Let’s look at the defense . . .

[Dave_Glaser]

Again, despite the doom and gloom of the preseason predictions, I don’t think we are devoid of talent on the defense. Let’s take a look at the defense:

DB - Obviously, this is the most experienced and highest-regarded unit on the team. Sails may be our best player overall and Hampton was our best corner heading into last season but struggled a bit. He needs to bounce back. If he does, we may have the two best CBs in the league. We have experienced safeties also in Roberts, Sanders and LaPointe - but I’d like to see us get bigger and more physical there. Interested to see RS-F Leonard Parker. He was a heck of a two-way player at Plant.

LB - I think most of us like Boyles and Grier here. Mims probably isn’t a starter, but he provides good depth. Bellamy is also a solid depth guy and we add the Michigan grad transfer Gil here, too. Could probably use another guy to emerge here.

DL - Although they’ve been up and down so far, Pinkney, Kegler and Green are experienced seniors inside at around 300 pounds. Barber and Yates have also seen plenty of snaps and we need to see what Waller will be. The ends are the biggest question marks on the defense, I think, but I’m eager to see Tennessee transfer Thaxton. What about Stacy Kirby? He was one of the top signees in the class two years ago. How about Jason Vaughn? He had some moments last year in limited time as a true freshman.

Add your thoughts.

[NewEnglandBull]

With good DBs we should have an opportunity to throw in some blitz packages. The right call/scheme can make all of the difference. The most important thing the D has to improve upon is getting off the field on 3rd down...we were atrocious in that category last year. 

[Bull Nut]

Keeping the offense on the field for more than 4 downs per possession would help. The D was gassed before halftime too often last season.

[DELdaBull]

The off-season optimism 

[Gatorbull325]

18 hours ago, Dave_Glaser said:

Again, despite the doom and gloom of the preseason predictions, I don’t think we are devoid of talent on the defense. Let’s take a look at the defense:

DB - Obviously, this is the most experienced and highest-regarded unit on the team. Sails may be our best player overall and Hampton was our best corner heading into last season but struggled a bit. He needs to bounce back. If he does, we may have the two best CBs in the league. We have experienced safeties also in Roberts, Sanders and LaPointe - but I’d like to see us get bigger and more physical there. Interested to see RS-F Leonard Parker. He was a heck of a two-way player at Plant.

LB - I think most of us like Boyles and Grier here. Mims probably isn’t a starter, but he provides good depth. Bellamy is also a solid depth guy and we add the Michigan grad transfer Gil here, too. Could probably use another guy to emerge here.

DL - Although they’ve been up and down so far, Pinkney, Kegler and Green are experienced seniors inside at around 300 pounds. Barber and Yates have also seen plenty of snaps and we need to see what Waller will be. The ends are the biggest question marks on the defense, I think, but I’m eager to see Tennessee transfer Thaxton. What about Stacy Kirby? He was one of the top signees in the class two years ago. How about Jason Vaughn? He had some moments last year in limited time as a true freshman.

Add your thoughts.

It sucks to have lost Tyrik Jones, so I think we may get another DE in the transfer portal. But I think this year some players step up. Hopefully John Waller steps up.

Defensive Transfers -

Devin Gil   LB   
Thad Mangum   DE/DT   
TJ Robinson  DB   
Bo Peek   DT   (High school film is great)
 

Thad Magnum to me is that guy that should be able to take charge of the D-Line and help fix the holes. Based on this news story he turned into a "player coach" when he got injured, so that's a sign that he can help the other players get better. 

 https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/03/19/former-christ-church-football-star-thad-mangum-transferring-from-wofford/2869066001/

[Outlaw]

23 hours ago, NewEnglandBull said:

With good DBs we should have an opportunity to throw in some blitz packages. The right call/scheme can make all of the difference. The most important thing the D has to improve upon is getting off the field on 3rd down...we were atrocious in that category last year. 

Hopefully we bring back the strong defensive line and DB play we were known for during our best football.