Thought I would look at a few new guys in starting positions and discuss why they could have a very productive season.
So, lets start with McDonald, I believe he could have very good first year as a starter for a few reasons. The college game has changed a lot over the last decade, but honestly the star position has really became a smaller more athletic WLB to be able to match slots in these spread offenses. So, guys like Theo last year and Tamarion that are more safety bodies can thrive as stars in todays game. As a star they don't have to have the greatest of speed to cover the under stuff , but they need the bulk to hold up in the box against the run.
First, as a high school WLB he would have been taught a lot of the same run support techniques and responsibilities that transition to the college game, though the complexities of blocking are more advanced on the college level, it still has some technique rules that transfer to the star position. It also would have similarities in some coverage also, as WLB tend to cover the flats , screen zone behind the line and the 5 to 10 yard quarters area. He is skilled enough to match up with backs, big enough to cover TEs and has the strength/ speed to cover or redirect smaller slot WRs. I think Tamarion could really thrive because he has all it takes athletically to prosper at the star and honestly one intangible that is underrated. He is a Memphis kid and they are tough as nails and that can not be discounted, because it takes a dog to play the Star.
However, the one thing Theo had that made him so good last year was experience within a college film room of dissecting formations and play recognition. Tamarion wont have that luxury that only comes with experience, but as he plays , learns to study film and gains that field knowledge. I personally believe he could become a very productive and disruptive star within this defense IMHO
So, lets start with McDonald, I believe he could have very good first year as a starter for a few reasons. The college game has changed a lot over the last decade, but honestly the star position has really became a smaller more athletic WLB to be able to match slots in these spread offenses. So, guys like Theo last year and Tamarion that are more safety bodies can thrive as stars in todays game. As a star they don't have to have the greatest of speed to cover the under stuff , but they need the bulk to hold up in the box against the run.
First, as a high school WLB he would have been taught a lot of the same run support techniques and responsibilities that transition to the college game, though the complexities of blocking are more advanced on the college level, it still has some technique rules that transfer to the star position. It also would have similarities in some coverage also, as WLB tend to cover the flats , screen zone behind the line and the 5 to 10 yard quarters area. He is skilled enough to match up with backs, big enough to cover TEs and has the strength/ speed to cover or redirect smaller slot WRs. I think Tamarion could really thrive because he has all it takes athletically to prosper at the star and honestly one intangible that is underrated. He is a Memphis kid and they are tough as nails and that can not be discounted, because it takes a dog to play the Star.
However, the one thing Theo had that made him so good last year was experience within a college film room of dissecting formations and play recognition. Tamarion wont have that luxury that only comes with experience, but as he plays , learns to study film and gains that field knowledge. I personally believe he could become a very productive and disruptive star within this defense IMHO
