(12-22-2016 10:56 AM)NIU32 Wrote:  We've been recruiting running backs to play DE for us since the Novak days. Ken West for starters was one. Then we've had Perez Ford, Sutton Smith, Smaha and I'm sure I'm missing a bunch more. D Line is always going to be the hardest position to recruit for when your a mid major. They had to rely on getting athletes that are quick and trying to beef them up the best they can


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Ya I forgot about Kenny west he was a RB in hs. And not saying it's not successful although I do wish that trend changed a bit from the Novak days. Craig Rush was an awesome end...moved him inside and ruined him. Not really recruiting the Brandon Bices, Baxter and even Mehan much anymore it seems. We're been real lucky to get kids like Perez and Joe Windsor. Guys more fitted to be middle linebackers but had that rush to the game while also strong enough to hold an edge at a relatively small stature. Not easy to find and tends to be a huge roll of the dice. Worst case scenario being this year where there was neither a rush nor ability to hold the edge.

But based off pass success I can't say I disagree. It's just they like to use safety size backers which is good in theory but only if you have hosses up front to occupy double teams to utilize that backer speed. If a big tackle can take on a small end solo it just leaves a 320 lb guard one on one with a 220 lb backer...no good end result.