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We looked at offense during the holidays. So lets look at the presently known roster for the 2020 defense.

** Unable to play most or all of 2019 season (injury or eligibility)

#-signed in Dec 2019

Underline: multi-game starting experience

DT: A. Moultrie (R-JR), I. Forte (#JUCO, JR), M. Fairbanks (R-SO), M. Stanley (R-SR)

DT: T. Fair (SR), F. McWilliams (R-SO), T. Jones (#JUCO, JR), K. Penn (R-FR)

STAR: D. Turner (SR), **J. Street (R-SR), K. Griffin (R-JR)

SAM: J. Smith (JR), K. Sanders (#JUCO, JR), N. Eason (R-SO)

JACK: A. Wright (SO), T. Johnston (SR), T. McDonald (R-FR), #-T. Brown (#HS FR)

LB: K. Moll (SR), A. Merrick (#HS FR), D. Oliver (R-FR), W. Conner (R-FR)

LB: N. Wilder (R-JR), **J. Rayam (R-SO), L. Brasher (SR), LJ Smith (R-FR)

CB: ** B. Harris (R-SR), S. Thomas V (JR), K. Swoopes (SO), D. Miller (SO)

FS: W. Boler (R-JR), J. Key (R-SO), R. Revels (SO), A. Maddox (#HS FR)

SS: G. Cash (R-JR), D. Bynum (JR), D. Miller (SO), **D. Acfalle (R-SO)

CB: TD Marshall (R-SR), CD Daniels (JR), D. Miller (SO), X. Lanier (R-SO

So a few observations.

Nine starters return. Nine! And several positions have 2 players who started 5 or more games.

1. Forte and Jones replace Marino and Johnson at DT. Probably a bit of a downgrade vs Marino, but Im ready to see Forte play. Moultrie came on much stronger toward the end of the season. It would be nice to have him break out his JR year. Im curious as to whether Penn makes the rotation at DT This year. Or I wonder if they might shift Penn to offense as a more athletic guard, depending on who signs late.

2. Alex Wright will come back bigger, stronger and faster. Be afraid QBs. He will be a beast. johnston will continue to mystify us as the highest rated HS signee in program history, who seems to regress each year. Less than 10 tackles his JR season. Wonder what his story is?

3. SAM belongs to Smith. He might be CUSA defensive POY next year, if Moll doesnt win it. Sanders will be an intriguing backup out of JUCO. Both are basketball tall. N. Eason intrigues me as a basketball player converted to a pass rusher. I suspect he will be consistently dangerous by his JR season.

4. Moll and Wilder return and inside LB gets some much needed reinforcements. Depending on foot speed Merrick will likely play in the middle and could push Wilder by mid season. Jalen Rayam could be our next Kris Moll. I love Wilder and his unlikely walkon story, but he could not get there to make the boundary plays against App State. I feel the need for speed! Name that movie, OGs. Im curious when Will Conner sees the field, also. We might be very deep at MLB.

5. UAB will definitely run deep at CB. Harris returns as a former all conference corner. TD Marshall, Mr Pick Six, is back, as are CD Daniels, Starling Thomas, K Swoopes and whichever Miller twin is playing corner. All of those could play starting roles if needed, but Harris can be a shutdown corner if fully recovered. Swoopes is sneaky good. Lots of PBUs for the minutes he played. Bynum could play corner also, or safety.

6. Jarrion Street returns from injury. He had 8 tackles in the one game he played last year. He and Turner give us a powerful rotation at Star.

7. Safeties are good with Boler and Cash, but depth is uncertain. Id like to see Key step up because I like tall safeties. Lanier is very fast so he could be a tall safety also. Or a WR. Im guessing hands might be a barrier to WR. Revels was a tackling machine in HS but he needs to eat a lot of biscuits and gravy. Safety is the least certain position on the defense, IMHO.

Newcomers with impact? Forte and Sanders, maybe Jones and Merrick. Cant wait to see Rayam play.

Who do you think will step up and surprise in 2020? Merrick gets my vote.

Who will change positions? Penn is my guess. I also wonder ir any of the freshmen Olinemen we signed move over to defense. Maybe Fluornoy.

Who else do we need to sign on defense in Feb? I think we need a freshman corner, a JUCO safety, a freshman DT, a freshman DE and another very fast OLB. But we need talented FR WRs on offense more than we need defense.

What position group is stongest? I would say corner, folllowed by MLB and OLB.

