I remember reading when he was part of that group of players that was let go that it was because those players were not buying in to the change the way its expected. So reading now that he has done everything that was asked of him tells me it was never a talent issue
Glad to see him back. I assume he's pegged to play NT. Need two reliable backups to give Watson time to catch his breath. Anybody know who will be the starter at the three-technique position?
My guess is that the starters inside will be Dexter and Lee, and on the outside it will be Cox and Umanlamien(sp). Doubt Watson starts but should see a lot of PT this year.
Agree. My best guess for starting line is Cox at Jack, Princely at End, Dexter at three technique and Watson/Lee at NT. Also look for Tyreak Sapp, Chris McClellan and Lloyd Summerall to work themselves into the mix.
Dexter is starting outside. Is Lee a three-technique or a one-technique? We need two tackles that best compliment Dexter and Cox. I like Watson as the starter even if his PT is limited. Get him out there on the first defensive series to establish domination along the LOS, then sit him down. The number two and three NTs will both get more snaps but Watson comes in when the situation requires an immoveable object.
I hope Thomas is able to get in shape and provide quality depth if not more in the fall. Obviously we are all concerned about the recruiting question marks and lack of commits at the position as we edge closer to the early signing period. I hope it works out for Thomas and UF.
He will but Coach Spencer is really excited about his potential at the five technique. Seems the philosophy is to utilize players with length on the outside and leverage on the inside. Thinking Dexter will slide inside on passing downs and someone like Sapp, Umanmielen or Boone will replace him outside. It's interesting that Spencer seems to be putting emphasis on size at the "Jack" position with Pyburn and Savaiinaea starting their careers there. Both weight about 260. I'm sure the old staff would have put them at SSDE.
Thomas was injured and didn't get to show all he had to offer. Regardless, I don't think his talent matters as much as team chemistry. Napier let Burke stay after team leaders convinced him. If Thomas did what he needed to show he could buy into team play, then he should be in O&B. This shows the team that Napier has their backs and he isn't just a mercenary milking them for everything he can get out of them. Upperclassmen buy in more when they see this.
We running primarily out of a 3-4 this year? That's what I keep reading. That's my favorite formation as long as we have the personnel to run it.
Yea. Not much different from last year or the previous three or four years. SSDE (5-technique), DT (3-technique), NT (1-Technique) and the WSDE/OLB, (Jack). Only difference might be having the the SSDE be the anchor. Everybody's going to slid around. There will be a lot of stunting, big guys dropping into coverage and small guys flying into the backfield.
More than likely a lack of dedication somewhere , class or football but it seems he probably got the message. I doubt he would be back if talent was ever the issue. Whatever the issue might have been, he has a second lease , take it and run kid.
Agreed 100%, but it only works if everyone is reacting quickly and correctly. Really requires dogs and discipline.
