Progression, Continuation, or Regression? Noles Linebackers
by FrankDNole on Aug 7, 2009 4:37 PM EDT
in FSU Football
65 comments
Every day while catching up on my daily Nole must reads, I very often wonder to myself, "Are my 2009 Noles going to be better than last year’s team?"
Thank you for playing along, and we are almost finished. So far we have analyzed, discussed, and you have voted on whether the Defensive Line, the Receivers/Tight End, the Secondary, and the Offensive Backfield, will be better, the same, or worse than last years equivalent unit. Today we will take a look at the Linebackers, to determine if this unit has progressed, expected to continue at the same level, or regressed, in comparison to last years linebacking unit.
Going into this last offseason, all 3 of the units making up the defense (defensive line, linebackers, and secondary) clearly needed to be addressed if there was going to be any noticeable improvement in 2009
With the graduation of Derek Nicholson and Toddrick Verdell, the Seminoles lost their top two tacklers of the 2008 season. The pair combined for 147 tackles, 23 TFL, 5 Scks, 5 QBH, 3 FF, 4 FR, 2 PBU, and 1 INT. With these two players now gone, this revamped linebacking corps is considered by many to be the main concern of the entire defensive unit.
All of the LB position were wide open for competition during this last spring drills, and while there was some very good competition for the two starting jobs left open, many questions remain unanswered. Chuck Amato only had six scholarship linebackers available during those drills, and with Dekoda Watson out rehabbing his elbow, the offense shredded the defense for most of the spring. In addition, four of the six linebackers on the spring two-deeps were just sophomores.
Even though they will be playing together as a unit for the first time, there has been some talk that the linebacking corps have developed a close knit relationship, both on and off the field during this past off season. I hope that this is the case, because they will need to communicate, trust, and to cover for each other when mistakes are made.
Let's get right to it.
LINEBACKERS
2008 STRONG SIDE LINEBACKER=Dekoda Watson started 7 games, Kendall Smith started 3 games, and Kenny Ingram started 3. Ingram who was listed as a safety, filled in due to injuries and suspensions and he is now gone.
2009 PROJECTED STRONG SIDE LINEBACKER=Dekoda Watson, Nigel Carr (soph), and Mister Alexander(Soph)
Dekoda Watson=Going into his last season at FSU and one of the few defensive veterans left over from the 2008 campaign, Watson is expected to be the emotional and physical leader of the Seminole defense this year. Watson was the lone Seminole to land a spot on the All-ACC defensive squad. He has recorded 96 tackles over the last two seasons for Florida State and he played his best football at the end of 2008 with 28 tackles over the final four games of the year. An athletic linebacker, who reminds me some of Michael Boulware, Watson nearly matched his career high in tackles (50) last season (47) despite missing six starts due to the suspension and to various injuries. Watson missed all of the spring sessions after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, but contributed as a coach by teaching and helping to develop the younger linebackers. He has the athleticism, the big-play ability, anticipates the snap count very well, and explodes on movement. Watson is amazingly strong for his size with 48" shoulders and a 26" waist. While recovering from his surgery, since he could only do ab exercises, he was quoted as saying "I’ve got abs to my throat almost."
2008 MIDDLE LINEBACKER=Derek Nicholson started all 13 games, was the leading tackler and he is gone. TT=81, TFL=15, SCK=1, QBH=3, PBU=1, FR=4, FF=2.
2008 PROJECTED MIDDLE LINEBACKER=Junior Kendall Smith will get the first crack at replacing Nicholson, followed by Senior Recardo Wright.
2008 WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER=Toddrick Verdell started 12 games, was the teams 2nd leading tackler, and he too has left. TT=66, TFL=8, SCK=4, INT=1, PBU=1, QBH=2, FF=1. Verdell injured his groin against Colorado and sat out against Miami, when Bradham started in his place.