Big picture summary. All position groups appear to be improved with respect to experience, talent and depth, perhaps the exception of defensive tackle. DT should be solid, but how disruptive they can be in the post-Marino era is TBD.

tks you can you repost your offense ,,,it will be easier to find when they are close

Thanks for taking the time, Ranger. Great stuff.

1. Don’t think we’re looking for a Marino, just big bodies to clog up the middle and do their jobs. I think Fair, Mountie, and Forte lead the way. By stats alone Fish would be fourth and complete a two deep

2. Kid is a baller, saw an article saying by the time he leaves he could be up to 290 lbs ( I hope not, maybe 265) also thought he should’ve started last year with Mofor inside but whatever 9-5 is a good season. Not really sure about OLB depth think Sanders, Johnston, Rayam, and Harrell leads the way

3. Gotta add some strength but we gotta hurry and find his replacement too think he’s a Sunday’s guy

4. Moll Moll Moll, I will miss this guy. One of the best LBs I’ve seen in green and gold gotta find his replacement. Mancrush off, I think this is the weakest spot on the defense hands down no way we have Griffin and Brasher as backups again this year both had like 6 tackles apiece.

Would like to see us add two JuCo MLBs in Feb Lamont Bishop and Deandre Fitz Henley both have offers

5. CB May be the strongest position on the defense, first time since the return we return multiple corners with atleast one int. The most intriguing position come spring for me. Think Harris and Marshall starts too.

6-7. Wonder how far along he is, got him or Cash as the third starter. Safety was the strongest position imho last season and had the biggest loss on the defense in Dawkins. Don’t think we reloaded the position but waiting on signing day and spring camp to actually get a feel. Would love to see 12 safeties on the roster

Newcomers with impact?

JuCo signees, maybe Merrick just off size

Surprise of 2020?

Moultrie, Rayam, or Bynum

Position changes?

I could see a few, but the only one I feel will happen Griffin back to the secondary.

What else we could use for the up coming signing day?

JuCo NT, OLB, MLBs,and saf

Strongest position OLB or CB
Weakness position MLB

Big picture we need to get that physicality back from 17-18 maybe find a thumper at Saf like Thomas again he was a tone setter.

(01-07-2020 12:48 PM)Big Dee Wrote:  1. Don’t think we’re looking for a Marino, just big bodies to clog up the middle and do their jobs. I think Fair, Mountie, and Forte lead the way. By stats alone Fish would be fourth and complete a two deep

2. Kid is a baller, saw an article saying by the time he leaves he could be up to 290 lbs ( I hope not, maybe 265) also thought he should’ve started last year with Mofor inside but whatever 9-5 is a good season. Not really sure about OLB depth think Sanders, Johnston, Rayam, and Harrell leads the way

3. Gotta add some strength but we gotta hurry and find his replacement too think he’s a Sunday’s guy

4. Moll Moll Moll, I will miss this guy. One of the best LBs I’ve seen in green and gold gotta find his replacement. Mancrush off, I think this is the weakest spot on the defense hands down no way we have Griffin and Brasher as backups again this year both had like 6 tackles apiece.

Would like to see us add two JuCo MLBs in Feb Lamont Bishop and Deandre Fitz Henley both have offers

5. CB May be the strongest position on the defense, first time since the return we return multiple corners with atleast one int. The most intriguing position come spring for me. Think Harris and Marshall starts too.

6-7. Wonder how far along he is, got him or Cash as the third starter. Safety was the strongest position imho last season and had the biggest loss on the defense in Dawkins. Don’t think we reloaded the position but waiting on signing day and spring camp to actually get a feel. Would love to see 12 safeties on the roster

Newcomers with impact?

JuCo signees, maybe Merrick just off size

Surprise of 2020?

Moultrie, Rayam, or Bynum

Position changes?

I could see a few, but the only one I feel will happen Griffin back to the secondary.

What else we could use for the up coming signing day?

JuCo NT, OLB, MLBs,and saf

Strongest position OLB or CB
Weakness position MLB

Big picture we need to get that physicality back from 17-18 maybe find a thumper at Saf like Thomas again he was a tone setter.

I would move Johnston to the middle. IMO he is out of position on the outside.

(01-07-2020 12:25 AM)Ranger1386c Wrote:  We looked at offense during the holidays. So lets look at the presently known roster for the 2020 defense.

