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Which defensive player are you most excited to watch from each team next year?
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:40 pm
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:40 pm
For me:
Alabama - Reggie Ragland, LB
I think Ragland is one of the most under-appreciated players in the SEC and will be one of the keys to Bama's defense this year. The Tide's D Line with Robinson, Reed, Hand, Pettway, and others will be insane, and the secondary should be much improved. The one question I have is whether the linebackers can live up to expectations and I think with Ragland at the helm they can. Ragland has an incredible first step, great speed and power, and a very impressive ability to get into the backfield quickly. His pick against A&M last year showed off his great athleticism and I think he will become a superstar this season.
Arkansas - Bijhon Jackson, DT
To be completely honest I don't know a whole lot about Arkansas' returning defensive players, but they are going to have a very tough task replacing guys like Philon, Flowers, and Spaight. One guy I'm looking forward to seeing is Bijhon Jackson. He will be very important if Arkansas wants to have similar success as they did last year in stopping the run. A full year in the strength and conditioning program should do wonders for this 330 pound mammoth and it will be interesting to see if he breaks out in 2015.
Auburn - Carl Lawson, DE
Auburn really struggled to rush the passer last season, but the returns of Carl Lawson and Will Muschamp should do wonders for the Tigers' pass rush off the edge. Lawson is one of the premier defensive ends in the SEC, and I'm hopeful that he is back to full strength nest season so we can see just how fun it is to watch him play.
Florida - Vernon Hargreaves III, CB
Hargreaves may be the best cornerback in all of college football, and it should be fun to watch him play in what in all likelihood will be his last season at UF. There is a great chance Hargreaves doesn't put up great numbers again because no QB should be challenging him all season, but when you get the view that shows the entire field, it's great watching Hargreaves lock up the receiver he's covering. This year, we will be able to watch him in matchups with North, Treadwell, Cooper, and Dural. That is going to be awesome to watch.
UGA - Dominick Sanders, DB
Sanders was an absolute stud in his Freshman season for the Dawgs and hopefully he should be even better this year. Sanders was a ball hawk making a couple of very nice interceptions, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown. One area Sanders struggled last season was in run defense. An offseason of strength and conditioning under Hocke will be big for him, and hopefully he will learn to take a little bit better angles in run defense. If so, he could definitely be All-SEC this season.
Kentucky - Matt Elam, DT
Any time Kentucky can win a head-to-head recruiting battle against Bama in football, it's noteworthy, and it's going to be interesting to see how Elam performs this season. Kentucky lost a lot on the defensive side of the ball, and they are going to need Elam to step up to prevent them from being at the bottom of the SEC in defensive rankings.
LSU - Jamal Adams, S
Aside from being the best flopper in the SEC, Adams is an incredible defender in the run game and one of the most sure handed tacklers in the SEC. Adams is one of the most physical players in the SEC, and he will be very important next year with all of the talented running backs and running QBs like Dak and Jeremy Johnson that LSU will face in 2015.
Mississippi St. - Chris Jones, DE
After a successful Freshman season for Jones, he had a very disappointing sophomore season last year. Jones did face quite a few double teams last year, but he definitely did not provide the excitement and talent that State fans expected from one of the best recruits they have ever gotten. This year is a big year for Jones, and I expect him to provide a lot of production after the Bulldogs lost 3 talented players from last season including all-SEC member Preston Smith.
Missouri - Charles Harris, DE
As excited as I am for Kentrell Brothers next year, I couldn't go with any position other than defensive end for Missouri. The Tigers have thrown out stud DE after stud DE the last few years and I expect them to keep the tradition alive with Harris. Harris is a very athletic player, and without Golden and Ray around anymore I think he will have a big season this year.
Ole Miss - Robert Nkemdiche, DT
Robert Nkemdiche has an incredible amount of talent and this is the year I think he will finally live up to his recruiting ranking. This is not to say he has been a bad player at all, because he's been very good, but not quite deserving of his #1 ranking yet. This year he has gotten a full season to develop as a DT instead of a DE and he will be an absolute force against the talented running offenses of the SEC West.
South Carolina - Skai Moore, LB
South Carolina's run defense was near the bottom of the SEC last year, and a large part of that was due to missed tackles at the linebacker position. Moore is going to have to have a big year this year to help turn around Lorenzo Ward's defense. I'm excited to watch and find out if he can have a big impact for that Gamecocks with his athleticism, or if they will continue to be eaten alive by the talented running backs in the SEC.
Tennessee - Derek Barnett, DE
Barnett was an absolute beast last year, especially in SEC play when he finally started getting more reps. Barnett does an unbelievable job of shedding blocks and hits the QB with power that few other players have in the nation. Hopefully, Barnett can get back to full health for the fall because he is going to be one of the best players for the next couple years in the SEC.
