hornrush
Under Contract
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2013
- Messages
- 112
I'm going to give what I have. But before I begin, I sincerely apologize for the lack of depth about the secondary. I'm quite sure I'll get nailed on that but I've found out that I probably won't be getting any new updates or reports for a while so I'm going to post what my eyes and ears there are telling me.
So let's begin.
DLINE
This may be the most solidified and reliable part of the team. That does NOT mean the best part of the team just yet but right now, it is the one part of the team that the staff and those who have watched feel is the foundation that this defense and this team will build on. The two big studs here are Tank Jackson and Ced Reed. There have been times where they have been beat or held at bay...but not many. Right now, Reed seems to have not only rededicated himself and bought in whole hog with Charlie Strong's philosophy, he has also found a second and yes, a third gear. Playing the strong side may not be as sexy on the stat sheet this fall but if it takes 2 linemen and a back to help account for him, this is going to free up people like Jackson and Shiro Davis. The best part of all is that Chris Rumph seems to have a full rotation of solid players that he can move in and out depending upon the situation without much loss. For instance, Caleb Bluiett can spell Davis during certain sets of the offense while Ridgeway can handle either tackle position. These guys aren't All-Americans or the dominating defensive line from '83. Not yet anyway. But if they step up in time for UCLA and gain the kind of confidence in winning the battle at the LOS in that game, Katie bar the door. It seems from all eyes that this group, while not lacking in confidence, doesn't seem to be overtly pounding their chests like they are already world beaters. Rumph is doing a great job in keeping them in the moment. In fact, he's using one of my old baseball terms after someone makes a mistake. "..get up and get ready for the most important play of game! The MOST IMPORTANT PLAY OF THE GAME...THE NEXT PLAY!" All this group needs is to play well and dominate against a really good offense like UCLA, Baylor or the okies and they'll take off. Strength and conditioning will not be an issue with these guys this year. Everyone wants on the field and the competition and camaraderie (at least for now) is great.
LINEBACKERS
This is where I asked for the hardest look and I had specific questions I hoped to get answers to. Warning. This kinda goes against what this and other sites have been saying about the linebackers.
First, Jordan Hicks is the unquestioned leader of this group. But so he was the last two seasons. There seems to be an abundance of everyone relying on Hicks to make the calls, in coordination with Diggs in the secondary. This is concerning simply because Hicks has gone down early the last two seasons in a row and Edmond just can't make the same calls with the same confidence and accuracy and we find our LB corps guessing more than making plays. However, this past week, Brian Jean-Mary seems to be making an effort to not just get Edmond to get the calls right, but he is also relying on DeMarco Cobbs. That's right. Cobbs is playing every practice like his hair is on fire. If Hicks goes down, look for Cobbs to be the first to fill in. He seems to have picked up where Edmond and even Santos have left off by not only making the same calls with Diggs but the right calls as well.
Second, What a difference Brian Jean-Mary is making. These guys are being taught not just how to hit and where to be, they're being taught how to tackle, hand and feet technique, and how and why to take the proper angles and running through the ball carrier. In fact, it's a trait the entire defense is carrying forward in every practice and when they don't take those angles or use the proper techniques in tackling, the entire unit pays for it. In other words, these guys, all of the LBs, are finally being coached and held accountable for what they do on every...single...play.
Third. Individually, there are some concerns. Obviously, Hicks and his health. While not noticed by many, Hicks has been absent a couple of practices and portions of at least one more. I mean, not on the field at all. We're hoping that he can stay healthy because this group needs him, badly. When he is out there performing he is something to watch. Hicks can play in the NFL and be productive. His has lost a little speed but it could also be that's he's still nursing the Achilles. Jinkens seems to be the starter on the strong side but Jinkens so far this camp hasn't been as dominating as some have seen him to be in the past. Most of the time, he's there making plays but the fire seems to be missing from him a bit. In one-on-one and bull ring, his fire is noticeably present and he makes good use of it. No one can really put their finger on it but there just seems to be something different about Jinkens in live scrimmages. Perhaps he just needs the fire of real competition in games to push him back and allow him to break through that wall that linebackers seem to face more than most on a football team. Steve Edmond is bigger, faster (if you can believe it) and stronger than he's ever been at 40 acres. He still though has trouble with shedding blocks. Too often, by the time he's off the block and making the tackle, he's already given up 5 yard beyond the LOS. His passing game protection is much better and he seems to have a nose for the football. Santos is just the opposite. His strength is getting off blocks and slamming the running game. Edmond though has separated himself enough from Santos and the mediocre spring he had and seems to have solidified his starting position at MLB. Santos and Cobbs look to be the first in the rotation while Tevin Jackson and Tim Cole are both having an up and down camp thus far and Mary is constantly teaching and trying to keep the fire lit between them both. Beck showed promise early but I'm told he's been moved to tight end? That one baffled me as well. Overall, if these guys can stay healthy and fill the gaps that will be created by the DLine play, this defense could be salty. Their biggest weakness? The mid-range passing game. Which brings me to the
DEFENSIVE BACKS
I don't have much here simply because not a lot of focus from my reports were on the DBs. So this will be an in general report without much meat with specific names and players.
