Good Vibes W/LB's & Botkin

[Chainsaw]

I just wanted to bring a few things to your attention. Our linebacker core, with Shaq & Reginald running the show, will be the difference maker in our D this year. I see a CRUCIAL change in their mentality and their attitudes.They have been relentless in training and watching game film. Shaq says Bowen has stepped up vocally and both have been pushing each other and the younger guys. I am seeing alot of fire that's been missing. Coach Botkin may be the best thing for them. No offense to Ellis Johnson but I see something with all our LB's now for some reason Ellis didn't get from them in years past. I really think Botkin has these men feeling it! I heard alot of trash talk when SC hired him from a Texas high school but I love his gumption. I really think our D line and our linebacking group will help the concerns our secondary has posed.With our D line and the new feel linebacker group, this years D could be alot of fun!! If we can stay healthy there this will be one of the best defenses we have ever had. I'm not pumping SUNSHINE, just saying it looks promising!

Just wanted to put that out there!

GO COCKS!!!!

[LegalCock]

Hope you're right. He sure does have a lot to work with at his position.

[Chainsaw]

Originally Posted by LegalCock

Hope you're right. He sure does have a lot to work with at his position.

I think we are going to make some noise there this year. I really do.

[garnet_black215]

Include me in the group that think the linebackers are going to have a big year. Hopefully combined with the defensive line, they can make life a little easier on the secondary.

[catdaddy66]

He has a good philosophy... "Stop the run first!" and erring on the side of aggression. I believe these guys to have big years this season in a large part by how good our line should be.

[Chainsaw]

Our linebacker play will go a long way towards having a solid D. I am encouraged with the potential and hopefully we all see it on the field this year! I think our Offense will help the Defense as a whole by controlling the clock. Both combined is what we need. We have real good depth everywhere but the secondary and it's not that bad. We have a Real good chance to make a run for the East and maybe the SEC. I believe we have a shot and I think our secondary will be better than some expect. I think this team can get the results! You never hear our coaches or players talking smack. They let the RESULTS speak for them and thats why I like our chances.

Go Cocks!

[Goofyboy]

I'm thinking that having Ward as defensive coordinator without coaching a position could be a real advantage. Linebacker play (and spur) can be so critical, I think it deserves full attention from an expert, not a generalist who can determine how to change assignments, adjust personnel on the fly, and motivate. We have good speed and better-than-lately size at LB. I was delighted to hear an emphasis on attacking and stopping dead rather than the containment and give ground approach I've seen lately. A backer can both hit and wrap, and the more aggressive approach is welcome in my view. I've been dismayed in the past to see tackles made on third down after giving ground past the first down marker instead of attacking behind the line. If they get the first down, you've lost a big part of the battle anyway. I don't think we will see as much linebacker blitzing as OL stunting with backers moving and shifting to disguise alignments.

[Chainsaw]

Originally Posted by Goofyboy

I'm thinking that having Ward as defensive coordinator without coaching a position could be a real advantage. Linebacker play (and spur) can be so critical, I think it deserves full attention from an expert, not a generalist who can determine how to change assignments, adjust personnel on the fly, and motivate. We have good speed and better than la

I agree. Coach Ward wil also be the X factor & I think he will use the Spur as a true hybrid LB/DB the way it was meant to be. GOD I'm licking my chops at a seasoned Devonte and Diggs will do good as well. I can really see some good things happening! We will see soon enough!!

[Gamecock Stock]

Botkin reminds me a lot of Shawn Elliott.

[Chainsaw]

Originally Posted by Gamecock Stock

Botkin reminds me a lot of Shawn Elliott.

They do share some coaching characteristics.

[jfbreb94]

Originally Posted by Gamecock Stock

Botkin reminds me a lot of Shawn Elliott.

Thats a great compliment.

[Cocky Doodle]

Originally Posted by Chainsaw

I just wanted to bring a few things to your attention. Our linebacker core, with Shaq & Reginald running the show, will be the difference maker in our D this year. I see a CRUCIAL change in their mentality and their attitudes.They have been relentless in training and watching game film. Shaq says Bowen has stepped up vocally and both have been pushing each other and the younger guys. I am seeing alot of fire that's been missing. Coach Botkin may be the best thing for them. No offense to Ellis Johnson but I see something with all our LB's now for some reason Ellis didn't get from them in years past. I really think Botkin has these men feeling it! I heard alot of trash talk when SC hired him from a Texas high school but I love his gumption. I really think our D line and our linebacking group will help the concerns our secondary has posed.With our D line and the new feel linebacker group, this years D could be alot of fun!! If we can stay healthy there this will be one of the best defenses we have ever had. I'm not pumping SUNSHINE, just saying it looks promising!

Just wanted to put that out there!

GO COCKS!!!!

hope you are right - I really want us to get better at covering in passing situations from the lb core though - this is why we have lost to arky so much

[RphBallCoach]

Our LB core will win us a few games and will QB our defensive schemes.

[Chainsaw]

Damario Jeffery is a solid 2 behind Bowens and some younger guys are starting to step up. Depth rules the roost in this position and we need to get guys ready for next year too. Nothing is etched in stone but I think we will do an exceptional job at LB's for years to come. We have some seniors we will lose but they are already planting seeds of teamwork and that will be a huge and important for our future!