In 2012 Florida's defense carried them to 11 & 2. Their offense barely had a pulse. It goes to show how dangerous a team can be with good defense. Our 2015 defense will be that good imo. I am trying to understand your apprehension.
Our defense is the unquestioned strength. Brian Randolph and Ladarrell McNeil are seasoned. McNeil had the misfortune of arriving on campus and plugged into Sunseri's system. It took two years to undo that damage. Last year McNeil arrived. He and Randolph hit like linebackers. Randolph was 3rd in tackles, McNeil was 4th. They combined for 164 total. Then you factor Todd Kelly Jr. Many assumed he would be starting. And why not? He is a talented kid. If any team has a better Safety not starting. Show me.
Cam Sutton is absolutely insane. I try to rationalize why offenses bother him. It's like he has eyes in the back of his head. Last year he received little in accolades. Oddly, the guy called by some one of the best cover corners to wear orange will actually be playing with something to prove. Go figure. Moseley just keeps answering the bell. Haven't seen that guru who questioned his scholarship offer, have you? Justin Martin is an anomaly. A 6'2 corner with blazing speed. A JUCO All-American, coming off our bench.
Jalen-Reeves Maybin is all grown up. Lindy's lists him as one of the top 15 OLB's in the country and deservedly so. I for one am thrilled with the ascension Kenny Bynum. Everyone just assumed one of the talented freshmen would steal the show. Who knows? Maybe they will. But, it's encouraging to see Bynum fight. I understand the youth at LB is a question, but there is a huge difference this year. The last 7 years has been hell for our backers. Not only did we lack the bodies, the LB's we did have were forced to play 60 minutes. What's more, they had to be everywhere. Until last year Aj Johnson was practically alone on defense.
Where do you begin with this defensive line? When is the last time Tennessee had 6 capable DT's? How about never. Scout had the balls to rank Kahlil number 1 in the country. Anyone not ranking him 1 will look silly a month from now. Say what you will about Coleman Thomas. He went through an entire season in the SEC. Not once did anyone plant him like Kahlil did Saturday. I saw someone say he will require double team. Maybe. Where will that leave opposing teams dealing with Derek Barnett? A 270 pound DE out there doing spin moves.
Lastly, there is Curt Maggitt. A 6'4 250 monster. Had he not suffered injuries I can't begin to fathom his impact. How many teams have a player that can be All-SEC at two different positions? What I mean is Butch can seriously ponder whether he wants an All-SEC LB or DE. Lucky for us he will do both. I've yet to mention Kyle Phillips laying waste to 5 stars. Kendal Vickers squatting 710 pounds. I'll stop.
Our defense is the unquestioned strength. Brian Randolph and Ladarrell McNeil are seasoned. McNeil had the misfortune of arriving on campus and plugged into Sunseri's system. It took two years to undo that damage. Last year McNeil arrived. He and Randolph hit like linebackers. Randolph was 3rd in tackles, McNeil was 4th. They combined for 164 total. Then you factor Todd Kelly Jr. Many assumed he would be starting. And why not? He is a talented kid. If any team has a better Safety not starting. Show me.
Cam Sutton is absolutely insane. I try to rationalize why offenses bother him. It's like he has eyes in the back of his head. Last year he received little in accolades. Oddly, the guy called by some one of the best cover corners to wear orange will actually be playing with something to prove. Go figure. Moseley just keeps answering the bell. Haven't seen that guru who questioned his scholarship offer, have you? Justin Martin is an anomaly. A 6'2 corner with blazing speed. A JUCO All-American, coming off our bench.
Jalen-Reeves Maybin is all grown up. Lindy's lists him as one of the top 15 OLB's in the country and deservedly so. I for one am thrilled with the ascension Kenny Bynum. Everyone just assumed one of the talented freshmen would steal the show. Who knows? Maybe they will. But, it's encouraging to see Bynum fight. I understand the youth at LB is a question, but there is a huge difference this year. The last 7 years has been hell for our backers. Not only did we lack the bodies, the LB's we did have were forced to play 60 minutes. What's more, they had to be everywhere. Until last year Aj Johnson was practically alone on defense.
Where do you begin with this defensive line? When is the last time Tennessee had 6 capable DT's? How about never. Scout had the balls to rank Kahlil number 1 in the country. Anyone not ranking him 1 will look silly a month from now. Say what you will about Coleman Thomas. He went through an entire season in the SEC. Not once did anyone plant him like Kahlil did Saturday. I saw someone say he will require double team. Maybe. Where will that leave opposing teams dealing with Derek Barnett? A 270 pound DE out there doing spin moves.
Lastly, there is Curt Maggitt. A 6'4 250 monster. Had he not suffered injuries I can't begin to fathom his impact. How many teams have a player that can be All-SEC at two different positions? What I mean is Butch can seriously ponder whether he wants an All-SEC LB or DE. Lucky for us he will do both. I've yet to mention Kyle Phillips laying waste to 5 stars. Kendal Vickers squatting 710 pounds. I'll stop.
