There isn't much to discuss about this group from 2010.
Not alot of sacks (9 as a group). Not alot of tackles for
a loss (21 as a group). Not alot of pressure on the QB. Not alot of help
when it came to stopping the running game.

However, I do believe there are some pieces in place that
will help this team get better in 2011. I like Jabar Westerman
and think that he should be a solid piece at the DT position.
I also think that Slater and a healthy Jasper Grimes will be
able to contribute this year. The DE's have potential as well
Reese played well early and then faded last year. Orhman
could contribute. Kashama and Mulumba seem to be coming
up as well.

The new comers are somewhat of a head scratcher to me
though. Wilbert Mitchell is listed as a DT at 230 some lbs.
I've been told that he's probably closer to 260 with a frame
that can easily hold another 20-30 lbs. Omar McFarlane was
a late addition from the Miami, Florida area, but there isn't
much info out there about him (recruiting profiles etc). I was
also contacted by a young man on Twitter named Bryce Hall
who told me that he'd be playing D Line for the Eagles in the
Fall, but he isn't listed on any of the rosters. I looked him up
and he played his high school ball at Melvindale here in MI.
And then there is the mysterious case of Brandon Watson...
Will he ever play at EMU? Will he be a TE or a DE?
Perhaps they're all RS candidates who we can look to be
something in the future... Maybe they play early... We'll have
to wait and see.

So my question for the group is...

What can we realistically expect from the D Line in 2011?
What are realistic goals?

I personally would be pleased if they doubled their sack and TFL
numbers, but is this realistic progression?

I heard that Watson had grown to DT size and that is what English says he'll be in '12.

Curious about Jacob Rich a later signee from last year. I see the two new freshmen redshirt. This is a senior dominated line which needs recruits badly for the 2012 class.

Did you mention Henderson the JUCO? I think the expectations are high for him and IMO he would be the sole factor in thinking of improvement in sacks and TFL. That's a tall order. OL can always double team.

I think any improvement in the defense this year will be at LB and DB.

I completely left Devin Henderson out...

(07-29-2011 10:40 AM)emu79 Wrote:  Curious about Jacob Rich a later signee from last year. I see the two new freshmen redshirt. This is a senior dominated line which needs recruits badly for the 2012 class.

Did you mention Henderson the JUCO? I think the expectations are high for him and IMO he would be the sole factor in thinking of improvement in sacks and TFL. That's a tall order. OL can always double team.

I think any improvement in the defense this year will be at LB and DB.

Henderson to improve the DE position and two frosh DTs to redshirt would be what English would like.

There are a lot of upperclassmen on the DL to hold forth in '11.

I assume English would have liked to add 4 DLs this signing period, but he may still have:

Henderson, and waiting for next season: Marshall, McFarlane, and Watson.

This is essentially how it is done in the MAC with DL. Very difficult to get the top prospects so get the raw prosects and redshirt them and add ready-to-play JUCOs.

Everyone,

I like everything said in this thread, but let me also add, RE said the DL would be much improved and the overall defense is something he worked on during the off season.

Watson will be RS and Henderson will demand 2 guys to block him. There should also be input this season from Marshall and McFarlane.

(07-29-2011 12:30 PM)NUPudge Wrote:  Everyone,

I like everything said in this thread, but let me also add, RE said the DL would be much improved and the overall defense is something he worked on during the off season.

Watson will be RS and Henderson will demand 2 guys to block him. There should also be input this season from Marshall and McFarlane.

Henderson should (obviously) play this season. He has been out of h.s. I believe 3 years so he should be physically developed.

DL requires more physical development then experience.

IF Marshall or McFarlane can play as frosh then either:

1). They are big catches (sleeper picks) which would be surprising. OR 2). English is desperate for help on the DL.

Henderson is a NFL player and a man. LT is a NFL player. These two kids will change the defense if they stay without injuries

DL line.....
Sorry for using the word input, i probably should had said they will help shore up the DL by allowing others to rest. They can help with ST and if any injuries with players on the DL. (Starters on the DL will get beat-up and need plays off thoughout the game).

Lastly you want every player on the team to feel the heat from behind to make them go the extra mile and play hard. This is what RE has this year.. As I said before we will be much improved this year.