In his latest PC, Charlie talked about the development of Hafis Williams, and how he's going to be pushing for more time on the DL. With Ian Williams already a projected starter at 310 pounds, and Hafis at just over 3 bills, we're talking about 600 pounds of William Boys in the interior when these 2 guys get on the field.
If these guys keep developing, the days of ND's DL being pushed around could be over soon.
I know this group has some room to grow, but with Hafis and Ian inside, I get pretty excited about a front four of those 2 plus future AA Ethan Johnson and rapidly-improving Kapron Lewis-Moore. Those 2 at the DE position can wreak havoc, while the big boys hold down the fort inside.
Combine that line with the most athletic LB corps ND has seen in...heck, I don't know since when, forever?...and this has the potential to be a disruptive, aggressive D. Now, this is clearly me getting fired up by hope springs eternal and all that. But, it's also fact that this team is getting more and more talented (finally) and there's real potential there.
DE-FENSE. DE-FENSE.
+
= 600 POUNDS OF IRISH PAIN COMING ATCHA!
By san diego irish March 29, 2009 - 11:29 pm
It’s hard not to get excited about this defense.
Where’s the weakness? They’re still a little green on the line, but as you point out, they aren’t little and there is plenty talent to work with. And ND’s opponents better hope they can run against Williams squared because I don’t see anyone lighting up Walls, McNeil, Blanton, and company.
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By trey March 30, 2009 - 12:04 am
I worry about us up against spread teams with these guys, though. That’s definitely going to neutralize the size and expose their inexperience. Thank God Michigan(sucks!) sucks so bad.
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By mark March 30, 2009 - 8:48 am
About this front seven I feel much like I felt about last season’s offense, esp Clausen and the RBs. I was excited about what I thought was can’t miss talent, but the inexperience led to some ups and many downs. This is stating the obvious, but ND’s season will likely be won/lost by the DL and OL. Let’s hope these new coaches really have the goods, especially the OL coach, as it is a bit disconcerting to have the D seemingly dominate the O, even if the O can’t cut block (granted it was only one practice).
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By Domerva March 30, 2009 - 11:40 am
Hmm…Seems to me that many were all excited about the 650 lbs of streamrolling beef on the right side of the OL last year. How’d that work out. I’ll wait and see.
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By The Biscuit March 30, 2009 - 1:05 pm
trey, the mix of players will very likely (no, definitely) change against spread offenses. like last year when Ian was often limited in those games, we’ll go with a faster/more athletic line in those games. ethan would probably move inside, and one of the other guys would come in as a DE/OLB. maybe Neal or Richardson, or someone of that ilk.
domerva, 100% correct.
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By san diego irish March 30, 2009 - 3:44 pm
Good point Domerva. After the past two years, anything other than a wait and see approach would be fool hardy. Having said that, I think that O line takes a lot more than just physical ability–like timing, footwork, coordination between moving parts, play calling, and backs that can read the hole and make a play. Whereas size, strength, conditioning and a nasty streak seem to go a long way on the D line. Like Hart said D line is pretty simple–strike, disengage, pursue and tackle.
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