D-Tackle Question

[BUS]

OK, we have Adami who will fight till the day he dies. He is about 285 pounds and ready. I am sorry not to remember the name of the young man that hurt his back in a car wreck, but he is out.

Question.... Can we really think of red-shirting one of the two freshman D-Tackles. I don't think so. If we load up with say three more this recruiting year we can get one of them a red-shirt sophmore year.

What are your thoughts.
GSS

[Hoofprint]

Well, last report I saw had Adami at 276. But either way, he's bulked up nicely since he arrived. And, as you mentioned, Brad Bean is out at least until mid-season (I can't believe he's going to try to play this year - back injuries are tricky things). So that leaves Randy Denman and Brent Karrington as returning DTs. That's it. Then you add Brandon Bonds (who practice observers seem to think will start from Day One) and Desmond Jones, and that's still a little thin. Mike Benson moved from OL to DL, but he's out on the end, not in the middle. And of course Darrin Johnson is now playing tight end.

I agree with you, BUS - I don't think we can afford to redshirt either one. We were remarkably lucky last year with the health of our DTs, but I'm not sure we can count on that luck repeating itself. We desperately need more depth.

[Under the Lights]

FYI - Johnson is at left tackle (since last week). He has the quickness of feet and the range to protect the all important back side of the QB.

Bonds will the other DT starter in my opinion.

[BUS]

Do you think that Eric Neal could play D-Tackle. His size is good but is the attitude to cause pain there. I have spoken with him ( not about this ) and he seems like a fighter. Just a thought.

[Under the Lights]

Eric will be the starter at left tackle, but watch for the development of Urbanas. More than likely, they will begin to filter him in during the game as opposed to starting him in the game. The 1st team O-line starters from Saturday's scimmage were Harris (RT), Eidson (RG), Reindl (C), Kieschnick (LG), and Neal (LT) . . . Urbanas was on the sideline in shorts with Hargis.

[Hoofprint]

Johnson is at left tackle? Yes! That's where he should have been all along. At 6-6, 292, his frame is perfect for the position. And as talented as he is, he's not quite quick enough, in my opinion, for defensive end or tight end.

[Otto]

And he'll add a lot of weight to that 292 if he stays at OT.

[Under the Lights]

In the trickey category, be ready for some tackle eligible pass plays to Johnson. Soft hands and the ability to shuck the first tackler.

[Hoofprint]

That's true, that's a way Johnson could be very useful, but having played defensive end (and a little tight end), I imagine he will be focusing on the basics of the position before they start working in trick plays for him.

[JasonB]

Everything I had read before indicated that Johnson was at tight end for good? That is odd that they switched him again? I guess they are really trying to groom Urbanus to replace Sterling after this year, so they want to move DJ over to Left Tackle.

What does that say about Guidry? In the spring, I thought he was pushing Neal to start?

Also, has Eidson moved ahead of Poulos at both guard positions? That is a change - Poulos was really well thought of before. Maybe that is why on 5 with phil he indicates having Turner play. Perhaps Turner is going to move up to second string center?

[Under the Lights]

Poulos - he's barely hanging on to a 3rd team position. Evidently the game is not important to him.

[Under the Lights]

Turner is playing 2nd team LG.

[No Cal Pony]

If that's true about Poulos, then too bad. Sounded like a fairly well regarded recruit with family who played at SMU. Hoped for more from someone like that.

Go Ponies!

[Fresh]

Interesting - I'd heard Martin Guidry was second-string at one or both guard positions. His frame is better-suited to playing guard than tackle. But you think Turner has moved ahead of him on the depth chart?

Eidson is starting at RG only while Hargis is hurt, from what I hear. And I wouldn't give up on Poulos just yet. He's a big kid, who still could develop. Not saying he'll become a great lineman, but I can't yet say he won't, either.

[Under the Lights]

College football is not for everyone . . . unfortunately some kids don't find this out until they are in the midst of competing for a slot. Remember Chris was not recruited by Bennnett, but by Cavan. Bennett stood by Cavan's commitments in his first year.