What Happened in 2008?

This group was inconsistent at times, they could look dominant against a great Virginia Tech team and then look completely outmatched against an above average Florida State or Georgia Tech (more undisciplined than anything) team. This group suffered some injuries to key players that depleted their depth (Allen Bailey for half of the year and Eric Moncur for the whole year), and they also redshirted some of their talent (Gavin Hardin). In the end, this was the molding of a group that had flashes of absolute dominance.

What to Expect in 2009?

Compiled with new players in the rotation, and players back from injury, like the receivers on offense, this will be the deepest group on the defense. It should also be one of the most dominant front lines in college football. They have all the tools to be great: big defensive tackles, strong ends and speed rushers, opposing quarterbacks better watch out. This unit should shore up their run defense problems from 2008 and keep the pressure on quarterbacks to deliver on 3rd and long most of the time.

Superlatives

MVP: Allen Bailey – With his move to defensive tackle he won’t stack up as many tackles and sacks (except coverage sacks) but he should plug up the middle making everybody around him more effective. He will be the leader in the trenches.

Mr. Consistency: Adewale Ojomo – He has the style to be an every down DE. He’ll be reliable at his spot and if the tackle matched up with him takes a down off, Ojomo will get to the quarterback.

You’ll know him by October: Olivier Vernon – This guy arrived in January and was practicing with the first and second unit during the spring. He is ahead of his peers in terms of physical development which will help him see the field early, he will come in fresh and make plays and allow the first unit to stay fresh the whole game.

Make sure you have your degree when you leave: Josh Holmes – It’s not really his fault, but he has had too many injuries that have kept him out of practice and on the sideline during games. As I understand he is healthy now and he should be able to play. I just don’t see him overtaking someone in this already deep rotation, he will have to play extremely well to get in the rotation. In the end, I think he will be on the outside looking in.

Next Up: Linebackers

Related posts:

1. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Offensive Line
2. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Defensive Backs
3. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Impact Players
4. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Linebackers
5. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Receivers