2008 PROJECTED WEAKSIDE LINEBACKER=Two true sophomores Nigel Bradham, and Nigel Carr sit atop the depth chart as the weakside linebacker.
OTHERS WHO CONTRIBUTED IN 2008 AND ARE OUT=Vince Williams is injured
OTHERS WHO MAY CONTRIBUTE IN 2009=???????????
So there you have it. There are some pretty big shoes to fill and there are many questions that need to be answered by this years linebacking unit. The biggest question I think, is how well has Dekoda Watson recovered from his surgery. This question will start to be answered later today as practice finally begins. Can Smith and the 2 Nigels perform as effectively, or anywhere near the level of Nicholson and Verdell? Can this unit, with it's lack of depth, stay healthy all season? Does Chuck Amato still have it in him, and can he work any kind of miracles with this group?
My answer to every question with the exception of Watson's recovery is NO!
If Watson has truly and fully recovered, and if he can stay healthy, IMO the strongside position will PROGRESS.
IMO, the middle and weakside linebacking positions will REGRESS.
The lack of depth of this unit is a major concern. I hope I am wrong, but I have no confidence in Amato and I don't think he will bring much to the party. And finally, while this is not part of this debate, my questions about the defensive lines ability to keep blockers off the LB's, will only add to the hardships this group faces this season.
Therefore,
MY BOTTOM LINE FOR THE LINEBACKERS=REGRESSION
What is your bottom line? Please vote now.
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I think the starters are much better and love Carr. Amato is a constant so I don’t treat him as a new limiting factor. I expect somewhere between continuation and progression.
by Bud Elliott on Aug 7, 2009 4:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I did not mean to imply that Sideshow Chuck would be any worse than he has been the last couple of years.
I meant that I did not expect anything to change with him.
Even though you did not like my use of the word previously, I think you might agree with me that in his case STAGNANT, in all caps and bold, truly does apply.
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It's all about staying healthy
I think the starting three will be better than last year. If any one of them goes down, wit is serious trouble.
The LB's are one of the most physical positions as far as initiating hard contact, and
It’s all about staying healthy
is one of my biggest concerns with this unit, and because of the depth.
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Mild Progression
W-Dakota watson returns from a pretty good season
T-Kendal Smith looked awesome when he did play
F- Nigel Bradham is a beast waiting to be unleashed
I agree with all 3 and no counter from me. However my curiousity forces me to ask,
W-
T-
F-
why?
Are you trying to replace A), 2), D)?
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K. Smith
He was pretty highly rated coming out of highschool and I love his film, but I have my doubts about him. I still remember back to the Music City Bowl against Kentucky when he got his first start due to the suspensions. He seemed really, really, lost out there. Last year he showed flashes of being able to hit (he forced a key Fumble in the WF game) but I just never really saw him as a starter. I do think the move to the middle will let him do what he does best, which is lay the wood. I don’t really trust him covering a tight end or anything like that, to be honest.
Totally agree pbysh
My ideal starting LB starting core would be Bradham at MLB with Dekoda and Carr on the outside
Zach, Don't you think that might be what we might wind up with at some point, maybe sooner than later?
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pbysh, Same here and Nicholson>Smith this year. Next year might be a different story.
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Progression
I know the lack of depth is cause for concern but I expect Mister Alexander and Nigel Carr to be beyond serviceable backups. I worry about Recardo Wright, he’s been here for a long time without producing. But overall I think Bradham, Smith, Watson will be better than last year’s starters. For one each of them are actually LB’s and not converted Safeties. Bradham and Watson also have SICK speed on the outside and can really stretch some plays wide. The group as a whole has an incredible amount of energy and talent. Nigel Carr won’t be giving anyone a break coming off the bench in terms of intensity or talent in relief of Watson and Alexander brings an exceptional amount of speed and athleticism. The only thing that remains to be seen is if they can display the proper discipline, read and react to plays as opposed to flying all over the field aimlessly. I also believe that the increase in size/strength on the defensive line will help immensely in the LB’s production and impact on the game.