First there seems to be a significant rotation to who's playing where. One name that can be mentioned is Dylan Haines. The kid may not have the foot speed to keep up with the speedier receivers but so far, he has an outstanding first step read and is where is supposed to be when the ball gets there or the ball carrier gets there. He is also very much in tune with Quandre Diggs as to the rotation of coverages just before the ball is snapped. His instincts, his ability to be where he is supposed to be, work ethic and fearlessness as a hitter have kept him in with 1's for most of camp. I don't know if he'll start or be the starter at the end of the year but the kid gets it and he is balls out on every play and in the right place on every play thus far. Diggs is having a great camp. Really has come into his own and he, Hicks and Reed are the unquestioned leaders of this defense. As to who plays corner and the other safety spot? Pick a name from the various reports from Hornsports, OB and many others. It truly varies from day to day. It's not much on the secondary but overall, they aren't quite gelling as quickly as the other groups on the defense. A lot of Ash's balls are being completed in that 7-15 yard range and so far, it's driving Vance Bedford crazy. They're also a little out of sync on tackling angles and finishing plays. My guys all agree that they'll get there in time. But in time for UCLA and Baylor and then ou? That's the 64 million dollar question.
In summary, the strength of the DLine and LBs should be enough for the Horns to get through the first two games pretty well. But the secondary better have gelled by the time they meet UCLA or it could be a track meet.
Again, not much sunshine pumping, just a sober look from those who are there.
Thanks for your time.
Hook'em!
So let's begin.
DLINE
This may be the most solidified and reliable part of the team. That does NOT mean the best part of the team just yet but right now, it is the one part of the team that the staff and those who have watched feel is the foundation that this defense and this team will build on. The two big studs here are Tank Jackson and Ced Reed. There have been times where they have been beat or held at bay...but not many. Right now, Reed seems to have not only rededicated himself and bought in whole hog with Charlie Strong's philosophy, he has also found a second and yes, a third gear. Playing the strong side may not be as sexy on the stat sheet this fall but if it takes 2 linemen and a back to help account for him, this is going to free up people like Jackson and Shiro Davis. The best part of all is that Chris Rumph seems to have a full rotation of solid players that he can move in and out depending upon the situation without much loss. For instance, Caleb Bluiett can spell Davis during certain sets of the offense while Ridgeway can handle either tackle position. These guys aren't All-Americans or the dominating defensive line from '83. Not yet anyway. But if they step up in time for UCLA and gain the kind of confidence in winning the battle at the LOS in that game, Katie bar the door. It seems from all eyes that this group, while not lacking in confidence, doesn't seem to be overtly pounding their chests like they are already world beaters. Rumph is doing a great job in keeping them in the moment. In fact, he's using one of my old baseball terms after someone makes a mistake. "..get up and get ready for the most important play of game! The MOST IMPORTANT PLAY OF THE GAME...THE NEXT PLAY!" All this group needs is to play well and dominate against a really good offense like UCLA, Baylor or the okies and they'll take off. Strength and conditioning will not be an issue with these guys this year. Everyone wants on the field and the competition and camaraderie (at least for now) is great.
LINEBACKERS
This is where I asked for the hardest look and I had specific questions I hoped to get answers to. Warning. This kinda goes against what this and other sites have been saying about the linebackers.
