To me that's the most critical thing for 2017, getting our defense to stop someone....anyone.
- I'm not down on Shoop yet. He has a track record of having great Defense, I think the combination of a new system that the players did not have time to learn (remember how many guys were injured in the spring) and injuries was the major culprit this year. We had converted DEs starting at DT and 3rd team LBs playing most of the year. I think we need to see what Shoop does to change things.
- Changes are needed at DB and LB coaching. These guys looked clueless all year.
- I'd look at moving Byrd to the secondary, or maybe actually play him both ways. We need consistency there. Moseley can make some plays but can also look bad. Need to look at Osborne there. Maybe even an incoming freshman or juco.
- Develop high rated guys like Osborne, Warrior and get them in the game. The excuse of players not being ready won't wash.
- S&C obviously has to be a priority in the off season.
- Move Austin Smith back to LB. Move Kirkland to Will and start Bituli. Bituli showed promise, get him developed to play MLB this year. He is a big, physical guy with talent. Kirkland is a great player and we also need better play from this position than Jumper and Berry can provide. Bottom line is that we need more physicality from this group - and TACKLE.
- DL - Put Kongbo at DE. He is best utilized as a DE. Start Phillips as the 3 tech DT, he can be a pretty good player there. Tuttle is likely a redshirt in 2017. Start K Mack at the other DT position. Time for him to live up to the hype - he was getting there before his injury. Vickers needs to come off the bench, he is not a high level starter in the SEC. He and Picou, along with freshmen can provide depth. Look at Taylor as the WDE position. I'm tired of reading about how good he looks in practice. Guys like McDaniel, Mixon, provide depth.
- I'm not down on Shoop yet. He has a track record of having great Defense, I think the combination of a new system that the players did not have time to learn (remember how many guys were injured in the spring) and injuries was the major culprit this year. We had converted DEs starting at DT and 3rd team LBs playing most of the year. I think we need to see what Shoop does to change things.
- Changes are needed at DB and LB coaching. These guys looked clueless all year.
- I'd look at moving Byrd to the secondary, or maybe actually play him both ways. We need consistency there. Moseley can make some plays but can also look bad. Need to look at Osborne there. Maybe even an incoming freshman or juco.
- Develop high rated guys like Osborne, Warrior and get them in the game. The excuse of players not being ready won't wash.
- S&C obviously has to be a priority in the off season.
- Move Austin Smith back to LB. Move Kirkland to Will and start Bituli. Bituli showed promise, get him developed to play MLB this year. He is a big, physical guy with talent. Kirkland is a great player and we also need better play from this position than Jumper and Berry can provide. Bottom line is that we need more physicality from this group - and TACKLE.
- DL - Put Kongbo at DE. He is best utilized as a DE. Start Phillips as the 3 tech DT, he can be a pretty good player there. Tuttle is likely a redshirt in 2017. Start K Mack at the other DT position. Time for him to live up to the hype - he was getting there before his injury. Vickers needs to come off the bench, he is not a high level starter in the SEC. He and Picou, along with freshmen can provide depth. Look at Taylor as the WDE position. I'm tired of reading about how good he looks in practice. Guys like McDaniel, Mixon, provide depth.
