks, Glover/Kourt (I could see Hicks playing more or starting at LB over Styles, but obviously Styles will play a lot...no idea if Kourt Williams is actually healthy enough to play and I don't see Glover on the field a ton, but hopefully he plays a bit in relief to get some experience)
CB Burke, Mathews, Styles Jr (Mathews is next man up at any CB spot and proved it last year, Styles Jr is a good depth piece)
NB Hancock, Bryce West (I think we would put Mathews/CSH in here first assuming the other CB's are healthy, but West is going to be a future stud in the nickel)
S Ransom, Hartford (Hartford is a future star, loved what I saw from him and in big moments, he is legit)
S Downs, Bonsu, Carter (Bonsu is ready I hope, going to need him at times, Carter is back I believe and provides depth)
CB Igbinosun, Calvin Simpson-Hunt, Aaron Scott (CSH is a baller and should be primed after a RS year, Scott is so talented and his technique is very advanced for a frosh, so he might fight for some PT in a very crowded and talented CB room)
Should be noted that the reports are Styles had to really struggle to keep his weight down. The beat is pretty good with these things and made light that they think he’ll play LB and will likely be around 245-255 range which is nuts.
The depth and options should be spectacular too with Hicks, Matthews, Kanu, KJ, Curry, Simpson Hunt and Hartford.
This secondary allows us to play far more aggressive than last year and I hope we do. There’s no reason to sit back all year that’s for sure. Maybe don’t go all 2022 but I think meeting halfway between 2022 and 2023 would be a perfect balance.
This is by far the best defense I can remember ever coming back. Just need the OL to hold up their end of the bargain.