Defensive End Depth?
15 comments so far
April 2, 2009 by
The spring practice period opened with so many questions for NU. Who would be the quarterback? Who would step up at wide receiver? Who would emerge in the competition in the defensive backfield? What about the departing right side of the offensive line? So far, coaching choices and reports from the first real action of the spring has gone a pretty long way toward addressing many of those issues. It leaves me free to ponder what you might consider "secondary" issues for NU, things that might have been a bit below the surface a week ago. Specifically, I'm worried about the depth at defensive end. Seriously. Allow me to explain.
What 's Not Being Talked About?
So far this spring, we've heard about a lot of players and a lot of position groups. Quarterback - Lee's on the scene, and Washington made a move. Wide receiver - Mendoza brings some speed, they have lots of guys, and Gilmore is coaching 'em up. We have heard about the depth and chemistry along the offensive line, and about the gaggle of defensive backs. The stories about the depth at linebacker are almost too many to count. Heck, many were even surprised to learn about NU's fairly good depth ready to play by Suh along the defensive line.
What are folks not talking about? I'd like to hear more about what NU has going at defensive end. Sure, we all know about Barry Turner's return from injury. But, the one story we have so far is that he's still feeling his way through it and recovering mentally. Sorry, but that hardly inspires confidence.
Injuries Hit Where They Hurt Most
Okay, so why am I being so Henny Penny about NU's defensive ends? For starters, NU loses Zach Potter, who made a lot of clutch plays in 2008. They also lose Clayton Sievers, who provided depth at the position. Also, the Huskers have a history of playmakers at the position. We all know how much they matter. And of course, we're all sort of waiting to see how the very talented Turner can recoup the losses and make good in his "second senior season."
But, mostly, I'm worried because injuries tend to happen where a team is thinnest. Call it the Murphy's Law of football. Just consider last year. Admit it, when Turner when down for the year, you groaned. Nobody knew if Pierre Allen had the goods. By the way, is Allen continuing to grow and develop as a player? I don't know. And, I hate to assume.
The Candidates
So, enough whining about not getting good information. Time to dig in and assess where the defensive end position may stand for 2009. Well, you have Allen returning from a productive sophomore campaign. That's good. And, Turner is coming back from injury. The other concern I have is that these two are very comparable players (Allen used to be Turner's backup). And, we've grown accustomed to having a bigger end like Adam Carriker or Potter on one side of the line. Will the defense adjust to suit their talent and physical make up? Or will one be asked to play out of position?
After Turner and Allen, what does NU have at end? The two leading candidates are both redshirt freshman. Cameron Meredith is a 6'4'' 260 lb redshirt frosh out of Mater Dei in Santa Ana California. He's a talent from a real football factory. He would have played more last year, if not for injury. That's an encouraging sign.
On the other side, you have Josh Williams, a 6'4'' 245 lb prospect out of Denton, Texas. The upside for him is that he's very fast. Kid runs like he's being chased by the cops. Oh, too soon? Sorry. But, seriously, he's a good prospect that people were excited about when he was recruited. The problem is that he hasn't played a down!
Further down the depth chart, you find Will Yancy. This sophomore from Arizona has a chance to step up. NU will need him to provide depth should the injury bug strike even once. After Yancy, things are pretty unknown. Nick Covey is a medical hardship case. David Harvey moved to defensive tackle. There are a lot of walk on players we know little about. Can true freshman Jason Ankrah play right away?
The Silver Lining
The good news for NU is that this crop of defensive ends will be aided by a fierce (and deep?) group of defensive tackles. Suh drawing double teams will only make their job easier. Also, there is plenty of history of young players emerging as quality defensive ends. I remember Grant Wistrom, Mike Rucker and many others really making names for themselves as second team ends at NU. Do you hear that Mr. Meredith and Mr. Williams?
And, finally, this is why you have spring football. The next few weeks will be vital for Turner to get his confidence back and for the untested backups at defensive end to get meaningful reps. And perhaps a lesser known player can work their way on to the 2-deep radar.
With many of the other major issues getting addressed, it is actually an area I'll be watching thclosely at the Spring Game. Who knew?
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darren Apr 02 09
UPDATE:
Almost as if on cue, we get this offering from the LJS.
Scroll down and there is a bit about the defensive ends.
David Harvey has moved back to end. Good. That adds some depth. He can be the new Clayton Sievers, I guess. The redshirt frosh have also gotten stonger. Now...they need to play.
bnahusker Apr 02 09
.......ask, and ye shall receive!
You guys continue to be my first Husker stop for posts just like this.
Keep up the great work.
GBR!
Bob
carlinthemarlin Apr 02 09
The once nice thing about Ankrah is that he already has the size. Unlike Meredith and Williams, who both needed to redshirt last year to bulk up (I know Meredith would have played without injury, but I guarantee you it was better for him in long run to redshirt and put that weight on). Ankrah was listed at 248 coming out of high school, and a with a summer spent in the NU weight room and fall camp, you have to think that he'll be physically ready to go from day one. Whether he actually plays is another matter.