Texas A&M - Josh Walker, LB
Myles Garrett was obviously unbelievable in 2014, but I am more excited to see what Chavis can do with the linebacker position next season. I think the two guys that will be stars in Chavis' system are Otaro Alaka and Josh Walker, and Walker's speed puts him at the top of the list of players I'm excited to watch. I know he was out for the spring with an injury, but hopefully he was still able to add a little bit more strength for next season to make him another one of Chavis' standout linebackers.
Vanderbilt - Josh Smith, LB
Even though Smith is just going to be a Freshman next year, he will be the highest rated recruit on Vandy's football team and definitely has the chance to compete for playing time right away. If Smith can have a good season in Mason's scheme next year, it will be interesting to see if more recruits want to start playing in his system. Smith is going to be a big piece of this system moving forward, and next year should be the start of a great career.
Alabama - Reggie Ragland, LB
I think Ragland is one of the most under-appreciated players in the SEC and will be one of the keys to Bama's defense this year. The Tide's D Line with Robinson, Reed, Hand, Pettway, and others will be insane, and the secondary should be much improved. The one question I have is whether the linebackers can live up to expectations and I think with Ragland at the helm they can. Ragland has an incredible first step, great speed and power, and a very impressive ability to get into the backfield quickly. His pick against A&M last year showed off his great athleticism and I think he will become a superstar this season.
Arkansas - Bijhon Jackson, DT
To be completely honest I don't know a whole lot about Arkansas' returning defensive players, but they are going to have a very tough task replacing guys like Philon, Flowers, and Spaight. One guy I'm looking forward to seeing is Bijhon Jackson. He will be very important if Arkansas wants to have similar success as they did last year in stopping the run. A full year in the strength and conditioning program should do wonders for this 330 pound mammoth and it will be interesting to see if he breaks out in 2015.
Auburn - Carl Lawson, DE
Auburn really struggled to rush the passer last season, but the returns of Carl Lawson and Will Muschamp should do wonders for the Tigers' pass rush off the edge. Lawson is one of the premier defensive ends in the SEC, and I'm hopeful that he is back to full strength nest season so we can see just how fun it is to watch him play.
Florida - Vernon Hargreaves III, CB
Hargreaves may be the best cornerback in all of college football, and it should be fun to watch him play in what in all likelihood will be his last season at UF. There is a great chance Hargreaves doesn't put up great numbers again because no QB should be challenging him all season, but when you get the view that shows the entire field, it's great watching Hargreaves lock up the receiver he's covering. This year, we will be able to watch him in matchups with North, Treadwell, Cooper, and Dural. That is going to be awesome to watch.
UGA - Dominick Sanders, DB
Sanders was an absolute stud in his Freshman season for the Dawgs and hopefully he should be even better this year. Sanders was a ball hawk making a couple of very nice interceptions, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown. One area Sanders struggled last season was in run defense. An offseason of strength and conditioning under Hocke will be big for him, and hopefully he will learn to take a little bit better angles in run defense. If so, he could definitely be All-SEC this season.
Kentucky - Matt Elam, DT
Any time Kentucky can win a head-to-head recruiting battle against Bama in football, it's noteworthy, and it's going to be interesting to see how Elam performs this season. Kentucky lost a lot on the defensive side of the ball, and they are going to need Elam to step up to prevent them from being at the bottom of the SEC in defensive rankings.
LSU - Jamal Adams, S
Aside from being the best flopper in the SEC, Adams is an incredible defender in the run game and one of the most sure handed tacklers in the SEC. Adams is one of the most physical players in the SEC, and he will be very important next year with all of the talented running backs and running QBs like Dak and Jeremy Johnson that LSU will face in 2015.
Mississippi St. - Chris Jones, DE
After a successful Freshman season for Jones, he had a very disappointing sophomore season last year. Jones did face quite a few double teams last year, but he definitely did not provide the excitement and talent that State fans expected from one of the best recruits they have ever gotten. This year is a big year for Jones, and I expect him to provide a lot of production after the Bulldogs lost 3 talented players from last season including all-SEC member Preston Smith.
Missouri - Charles Harris, DE
As excited as I am for Kentrell Brothers next year, I couldn't go with any position other than defensive end for Missouri. The Tigers have thrown out stud DE after stud DE the last few years and I expect them to keep the tradition alive with Harris. Harris is a very athletic player, and without Golden and Ray around anymore I think he will have a big season this year.
Ole Miss - Robert Nkemdiche, DT
Robert Nkemdiche has an incredible amount of talent and this is the year I think he will finally live up to his recruiting ranking. This is not to say he has been a bad player at all, because he's been very good, but not quite deserving of his #1 ranking yet. This year he has gotten a full season to develop as a DT instead of a DE and he will be an absolute force against the talented running offenses of the SEC West.
South Carolina - Skai Moore, LB
South Carolina's run defense was near the bottom of the SEC last year, and a large part of that was due to missed tackles at the linebacker position. Moore is going to have to have a big year this year to help turn around Lorenzo Ward's defense. I'm excited to watch and find out if he can have a big impact for that Gamecocks with his athleticism, or if they will continue to be eaten alive by the talented running backs in the SEC.