With the exception of Watson, this is the experience factor that forced me to go the way I did.
The only thing that remains to be seen is if they can display the proper discipline, read and react to plays as opposed to flying all over the field aimlessly.
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continuation and here is why
Last year was ok we lost 2 key players. We are putting 3 guys in there that are under the radir for the most part. If the D-line can keep the O-line off them, If they can time there blitz like the miami game last year, If there speed makes them better becasue there lack of size could hurt them then hell yes they will be better. That a lot of ifs for me. I think they can be better but will need the help of a hurting secondary and a not so proven d-line. The best thing is If Jimbo and ponder can keep the Def off the feild and let them rest as much as posable.
Why is the sky blue? Because, God Loves the Infantry
For me too, that is why I am worried.
That a lot of ifs for me.
and
The best thing is If Jimbo and ponder can keep the Def off the feild and let them rest as much as posable.
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Regression
The individual talent may be greater than last year’s starters, but collectively, the group has limited experience and marginal depth. The LBs will see more time on the field with less subs available, and I’m predicting that this alone will lead to more injuries. Realistically, the performance of the LBs will be down due to attrition and experience.
The amount of snaps
will also play a role here. Our offense is expected to be more of a clock eater than in recent years because of the better O-line and stronger stable of RB’s. I’d also argue that the experience isn’t as great of a drop off as it seems. Toddrick Verdell wasn’t a consistent starter really until last season because he suffered from Injury and was playing behind Geno Hayes (also making the switch from Safety). Dekoda Watson is a senior that has seen the field PLENTY and Kendall Smith is a junior that possesses the maturity and dependability to pick things up rather quickly.
While Verdell wasn't a starter until last year, that is what we are comparing this years team to.
I also disagree with you on the experience not being a major drop off. Nicholson and Verdell combined started 25 of 26 games and the only reason it was not 26 of 26 was because of Verdell’s groin being sore against UM.
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I suppose for me I look at this way
Bradham replaces Verdell. While Verdell may have started last season, I believe that Bradham is more talented than Verdell and with LB being his natural position and the fact that he got a good amount of plays in last season, Bradham will be a better starter than Verdell was. Then consider that a healthy Watson that hopefully gets to play every game will be an upgrade from a Dekoda Watson that missed games and was hampered a year ago.
coonhound, Thank you for recapping my thoughts so eloquently and in only 3 sentences. I am impressed.
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Injuries are the key here
Without injuries the talent is better. Watson simply staying healthy would be progression.
Kendrick Stewart has increased in strength dramatically benching 465. Little things like this can help keep the blockers off the linebackers.
I can see some progression here with a little luck thrown in.
Ya’ll put it down Tim Tebow is going down. ……….Dekoda Watson
Doc, Agree on Watson. Stewart should be better which will keep the blockers off the LB's, but I don't know how much weight we should give it when comparing last years LB's to this years.
Tebow going down… Please Dekoda-do not pull a Geno the week before the game.
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Too little depth and experience
I have to go with regression. I like the talent better, but I don’t think it will perform better as a unit overall.
+1 on the talent level and next year and the year after these guys will be monsters.
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We'll be better
Nicholson was overrated IMO. He came in as a top prospect and starred in the Army game, but didn’t get much better while here. Better than Kendall Smith yes, but I expect Watson to be better than ever – IMO he was better in 07 than 08 and I think he’ll be even better this year than he was in 07. Then you’ve got Bradham who is going to break out and be one of the top LBs in the conference.
http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20081229/?pg=2
Chris, you are entitled to think Nicholson was overrated and that he did not get much better, however please consider the following.
He only played 5 games in 2006 and was not much of a contributor.
In 2007, he lead the team in tackles with 99, 19 more than Geno, and he had 8 TFL.
In 2008, even though his individual numbers for TT were slightly down (81) he did almost double his TFL total to 15. His TT numbers being down could have been due to the offenses being more ball control and successful.