** Unable to play most or all of 2019 season (injury or eligibility)

#-signed in Dec 2019

Underline: multi-game starting experience

DT: A. Moultrie (R-JR), I. Forte (#JUCO, JR), M. Fairbanks (R-SO), M. Stanley (R-SR)

DT: T. Fair (SR), F. McWilliams (R-SO), T. Jones (#JUCO, JR), K. Penn (R-FR)

STAR: D. Turner (SR), **J. Street (R-SR), K. Griffin (R-JR)

SAM: J. Smith (JR), K. Sanders (#JUCO, JR), N. Eason (R-SO)

JACK: A. Wright (SO), T. Johnston (SR), T. McDonald (R-FR), #-T. Brown (#HS FR)

LB: K. Moll (SR), A. Merrick (#HS FR), D. Oliver (R-FR), W. Conner (R-FR)

LB: N. Wilder (R-JR), **J. Rayam (R-SO), L. Brasher (SR), LJ Smith (R-FR)

CB: ** B. Harris (R-SR), S. Thomas V (JR), K. Swoopes (SO), D. Miller (SO)

FS: W. Boler (R-JR), J. Key (R-SO), R. Revels (SO), A. Maddox (#HS FR)

SS: G. Cash (R-JR), D. Bynum (JR), D. Miller (SO), **D. Acfalle (R-SO)

CB: TD Marshall (R-SR), CD Daniels (JR), D. Miller (SO), X. Lanier (R-SO

So a few observations.

Nine starters return. Nine! And several positions have 2 players who started 5 or more games.

1. Forte and Jones replace Marino and Johnson at DT. Probably a bit of a downgrade vs Marino, but Im ready to see Forte play. Moultrie came on much stronger toward the end of the season. It would be nice to have him break out his JR year. Im curious as to whether Penn makes the rotation at DT This year. Or I wonder if they might shift Penn to offense as a more athletic guard, depending on who signs late.

2. Alex Wright will come back bigger, stronger and faster. Be afraid QBs. He will be a beast. johnston will continue to mystify us as the highest rated HS signee in program history, who seems to regress each year. Less than 10 tackles his JR season. Wonder what his story is?

3. SAM belongs to Smith. He might be CUSA defensive POY next year, if Moll doesnt win it. Sanders will be an intriguing backup out of JUCO. Both are basketball tall. N. Eason intrigues me as a basketball player converted to a pass rusher. I suspect he will be consistently dangerous by his JR season.

4. Moll and Wilder return and inside LB gets some much needed reinforcements. Depending on foot speed Merrick will likely play in the middle and could push Wilder by mid season. Jalen Rayam could be our next Kris Moll. I love Wilder and his unlikely walkon story, but he could not get there to make the boundary plays against App State. I feel the need for speed! Name that movie, OGs. Im curious when Will Conner sees the field, also. We might be very deep at MLB.

5. UAB will definitely run deep at CB. Harris returns as a former all conference corner. TD Marshall, Mr Pick Six, is back, as are CD Daniels, Starling Thomas, K Swoopes and whichever Miller twin is playing corner. All of those could play starting roles if needed, but Harris can be a shutdown corner if fully recovered. Swoopes is sneaky good. Lots of PBUs for the minutes he played. Bynum could play corner also, or safety.

6. Jarrion Street returns from injury. He had 8 tackles in the one game he played last year. He and Turner give us a powerful rotation at Star.

7. Safeties are good with Boler and Cash, but depth is uncertain. Id like to see Key step up because I like tall safeties. Lanier is very fast so he could be a tall safety also. Or a WR. Im guessing hands might be a barrier to WR. Revels was a tackling machine in HS but he needs to eat a lot of biscuits and gravy. Safety is the least certain position on the defense, IMHO.

Newcomers with impact? Forte and Sanders, maybe Jones and Merrick. Cant wait to see Rayam play.

Who do you think will step up and surprise in 2020? Merrick gets my vote.

Who will change positions? Penn is my guess. I also wonder ir any of the freshmen Olinemen we signed move over to defense. Maybe Fluornoy.

Who else do we need to sign on defense in Feb? I think we need a freshman corner, a JUCO safety, a freshman DT, a freshman DE and another very fast OLB. But we need talented FR WRs on offense more than we need defense.

What position group is stongest? I would say corner, folllowed by MLB and OLB.

Big picture summary. All position groups appear to be improved with respect to experience, talent and depth, perhaps the exception of defensive tackle. DT should be solid, but how disruptive they can be in the post-Marino era is TBD.

Does anyone know for sure that Street is coming back?

Well, nobody knows for sure but certainly he rehabbed for the injury which is an indication that he intends on playing some more - somewhere.

