re: The Wayyyyyy Too Early Two/Three-Deep

I think Gates starts at MLB. Talent wise he is the best linebacker on the roster IMO and I just feel he will find his way into the starting lineup.

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It's gonna be hard to start over Denzel (assuming his injury recovers properly) Talent wise he is better than Denzel IMO... But Denzel has the experience and leadership at a position where it's crucial to have both... And his timing on blitzes is beautiful

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DT shackle ford wasnt the most athletic at LB either. But he knew the playbook, played smart and disciplined, and he was a leader.
I see Denzel feeling that role this year.

Couple thoughts:

- The LB group is going to have to versitile this year. I think Gates and Russell will have step up at Mike. Last year teams took advantage of DT's inability to react in coverage and snuck receivers behind him off play-action. TC may push DK for playing time especially vs the downhill rushing teams like LSU & Arkansas. He is 20 lbs heavier and as fast if not faster than DK....all depends how quickly he can pick up the SEC game. Maybe moving Wommack to LBs will be the catalyst to that position group.
- Based off what I have been hearing Speaks could be the break out player on the DL. The kid is a freak athlete that was fast enough to play MLB in HS at 280 lbs. Surprising as this may sound but the DL should actually be better than last year.
- The WR corps is going to be nasty. If LT comes back healthy there is enough versitility to create match up problems for defenses at 2 or more positions on every single play. Look at the measurables on LT, String and EE; there aren't many DB corps that can be physical against them and then throw in the height/speed of Core, Ab, Pack, Lodge & VJ....
- I hope Judd's knee is healed up & he is as good as advertised. As the thunder to Walton's lightening it would keep D's honest if we can get a marginal improvement in the running game which would open things up for the receivers.

What about Eugene Brazley? Dude was like a 4 star in the 2013 class and I have heard literally nothing about him since. Also, will DK Buford see the field at all this year?

I think Swinney takes a RS year. I think Judd, Wilkins, and Walton will be enough.

Coach, that would be fine with me. Sit him unless we have to go to the #4 back.

But don't you think he was promised PT, ala Dodson?

I think they have plans for him to come in immediately and play. Whether he's ready or not is another thing entirely though.

No chance he redshirts. Can't get by with just 3 RBs for an entire season. They are expecting him to play immediately.

Linebackers should be good this year.

1st team - Denzel, Gates
2nd team- Russell, Polk
3rd team- Curtis, Caldwell
4th team- T. Strong, Doss or DK Buford????

Maybe, Doss and Buford move to defense in the spring.

Probably see all six get situation playing time.

I believe Curtis and Caldwell will surprise a few people with their ball hawking skills.

We shall see.

Man don't listen to anything Neil says. He contradicts himself all the time. He wrote off the basketball team early on as they are just not good. This is not a tournament team. Now he is riding their nuts.

I like listening to the podcast but I take everything he says with a grain of salt.