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The consensus so far seems to favor progression with continuation close behind.
I agree with almost everything everyone here has said that Watson should be solid, that Bradham and Carr are beasts, and that Smith should be improved.
However, the reasons I went with regression is that as of today,
A) I can’t see any combination of Smith, Bradham, and Carr, in whatever order, producing the kind of numbers in this their first year, that Nicholson and Verdell had last season. 147 tackles, 23 TFL, 5 Scks, 5 QBH, 3 FF, 4 FR, 2 PBU, and 1 INT.
2) Watson will be the only constant from last year and should have a great year IF he remains healthy.
D) Depth. We are starting the season only having a 2 deep roster at LB, and not one player more, at least until the coaches start cross training and moving some other players around. You have to expect some injuries WILL happen, and to think none of these LB’s will get dinged up all season, IMO is not realistic (I certainly hope not and I am praying I am wrong). Without any real depth, this means our starting 3 will be on the field for more time, increasing the likelyhood of injury. I think most of us will agree that there is a drop off after the top 4 of Watson, Bradham, Smith, and Carr. If any of these 4 gets dinged or goes down, we are in trouble. There are no incoming freshmen to help out. It would have been nice if Mizell had qualified, but that may or may not happen at least until Jan. at the earliest. The fact that the offense will be better and play more ball control is fine on paper, but the players still have to go out and make the hits.
I really want to be wrong, but my simple mind doesn’t allow me to see the middle and weakside LB putting up the numbers that those 2 put up last year, at least not yet.
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We're just not anywhere where we need to be, depth-wise on D.
It’s hard to vote for better than Continuation (the artist formerly known as Stagnation) for any of the defensive groups. You compound a lack of depth with players on the 2-deep who haven’t seen any significant time at the position. I’m a glass-half-full guy, but the whole season will be “hold my breath” with the D. The quality depth just isn’t close to happening.
this is when you hope the off pulls together and out scores most of the other teams
Why is the sky blue? Because, God Loves the Infantry
Des, just don't score too quickly. Slow long drives are what will keep the D off the field.
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Since we'll be a rushing oriented team that seems likely.
" And He drank the world's sin so He could carry you in, and give you life"
If T.O.P. is FSU=45:00 Opponent=15:00, or anything close, this will be a non-issue.
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K-Man, Our problems may already have started on the d-line if McNeil does not qualify.
the whole season will be "hold my breath" with the D. The quality depth just isn’t close to happening.
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Enough depth IMO
We’ll just have to keep our starters in the game more and not sub as much. The more plays Bradham and Watson are on the field, the better.
Plus maybe it will encourage Mickey to use a nickel package more to deal with spread offenses.
Or not.
http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20081229/?pg=2
by tdchrisdavis on Aug 7, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think we can aford to do that.
We cant stop a running spread like what we will see with USF and NCST with 6 in the box.
Why is the sky blue? Because, God Loves the Infantry
still
dont care what no one says about the linebackers….aslong as nigel bradham is on the field im comfortable. he has all the tools you want from a linebacker..size,speed and heart…my slogan goin into this season is “unleash the beast”.
i cant wait for tebow to meet nigel _
wait tell game day It always cool when you get on before the game ans read the update about him going into BEASTMODE
Why is the sky blue? Because, God Loves the Infantry
i cant wait
idk about other people but im huge on nigel, if he can stay healthy and stay out of any off the field issues (and hes givin us no reason to worry so far) i think he’ll go down as one of the best linebackers we had in a while.
hes my second favorite player on the team after bert reed haha.
Agree on Bradham and his beastiality (and I don't mean he has sex with farm animals),
but he is only one of 3 LB’s and Watson MUST stay healthy all year.
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i fully agree
it is crucial for watson to stay healthy, if he can then him and nigel will cause havoc this season in the acc.