Dakota Husker Apr 02 09
I also have concerns about the Defensive Ends. I remember the potential he showed as a freshman, but he has not come close to that promise he showed. The only real memorable play out of him has been a touchdown catch. He may have been steady but he has certainly been unspectacular, he has to show more this year for the defensive ends to come close to the units of the past.
Dakota Husker Apr 02 09
I am talking about Barry Turner, since I did not mention it.
Brandon Apr 02 09
Don't forget that Josh Williams is a member of the Big Guy, Little Number club (#17) which automatically makes him a player. Skill position mindset in a rush end's body (or something close to it). Thorw in Ankrah (rumored to be #9) and I think we got our two starters right there. Done and done.
BGLN 'til the end!
darren Apr 02 09
I'm with you, Dakota. Potential never bought the groceries. Turner needs to produce. I think some of his drop off has to do with the last staff asking him to gain so much weight. That wasn't good. And, he can't help that he got hurt, I suppose.
Brandon ... wow, Benard Thomas ruined your theory for me. :-)
But really, I like the talent level of the kids they have coming. Williams was recruited by Texas, if I'm not mistaken.
Greg Morrow Apr 02 09
Ahh, I don't think there's too big a concern, from the staff. Such a pressure position for the defense against the offense, I think the staff isn't trying to disrupt the offense, until timing is where Watson wants it. He'll want the offense to be challenged, by the final scrimmages. Then, we could here about DE expoits.
I think the staff is going to a traditional college DE, regarding size and quicks. Usually a college DE is almost like a linebacker, just an inch or two taller. I don't know if you're old enough to remember (ha!) but McBride referred to his DEs for a few seasons as Outside Linebackers. Btw, Wistrom was listed at 6-5 235 in 95, 225 as a big contributing frosh. And yes, guys were just as big along the lines, in the mid '90's, as they are now.
Most likely, backups who spell Turner and Allen, will be up to 20 pounds lighter. That coming off a couple of series when the OTs are used to bull rushes and other "in yo face" type combat. Now, a faster, fresher kid steps in...
Possibilities.
There's 6 guys, at least, who should be ready to play, by late summer. Barring of course, "natural darwinism" that always seems to trip up a guy on the team.
Even in this decade, there's always been really good DEs, with depth, when practically every other group had depth and talent problems.
Josh Williams, hmmm. Could be "troll bait," once he establishes his'self.
John Doe Apr 02 09
Well you've missed some things.
Carl and Bo have repeatedly said they do NOT favor the "typical" sized ends. They want burners. So if your looking for 275 lb + D end, you'll have to look to the big 10. They are still working to get the speed and size they want there, but get used to seeing ends in the 240-260 lb range.
Also Bo has mentioned he plans to use a few of our LBs on the line in spot situations. Not regular down guys, but on 3rd down can be extremely effective against a slow 300 lb tackle or 280 lb TE.
If your feeling nostalgic for the 90's era D, you'll start seeing some similarities starting this year. Speed over size. With the spread, there's just no way a big end is going to get back to "lay his hands" (or shoulder) on QBs often when the ball is out in 1.5 - 3.8 seconds. Even if they don't get the sack, touches and a few knockdowns will pay dividends in the 3 & 4th Q.
Im feelin fine about 09!
Bill in Iowa Apr 03 09
What I love is that the position that has the least depth on defense still has plenty of options. The coaches have talked up Yancy and Harvey here and there in articles as guys with potential. Merideth was going to play a role last year before his injury. And both Williams and Ankrah come in with high expectations. Already we are seeing the dividends of not taking the JUCO shortcut route to fielding a team.
Austin Apr 03 09
Every time I worry about the D-line, I remember that Carl Pelini is coaching them. 'Nuff said.
Sweet D Apr 05 09
Big size at the DE position means that they can clog the line, it easier to send extra blitzer from his side, and besides look at that Potter kid last year.
Bernard Thomas, how could I not forget him. His type didn't fit in Cosgrove scheme. He switched his number midway thru his career. His statement in 2004, "I'd run through a brick wall for Bo," that should be a highlight and pretty much sum up the Blackshirts this decade.
Is it easier to be naturally fast and bulk up some & maintain speed than it is to big/strong loose weight and gain only agility/conditioning? Can't sweat the technique?
John Doe Apr 05 09
Sweet D clogging the line doesnt work against spread teams. those type of offenses want you to get bogged down at the line cause get the ball out fast. really its almost a screen philosophy, get the players to over-pursue so they are behind the play or have such a bad angle they cant be a factor.
Ive spoken to bo & carl about this more than once. they want burners, guys who can penetrate the line and disrupt a play BEFORE it happens, not get caught on the line watching as the ball wizzes out of the backfield.
bill Apr 12 09
I watched Cameron Merideth play four years at Mater Dei and he is a special player. He has the speed and ability. The only question mark was size. He is now listed at 6'4 260 that means he is the total package now. I will enjoy watching this kid the next four years at NU.
bill Apr 12 09
I remember a guy named Jason Taylor(defensive player of the year) in the NFL do pretty good at 240 pounds