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All the chatter has been about the offense from yesterday's practice. Any news about who was lined up where on D? Did it look like the new DC put in the 4-3?

Went to practice yesterday and it looked like they were running a 4-3. The first team D went as follows.

Sowe - DE
Serge - DT
Handy - DT
Yenga - DE
Bonilla - OLB
Smart - MLB (surprised to see him in the middle)
Fleps - OLB
Bell - CB
Dennis - S
Jones - S
McCann - CB

cusa'06champs wrote:Went to practice yesterday and it looked like they were running a 4-3. The first team D went as follows.

Sowe - DE
Serge - DT
Handy - DT
Yenga - DE
Bonilla - OLB
Smart - MLB (surprised to see him in the middle)
Fleps - OLB
Bell - CB
Dennis - S
Jones - S
McCann - CB

Not surprised at Smart at middle. Fleps can play that spot too.
Think about it, though. For spring, the following players are not in the mix: Herron (grades), Odiari (not here yet), Victor Jones (not here yet).
That leaves Bon, Kennemer, & Moczygemba as defined by roster. Now why they aren't 1st Team D, I dunno. But Smart and Fleps can play. Frankly, to me, that defensive set up could look real nice with the right coaching. Yenga at DE just makes sense, though in a 3-4, I'd say you could drop him in coverage. If they do a lot of zone blitzing, that will happen anyway.

I understand that there will be a good chance that we see a different starting D in August. The only reason why I am little surprised is that Fleps looks much bigger than Smart. I must say that I was very surprised at how quick Serge was during d-line drills.

I think its one of the weakest LB groups to ever play at SMU-but if it looks nice to you.

Stallion wrote:I think its one of the weakest LB groups to ever play at SMU-but if it looks nice to you.

I'm ignoring you.

cusa'06champs wrote:I understand that there will be a good chance that we see a different starting D in August. The only reason why I am little surprised is that Fleps looks much bigger than Smart. I must say that I was very surprised at how quick Serge was during d-line drills.

I think Fleps is bigger than Smart. Obviously, the coaches are looking at the situation too, and perhaps they see something we don't, or they are experimenting, or both. I'll drink whatever flavor Hawaiian Punch they serve until proven otherwise. And I think you are right on with Serge. He is quick. I saw him run down a perfectly set up screen last year vs. TTech, and I thought for sure SMU had gotten a special kid.

OC Mustang wrote:

cusa'06champs wrote:Yenga at DE just makes sense, though in a 3-4, I'd say you could drop him in coverage. If they do a lot of zone blitzing, that will happen anyway.

He seems to make more sense at LB to me. What does he weigh, 225? 4.7ish? Great feet. I understand he's gotten a little taller but still seems too small to be a DE. Why does everyone project him at DE?

Alaric wrote:

OC Mustang wrote:

cusa'06champs wrote:Yenga at DE just makes sense, though in a 3-4, I'd say you could drop him in coverage. If they do a lot of zone blitzing, that will happen anyway.

He seems to make more sense at LB to me. What does he weigh, 225? 4.7ish? Great feet. I understand he's gotten a little taller but still seems too small to be a DE. Why does everyone project him at DE?

225 was Smart's weight on roster, and it consistent with when I saw him over the holidays. I believe that Fleps is bigger than Smart. And I thought, despite the roster, that Yenga was bigger than both of them. Maybe I am wrong.

How big does Sowe look? Wasn't he like 215?

Did it look like Youri had put on any bulk?

I like the d-line as it is. Sowe and Yenga could be very effective pass rushers. They are both still young and will only get better with experience and time in the weight room.

It's good to see some linebackers that aren't 200 or less pounds. I know Junes Jones wants some 240 pound linebackers as soon as possible.

OC Mustang wrote:

cusa'06champs wrote: And I think you are right on with Serge. He is quick. I saw him run down a perfectly set up screen last year vs. TTech, and I thought for sure SMU had gotten a special kid.

I saw Serge dunk a basketball at Dedman the other day. Not often you see a guy that big flying through the air.

Smart is at 240, and the new staff really likes speed off the edge.