I have to go regression until I have seen otherwise........And bc Chucky is the LB coach and he thinks they will be just fine
sad but true
Espn do you think maybe we could get someone to cover the ACC that wears big boy pants?
TEBOW IS A GAY ROBOT
Progression or regression
I look at these posts every day because I do respect the back and forth but my goodness to hear some talk its like you expect the Noles to go 6-6!
The only question I have is whether the Noles can get to the Swamp undefeated. That’s it. All this handwringing over these minor issues is just crazy. You can only play three backers at a time in a 4-3 set. If one or even two goes down we have good replacements. The likelyhood of all three going down at the same time is basically zero.
The area(s) that I’m concerned about is the kicker (Hopkins in his first year) and the opposite corner of P-Rob. That’s about it.
On offense: The WRs are going to be good because they will have single coverage due to the run game, Ponder will be way better as the tackles are now stronger and have more experience and the technique that comes with it , the RBs go four deep, the TE’s are now three deep legit and they will be used a lot this year.
On defense the DL is better because we’re bigger and stronger even to the point that McDaniel may not even see the field not unless its mop up duty, the LB’s lack a couple of bodies but the first three are incredible and they have good backups, the secondary has only one question which concerns Jenji. I know some will say the SS but I fully expect to see Harley there, Parks or even Moody. I prefer Parks because he can hit and cover.
The schedule isn’t as daunting as it looks as most of the teams lost too much in key areas to stop the Noles except UF. The teams are big name teams but they are far from being tough teams. The only team that I’m concerned about (besides UF) is UNC and so far they haven’t impressed me at the WR position to thnk they can beat us. The Noles are the best team in the ACC and they will win the ACC and crush Va Tech. As far as VT goes, show me a QB that can throw downfield and some WR’s. Don’t even compare Taylor to Ponder as that’s an insult to Ponder.
12-2, we lose to OU in the Orange Bowl.
The level of optimism rings with familiarity.
Where is TRMNole when we need him?
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now that's some optimism.
I certainly head into game with high hopes, but there’s some pretty obvious facts you must consider. Allow me to play lucifer’s advocate for a moment:
DLine is bigger and stronger…
Yes, but so are the bodies they’re going against. The Pouncey twins have been lifting and eating well, too. We’re not the only team getting bigga, fastah, strongah. It’s relative.
And outside of the 18-year olds, are we more talented? 3 of the main contributors are seniors who didn’t wake up with more talent under their pillows.
Question marks at safety….
We recruit the best who we’d like to contribute immediately, but relying on players who’ve seen a down in real play at that position is a big deal. They could live up to the billing, or they could be another Roger Williams. I’m hoepfully but not banking on anything yet.
And Jamie Robinson really hasn’t shown me anything yet. I expect him to step up, but it still has to actually take place.
If 2 linebackers go down, we’re not okay. You can’t run the conference gauntlet with 4 or 5 bodies, few with any meaningful game experience.
I think 12-2 should be closer to your ceiling than your floor. We’re not back…..yet.
by The K-Man on Aug 8, 2009 5:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The only thing that concerns me with Jamie Robinson
is run support. I like the way he breaks on the ball and he has good hands. On his side of the field he’ll have guys that are pretty sound tacklers but he hasn’t proved that he himself can make that play.
Roger Williams
I would feel better with Parks or Harley starting there than this guy.
""-Jajuan Harley is a man. Only a freshman. But already as physically mature as anybody on the team. He’s 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and has an on-field presence that’s difficult to describe. There has been a lot of buzz about Harley after what he did in summer workouts, and it’d be difficult to foresee him not making a contribution in his first season." Andrew Carter
I am fairly confident Robinson will be fine but if not one of those younger guys can step up whether it be Parks, Demps, Harley or another. We will know more as fall practice unfolds.