First, Jordan Hicks is the unquestioned leader of this group. But so he was the last two seasons. There seems to be an abundance of everyone relying on Hicks to make the calls, in coordination with Diggs in the secondary. This is concerning simply because Hicks has gone down early the last two seasons in a row and Edmond just can't make the same calls with the same confidence and accuracy and we find our LB corps guessing more than making plays. However, this past week, Brian Jean-Mary seems to be making an effort to not just get Edmond to get the calls right, but he is also relying on DeMarco Cobbs. That's right. Cobbs is playing every practice like his hair is on fire. If Hicks goes down, look for Cobbs to be the first to fill in. He seems to have picked up where Edmond and even Santos have left off by not only making the same calls with Diggs but the right calls as well.
Second, What a difference Brian Jean-Mary is making. These guys are being taught not just how to hit and where to be, they're being taught how to tackle, hand and feet technique, and how and why to take the proper angles and running through the ball carrier. In fact, it's a trait the entire defense is carrying forward in every practice and when they don't take those angles or use the proper techniques in tackling, the entire unit pays for it. In other words, these guys, all of the LBs, are finally being coached and held accountable for what they do on every...single...play.
Third. Individually, there are some concerns. Obviously, Hicks and his health. While not noticed by many, Hicks has been absent a couple of practices and portions of at least one more. I mean, not on the field at all. We're hoping that he can stay healthy because this group needs him, badly. When he is out there performing he is something to watch. Hicks can play in the NFL and be productive. His has lost a little speed but it could also be that's he's still nursing the Achilles. Jinkens seems to be the starter on the strong side but Jinkens so far this camp hasn't been as dominating as some have seen him to be in the past. Most of the time, he's there making plays but the fire seems to be missing from him a bit. In one-on-one and bull ring, his fire is noticeably present and he makes good use of it. No one can really put their finger on it but there just seems to be something different about Jinkens in live scrimmages. Perhaps he just needs the fire of real competition in games to push him back and allow him to break through that wall that linebackers seem to face more than most on a football team. Steve Edmond is bigger, faster (if you can believe it) and stronger than he's ever been at 40 acres. He still though has trouble with shedding blocks. Too often, by the time he's off the block and making the tackle, he's already given up 5 yard beyond the LOS. His passing game protection is much better and he seems to have a nose for the football. Santos is just the opposite. His strength is getting off blocks and slamming the running game. Edmond though has separated himself enough from Santos and the mediocre spring he had and seems to have solidified his starting position at MLB. Santos and Cobbs look to be the first in the rotation while Tevin Jackson and Tim Cole are both having an up and down camp thus far and Mary is constantly teaching and trying to keep the fire lit between them both. Beck showed promise early but I'm told he's been moved to tight end? That one baffled me as well. Overall, if these guys can stay healthy and fill the gaps that will be created by the DLine play, this defense could be salty. Their biggest weakness? The mid-range passing game. Which brings me to the
DEFENSIVE BACKS
I don't have much here simply because not a lot of focus from my reports were on the DBs. So this will be an in general report without much meat with specific names and players.
First there seems to be a significant rotation to who's playing where. One name that can be mentioned is Dylan Haines. The kid may not have the foot speed to keep up with the speedier receivers but so far, he has an outstanding first step read and is where is supposed to be when the ball gets there or the ball carrier gets there. He is also very much in tune with Quandre Diggs as to the rotation of coverages just before the ball is snapped. His instincts, his ability to be where he is supposed to be, work ethic and fearlessness as a hitter have kept him in with 1's for most of camp. I don't know if he'll start or be the starter at the end of the year but the kid gets it and he is balls out on every play and in the right place on every play thus far. Diggs is having a great camp. Really has come into his own and he, Hicks and Reed are the unquestioned leaders of this defense. As to who plays corner and the other safety spot? Pick a name from the various reports from Hornsports, OB and many others. It truly varies from day to day. It's not much on the secondary but overall, they aren't quite gelling as quickly as the other groups on the defense. A lot of Ash's balls are being completed in that 7-15 yard range and so far, it's driving Vance Bedford crazy. They're also a little out of sync on tackling angles and finishing plays. My guys all agree that they'll get there in time. But in time for UCLA and Baylor and then ou? That's the 64 million dollar question.
In summary, the strength of the DLine and LBs should be enough for the Horns to get through the first two games pretty well. But the secondary better have gelled by the time they meet UCLA or it could be a track meet.
Again, not much sunshine pumping, just a sober look from those who are there.
Thanks for your time.
Hook'em!