(01-07-2020 03:54 PM)the_blazerman Wrote:  Well, nobody knows for sure but certainly he rehabbed for the injury which is an indication that he intends on playing some more - somewhere.

My question was more about eligibility than readiness. Has the NCAA given him an extra year?

Sorry. Didn't realize that eligibility was a potential issue.

(01-07-2020 05:02 PM)the_blazerman Wrote:  Sorry. Didn't realize that eligibility was a potential issue.

He only played one game of his senior season due to injury. If he wants to return he should be eligible for a sixth year medical redshirt.

Believe Acfalle’s playing days are over FYI. Injury history.

I am ready to see Rayam on the field. He has an explosive burst from what I could tell from the 2018 bowl game.

(01-07-2020 01:38 PM)BlazeOn Wrote:  

(01-07-2020 12:48 PM)Big Dee Wrote:  1. Don’t think we’re looking for a Marino, just big bodies to clog up the middle and do their jobs. I think Fair, Mountie, and Forte lead the way. By stats alone Fish would be fourth and complete a two deep

2. Kid is a baller, saw an article saying by the time he leaves he could be up to 290 lbs ( I hope not, maybe 265) also thought he should’ve started last year with Mofor inside but whatever 9-5 is a good season. Not really sure about OLB depth think Sanders, Johnston, Rayam, and Harrell leads the way

3. Gotta add some strength but we gotta hurry and find his replacement too think he’s a Sunday’s guy

4. Moll Moll Moll, I will miss this guy. One of the best LBs I’ve seen in green and gold gotta find his replacement. Mancrush off, I think this is the weakest spot on the defense hands down no way we have Griffin and Brasher as backups again this year both had like 6 tackles apiece.

Would like to see us add two JuCo MLBs in Feb Lamont Bishop and Deandre Fitz Henley both have offers

5. CB May be the strongest position on the defense, first time since the return we return multiple corners with atleast one int. The most intriguing position come spring for me. Think Harris and Marshall starts too.

6-7. Wonder how far along he is, got him or Cash as the third starter. Safety was the strongest position imho last season and had the biggest loss on the defense in Dawkins. Don’t think we reloaded the position but waiting on signing day and spring camp to actually get a feel. Would love to see 12 safeties on the roster

Newcomers with impact?

JuCo signees, maybe Merrick just off size

Surprise of 2020?

Moultrie, Rayam, or Bynum

Position changes?

I could see a few, but the only one I feel will happen Griffin back to the secondary.

What else we could use for the up coming signing day?

JuCo NT, OLB, MLBs,and saf

Strongest position OLB or CB
Weakness position MLB

Big picture we need to get that physicality back from 17-18 maybe find a thumper at Saf like Thomas again he was a tone setter.

I would move Johnston to the middle. IMO he is out of position on the outside.

Yeah he had he best year there, unless it’s something else.

(01-07-2020 06:02 PM)Ranger1386c Wrote:  

(01-07-2020 05:02 PM)the_blazerman Wrote:  Sorry. Didn't realize that eligibility was a potential issue.

He only played one game of his senior season due to injury. If he wants to return he should be eligible for a sixth year medical redshirt.

He was a true senior this year , since he and the Michigan QB got waivers out that whole deal where they didn’t sit where went. He’s only played three letter years. He never redshirt until basically this year.

(01-07-2020 09:04 PM)frenchbeef Wrote:  Believe Acfalle’s playing days are over FYI. Injury history.

Nooooo, I was hoping that wasn’t the case.

(01-07-2020 10:24 PM)Big Dee Wrote:  

(01-07-2020 01:38 PM)BlazeOn Wrote:  

(01-07-2020 12:48 PM)Big Dee Wrote:  1. Don’t think we’re looking for a Marino, just big bodies to clog up the middle and do their jobs. I think Fair, Mountie, and Forte lead the way. By stats alone Fish would be fourth and complete a two deep

2. Kid is a baller, saw an article saying by the time he leaves he could be up to 290 lbs ( I hope not, maybe 265) also thought he should’ve started last year with Mofor inside but whatever 9-5 is a good season. Not really sure about OLB depth think Sanders, Johnston, Rayam, and Harrell leads the way

3. Gotta add some strength but we gotta hurry and find his replacement too think he’s a Sunday’s guy

4. Moll Moll Moll, I will miss this guy. One of the best LBs I’ve seen in green and gold gotta find his replacement. Mancrush off, I think this is the weakest spot on the defense hands down no way we have Griffin and Brasher as backups again this year both had like 6 tackles apiece.