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I didn’t say we could beat UF, I’m just saying that the other teams certainly don’t scare me at all. I think VT and GT are wayyyyyyy overrated. VT is solid but they ARE NOT a Top Ten team. How is GT a force when the one thing that prevented us from winning is gone? That would be that NFL DL they had AND we were wearing them out in the fourth. If not for the fumble by Sims, they could have went to the ACC Championship game last year. Nesbit has not proven he can throw effectively either. They are like VT withour the DL.
So again, who on this schedule is really scary besdies UF?
Intervention Time
I would tell you to put the Kool-Aid down but i think you have perhaps moved on to something a little more….potent?
Not an alcoholic, just an FSU grad.
Really? Name ONE team that poses this incredible problem for FSU:
Miami? – talent but new OC and QB plus WRs are shaky. We’re at home against them and they are not stacked defensively like Wake was last year.
BYU? – Good scheme, they are at home but they lack the defensive players and the speed to match up along the lines OR on the outside. We have a better DL and OL.
GT? – We’re at home, they have no DL to match our OL (that bascially dominated them last year late in the game), they have no QB that scares anyone with his arm and our front seven is bigger, stronger and faster than last year.
UNC? – Talent on the defensive side but the OL is weak, they have no recievers and a marginal run game. The only thing that keeps this close is that they are at home, if this were at Tally it would be a blowout.
Clemson? Talented but new QB’s don’t fare well against the Noles. Davis is gone and they will miss that pounding to set up Spliller a lot more than they think. If you think Sapp and Bowers will manhandle the tackles this year, guess again.
BC/Wake? Both lost wayyyyy too much on defense to beat us at thier home stadiums or at Tally. Both are rebuilding.
Maryland? LOL!
All that leaves is UF.
Well...
I will lack your confidence until after the Miami game or even USF game (actually probably all season). FSU has had a propensity to lose to teams that have no business beating them. You name reasons why other teams will be down. FSU has plenty of holes to fill before wins can be chalked up 11 games out. I think there are quite a few games that could go either way leading up to UF and FSU COULD win each one. Will it happen? Most likely not.
I think FSU will do well to enter the swamp with 2 losses. Don’t get me wrong. I really, REALLY hope the team is undefeated going to the swamp. But right now there is a lack of quality depth and experience on the defense. Linebacker is thin and behind our starters, it gets scary (not untalented just not a lot of bodies there and little experience).
The D-line may be stronger but is extremely unproven. As in very little production coming back. Couple injuries on the D-line and everything collapses.
The receivers could be an amazing group. But again, believe it when I see it.
A few games were won with the accuracy and power of Gano’s leg. Hopkins going to be that good? Strongly doubt it. Not this year anyway. The loss of Gano could result in FSU losing at least one close game.
For FSU to go 11-1 this year, there will need to be no injuries, ball control, better D-line play, better turn over ratio (give me some INTs for cryin out loud), no suspensions, and lastly some quality participation from true freshman.
Also I think some fans are leaning A LOT on the O-line being superior to everyone they line up against this year. Last year their pass protection was superior to NONE. Are they really going to go from worst to best in pass protection? I’ll take worst to middle of the pack.
There is a great possibility FSU wins/loses some pretty good shootouts this year. Should be a lot of fun to watch (or absolutely mind numbingly gut wrenching). If this was 2010 I would have posted what you said before you could. The o-line will have 2 seniors and 3 Jr’s, a group of much more experienced WR’s with time to mesh (please Lord, no suspensions), ditto on the RB’s a senior red shirt QB, and an infusion of new/more talent on the defensive side of the ball. 2011/12? Sky’s the limit.
Wow sorry, longer than I was planning. To sum up, the question shouldn’t be what other teams have that can stop FSU, but what FSU needs to fix before they can say, “11-0 headed to the swamp.”
We still have a shot at the ACC title this year. Could happen. May not. I’ll even take playing in Tampa as leader of a 3 way tie. Don’t worry, I’ll be at all the home games screaming as loud as possible hoping that you are right ALL THE WAY! Go Noles!