Tennessee - Derek Barnett, DE
Barnett was an absolute beast last year, especially in SEC play when he finally started getting more reps. Barnett does an unbelievable job of shedding blocks and hits the QB with power that few other players have in the nation. Hopefully, Barnett can get back to full health for the fall because he is going to be one of the best players for the next couple years in the SEC.
Texas A&M - Josh Walker, LB
Myles Garrett was obviously unbelievable in 2014, but I am more excited to see what Chavis can do with the linebacker position next season. I think the two guys that will be stars in Chavis' system are Otaro Alaka and Josh Walker, and Walker's speed puts him at the top of the list of players I'm excited to watch. I know he was out for the spring with an injury, but hopefully he was still able to add a little bit more strength for next season to make him another one of Chavis' standout linebackers.
Vanderbilt - Josh Smith, LB
Even though Smith is just going to be a Freshman next year, he will be the highest rated recruit on Vandy's football team and definitely has the chance to compete for playing time right away. If Smith can have a good season in Mason's scheme next year, it will be interesting to see if more recruits want to start playing in his system. Smith is going to be a big piece of this system moving forward, and next year should be the start of a great career.
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Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:41 pm to Dawgsontop34
Came to say Ragland.
I am interested to see how Garrett is used in Chavis's system.
And
to you and your write-ups
I am interested to see how Garrett is used in Chavis's system.
And
to you and your write-ups
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:43 pm to Dawgsontop34
Bro, post more. This is awesome compared to the shite we put up with on here.
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:43 pm to Dawgsontop34
I don't know what to do. An actual football post in April.
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:44 pm to craigbiggio
quote:
I am interested to see how Garrett is used in Chavis's system.
Expect to see his sack total go down.
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:49 pm to Dawgsontop34
For LSU, I'm interested to see if Clifton Garrett can become the force many thought he would be. I expect to see some 3-4 with him this year.
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:50 pm to bherm1988
lolz
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:51 pm to bherm1988
quote:
Expect to see his sack total go down.
Stay mad
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:54 pm to texag7
Ags can laugh all you want. Chavis will use Garrett to contain in the run game more than unleash him on the pass rush. He will still have 7-8 sacks, but more than that is a stretch.
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:55 pm to RB10
Hot takes
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:55 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
Alabama - Reggie Ragland, LB
that was my first thought. but then i realized i know what to expect from Reggie. The guy im really interested to see is Reuben Foster. He's been practicing with the first team defense this spring. He's a highlight waiting to happen. But you never know if he's going to knock the ball carrier silly or knock himself unconscious
Posted on 4/15/15 at 5:58 pm to ShaneTheLegLechler
quote:
Hot takes
I know it's a bit much for your delusion to handle. It's ok.
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:00 pm to Dawgsontop34
I agree with your take...good write-ups!
Surely we can replace 2 3*'s and a 2* talent
Surely we can replace 2 3*'s and a 2* talent
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:02 pm to RB10
Why do you think your fans feel the need to bring it up in any thread that mentions Garrett, including those that mention him only in passing like this one?
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:05 pm to ShaneTheLegLechler
quote:
Why do you think your fans feel the need to bring it up in any thread that mentions Garrett, including those that mention him only in passing like this one?
I was just making a point to the guy laughing at the original Garrett comment. It's not exactly a stretch to say his sack totals will go down.
Tell me, when's the last time Chavis has a 12+ sack guy?
There's no need to get mad at legit football discussion.
This post was edited on 4/15/15 at 6:08 pm
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:05 pm to Dawgsontop34
Bijhon will be important in replacing Philon for sure.
LB Brooks Ellis and CB Jared Collins (who played lights out toward the end of last season but no one ever talks about) will be two of our better defensive players.
The wildcard is Jeremiah Ledbetter, who was the 2nd ranked juco DT last year and has been living in the backfield so far in practice
LB Brooks Ellis and CB Jared Collins (who played lights out toward the end of last season but no one ever talks about) will be two of our better defensive players.
The wildcard is Jeremiah Ledbetter, who was the 2nd ranked juco DT last year and has been living in the backfield so far in practice
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:06 pm to Dawgsontop34
quote:
Auburn - Carl Lawson, DE
im more excited to see what Cowart can do. Lawson is most likely gone after next season, but Cowart might be the cornerstone of the auburn defense for the next couple years.
quote:
Texas A&M - Josh Walker, LB
meh, the only player on aTm's defense that I feel is worth watching at this point is Garrett. I want to see if he is going to develop into a complete player. He might already be the best pass rusher in the conference.
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:08 pm to Dawgsontop34
frickin frick
This post was edited on 4/15/15 at 6:09 pm
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:09 pm to cas4t
Philon is gone, unfortunately
Posted on 4/15/15 at 6:11 pm to gohogs141
I realized that and went back to edit, and somehow deleted the whole goddamn thing
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