Would like to see us add two JuCo MLBs in Feb Lamont Bishop and Deandre Fitz Henley both have offers

5. CB May be the strongest position on the defense, first time since the return we return multiple corners with atleast one int. The most intriguing position come spring for me. Think Harris and Marshall starts too.

6-7. Wonder how far along he is, got him or Cash as the third starter. Safety was the strongest position imho last season and had the biggest loss on the defense in Dawkins. Don’t think we reloaded the position but waiting on signing day and spring camp to actually get a feel. Would love to see 12 safeties on the roster

Newcomers with impact?

JuCo signees, maybe Merrick just off size

Surprise of 2020?

Moultrie, Rayam, or Bynum

Position changes?

I could see a few, but the only one I feel will happen Griffin back to the secondary.

What else we could use for the up coming signing day?

JuCo NT, OLB, MLBs,and saf

Strongest position OLB or CB
Weakness position MLB

Big picture we need to get that physicality back from 17-18 maybe find a thumper at Saf like Thomas again he was a tone setter.

I would move Johnston to the middle. IMO he is out of position on the outside.

Yeah he had he best year there, unless it’s something else.

I think they moved him out of the middle because he consistently over ran plays and missed tackles. He didn't seem to read quick on the first step and find the ball in time to take proper angles.

(01-08-2020 12:12 AM)Ranger1386c Wrote:  

(01-07-2020 10:24 PM)Big Dee Wrote:  

(01-07-2020 01:38 PM)BlazeOn Wrote:  

(01-07-2020 12:48 PM)Big Dee Wrote:  1. Don’t think we’re looking for a Marino, just big bodies to clog up the middle and do their jobs. I think Fair, Mountie, and Forte lead the way. By stats alone Fish would be fourth and complete a two deep

2. Kid is a baller, saw an article saying by the time he leaves he could be up to 290 lbs ( I hope not, maybe 265) also thought he should’ve started last year with Mofor inside but whatever 9-5 is a good season. Not really sure about OLB depth think Sanders, Johnston, Rayam, and Harrell leads the way

3. Gotta add some strength but we gotta hurry and find his replacement too think he’s a Sunday’s guy

4. Moll Moll Moll, I will miss this guy. One of the best LBs I’ve seen in green and gold gotta find his replacement. Mancrush off, I think this is the weakest spot on the defense hands down no way we have Griffin and Brasher as backups again this year both had like 6 tackles apiece.

Would like to see us add two JuCo MLBs in Feb Lamont Bishop and Deandre Fitz Henley both have offers

5. CB May be the strongest position on the defense, first time since the return we return multiple corners with atleast one int. The most intriguing position come spring for me. Think Harris and Marshall starts too.

6-7. Wonder how far along he is, got him or Cash as the third starter. Safety was the strongest position imho last season and had the biggest loss on the defense in Dawkins. Don’t think we reloaded the position but waiting on signing day and spring camp to actually get a feel. Would love to see 12 safeties on the roster

Newcomers with impact?

JuCo signees, maybe Merrick just off size

Surprise of 2020?

Moultrie, Rayam, or Bynum

Position changes?

I could see a few, but the only one I feel will happen Griffin back to the secondary.

What else we could use for the up coming signing day?

JuCo NT, OLB, MLBs,and saf

Strongest position OLB or CB
Weakness position MLB

Big picture we need to get that physicality back from 17-18 maybe find a thumper at Saf like Thomas again he was a tone setter.

I would move Johnston to the middle. IMO he is out of position on the outside.

Yeah he had he best year there, unless it’s something else.

I think they moved him out of the middle because he consistently over ran plays and missed tackles. He didn't seem to read quick on the first step and find the ball in time to take proper angles.

I was told foot speed, and not grasping things quickly but ion know. I do know Appy st blew him off the ball rather easily, so it could be a lot of things.

I just think back to his recruitment, all those offers then the real reports came out on him and all those guys caught flack. Looks like they were right.

Also you’re missing the base 3-4 chart but nice work.

(01-07-2020 09:04 PM)frenchbeef Wrote:  Believe Acfalle’s playing days are over FYI. Injury history.

I've heard the same thing.

(01-07-2020 09:48 PM)UABDB23 Wrote:  I am ready to see Rayam on the field. He has an explosive burst from what I could tell from the 2018 bowl game.

Yes, agree about Rayam. He can really move. We couldve used him in tbis years bowl game.