Not an alcoholic, just an FSU grad.
by onebarrelrum on Aug 10, 2009 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
And as I read UP on the comments...
…I see K-Man addressed some, well almost all of the issues I did, and you, nextlevel, had a couple in your original comment (concern with Hopkins, DB). Sorry for the redundancy. But basically it all comes down to a lot of ‘what ifs’ and ’they’ll be better this year.’ I’ll reserve my enthusiasm for when I see a decent product on the field. If you look at Phil Steele’s offensive and defensive contributors of last year, FSU has to replace a LOT. I know that those stats may not carry much weight for all teams (see ucf) and FSU may have some addition through subtraction. However it does show that there will have to be some major contributions to productivity on both sides of the ball by players that have a done pretty much, well, squat on the field.
Not an alcoholic, just an FSU grad.
by onebarrelrum on Aug 10, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
The OL doesn’t have to be awesomee in pass protection, just better than they were last year which is horrible. If they improve to average that’s going to help immensely.
They may lose one game on the way to the Swamp but i just don’t see where its coming from as all the teams are so flawed. Looking at the teams, I’d rather be the Noles than any other team in the ACC right now because we are going to really crush some teams as they will underestimate Ponder.
While the Noles have inexperience at certain positions we have very few “holes”. We have sort of holes at SS, Boundary CB and a real one at DE. SS will be manned by Parks or Moody eventaully this season both of who is better than Rolle, CB has Jenji and Allen battling and its not like they have no experience. At DE Dawkins has to prove himself big time and so that is a true hole. K is not a hole, I don’t think Hopkins will be Gano but he’s no scrub either. Williams will not need surgery at all and will be brought back on line slowly and probably by the sixth game will be playing which gives us eight LBs (nine if Gresham stays at LB) for he late push.
Aside from the DE position, I like the way this team is shaping up.
I agree.
I like the way the team is shaping up. You mention Dawkins has to prove himself. I would add White to the list as well. Really everyone playing on the interior of the d-line too. I wouldn’t classify White as a ‘hole’ in the defense but he needs to have a monster year. White needs to demand the respect of some double teams a la Brown. If White can live up to that challenge, the rest of the line may have a chance to show off the new muscles they worked so hard to get during the off season. Solid d-line play could mask an average secondary that is still a year away from being really good to excellent.
You are right, the OL doesn’t have to be world class in pass protection. It will be nice if they can create a pocket for a little longer than a millisecond. I think they will be markedly improved, just not amazing.
Excellent news that Williams doesn’t have to go under the knife. However a medical red shirt may still be his best option. He doesn’t need to push his luck. If it turns out that the injury is minor and he can get some playing time then great. His depth would add a bonus down the stretch. But I only want to see him out there at 100 percent. No, “I’m about 85% and I want to get worked into the rotation.” Not with spine injuries. Can’t put a price on you know…being able to walk. If therapy can’t get him to an absolute 100% he needs to take the year off.
I would rather be the Noles than any other team in the ACC too! The ceiling is higher than any other team in the conference. Miami could make a claim to this too but they have more staff problems than FSU does. Even with the staff transition that goes along with the departing of an iconic college football coach. FSU could could soon become a dominating team (top 1 or 2) in the conference again, year in and year out. That would make me soooooo happy. There are a lot of expectations for this team this year. And there is reason to believe they will be better. But 8-4 is very realistic (which to me is an improvement considering we dropped a lesser opponent and added a quality one). I just don’t want my fellow Noles fans throwing themselves off any bridges if we aren’t in the top 10 (or even 20) at the end of the year.
Not an alcoholic, just an FSU grad.
by onebarrelrum on Aug 11, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I am surprised no one has brought up the name Maurice Harris. Should he be written off for this year or might he contribute?
>-----:----:------>Spear 'em then Scalp 'em
Write Off. He's Sean Spence's size
with none of his ability. NONE of it. I think Harris weigh’s about 215 (maybe).
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