O-LINE & THE D-LINE

[dreammachine]

I also believe that Chaz Sutton is going to have a breakout year along with J.T. Surratt in the middle. Add these guys to Kelsey Q. and J. Clowney, they are going to be "bad to the bone"!

[henmania]

Originally Posted by BeatBamaTwice

For all you "star" buffs, this is the average stars per OL player for each year as indicated by Rivals. But Joe Harris has yet to set foot on campus, correct? :

2013 3.4 stars (5 players; 2 4 stars Park & Rogers)
2012 3.2 stars (5 players, 2 4 stars Joe Harris & B Stadnik)
2011 3.1 stars (6 players; 1 4 star Shell)
2010 3.1 stars (6 players; 1 4 star Cann)
2009 2.4 stars (3 players; including 2 star Rok)
2008 3.0 stars (2 players; including 3 star TJ)

Harris won't play here until 2014.

[henmania]

Originally Posted by LegalCock

DL. Ol is just a bunch of guys who have played or who we think might be good, not guys that have consistently played particularly well over a period of time.

I doubt we see much fall of on the DL. The OL should be better because they weren't all that good this year and they are talented.

[Sircock]

Originally Posted by Lonnie

I love Devin, but Sutton is going to be an upgrade.

<-----This! 100% correct.

Devon was good but Sutton is a beast. I see a big step up with in as a full time starter.

[FanofCarolina1]

Until I see the O-line consistently out perform the D-line, I will have to say defense.

[Goofyboy]

I believe the DL will struggle more than many may think. Devin was strong against the run and pass, and will not be fully replaced by Sutton early in the year. Fordham was a steady, effective sub. Jerideau may actually be the hardest to replace. He was an overlooked anchor like Robinson before him, often demanding doubles, and usually disruptive. Quarles promises to be increasingly better and will be even more of a force. Clowney is amazing. I think Sutton will be a good pass rusher, but not so strong against the run. English is talented, quite fast, and still too underweight. I think Dixon Jr and Dukes may still be a year away from making the DL the force it was this year. Dixon may contribute at DE, but still has to develop. I remember two games, Missouri and another where our D stiffed 'em for 3 1/2 quarters and the younger guys gave up the shutout by getting pushed around and not making tackles or getting pressure. I hope they get better over the spring/summer but...
On the OL, I think we will see a move upward despite losing TJ. The S&C program, push from young guys, and hard work in the summer look promising. TJ's leadership will be missed.

[MillerTime843]

Defense wins ball games

[B&GSpur]

Originally Posted by Goofyboy

I believe the DL will struggle more than many may think. Devin was strong against the run and pass, and will not be fully replaced by Sutton early in the year. Fordham was a steady, effective sub. Jerideau may actually be the hardest to replace. He was an overlooked anchor like Robinson before him, often demanding doubles, and usually disruptive. Quarles promises to be increasingly better and will be even more of a force. Clowney is amazing. I think Sutton will be a good pass rusher, but not so strong against the run. English is talented, quite fast, and still too underweight. I think Dixon Jr and Dukes may still be a year away from making the DL the force it was this year. Dixon may contribute at DE, but still has to develop. I remember two games, Missouri and another where our D stiffed 'em for 3 1/2 quarters and the younger guys gave up the shutout by getting pushed around and not making tackles or getting pressure. I hope they get better over the spring/summer but...
On the OL, I think we will see a move upward despite losing TJ. The S&C program, push from young guys, and hard work in the summer look promising. TJ's leadership will be missed.

Interesting, I watched him in the All American game he was in, don't remember which, but they double teamed him continuously even then he was able to get into the backfield on occasion.

[Goofyboy]

Interesting, I watched him in the All American game he was in, don't remember which, but they double teamed him continuously even then he was able to get into the backfield on occasion.

If you mean Jerideau, I got the same impression though I didn't see the game. It also looks like Devin was a major force in the game he was in also.

[dreammachine]

With Clowney, Sutton, and Quarles being three of the starters on our D-Line, it will be surprising to see who breaks out of the pack to become the 4th starter. I know that we will have the depth behind these guys which makes me think that our D-Line will be the better of the two groups. I just hope that there will not be a "drop off in quality play" when our first team is on the sidelines taking a breather. I would love to see our 2nd team be just as tough as our first team. It can be done with the athletes that we have coming back and the ones that were red-shirted.