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I realize this might make me sound like BUS and his affection for offensive linemen, but we need the defensive line to step up big this weekend. We need a few sacks, and we need to pressure the QB into bad throws (read: "interceptions.") We all know what to expect from Allan Adami, and Desmond Jones has looked terrific early on this year. But we need strong performances from their backups inside, too -- LuckyDeLay, Brandon Bonds, etc.

Nobody liked what happened last week to Cory Muse -- that's a shame for anyone, let alone for someone with his pormise and potential. But it's not like there's nobody left. Melvin Williams has started since his sophomore year, if not his freshman year. Justin Rogers looks better every week. Charlie Berry has really improved since last year, and Brent Karrington adds a lot of strength to the DE spot when he plays there .... and it looks like that might be his home for the rest of the year now that Muse is injured.

If these guys can occupy SJSU's big offensive line and allow the LBs to run free to make plays, and if these guys can get some pressure on the QB, our whole defense will be that much more effective. I know I'm not breaking any new ground here, but even SJSU isn't exactly USC, their offensive line is big and pretty good. The last thing we need is to see Tyson Thompson running wild.

WE have some fighters on the D-line but we are very, very small. Our D-ends are not as tall and 20 to 30 pounds lighter that a lot of linebackers.

Coach Bennett is addressing these issues and all will get better.

HPFan,

I hear congratulations are in order.

BUS wrote:WE have some fighters on the D-line but we are very, very small. Our D-ends are not as tall and 20 to 30 pounds lighter that a lot of linebackers.

Coach Bennett is addressing this issues and all will get better.

Not as tall as who? Rico Harris? Our DEs aren't huge, but they're not exactly tiny, either. Justing Rogers goes 6-4, 240. Melvin Williams is up to 245 or something and freaky strong. Brent Karrington has dropped down to 245 or so, but he's pretty strong (that's probably a better weight for him.) Charlie Berry doesn't look very big, but I thought I read somewhere that he's in the 250 range.

The only LBs that are taller are (were) Cole Horton, who has retired, and Jamar Bey, who hasn't played much. I'd love to see DEs who are 6'6" and 280 coming off the edge, but there aren't many like that in the NFL, let alone in college.

TWO HP boys are in the starting rotation. Berry and Karrington. Hurray..

Huh? I heard Karrington might start - at DE. Where's Berry starting? At Justin Rogers' DE spot? Or are they moving Berry inside for a quick line?

I was not talking about our linebackers. Look around trhe top 40 teams and look at the overall size and height difference.

Big MEN

A quick lineup on the defensive line is probably the way to go - San Jose's offensive line has limited mobility.

Buddha I meant both would be sharing playing time in the rotation. Seems like all 2 deeps play a lot on the D-line with the exception of iron man Adami..

hpfan wrote:Buddha I meant both would be sharing playing time in the rotation. Seems like all 2 deeps play a lot on the D-line with the exception of iron man Adami..

For what it's worth, I hear Brandon Bonds has been tearing it up in practice lately. Hopefully he'll come up with a great game Saturday.