Many outside of Provo are calling this a rebuilding year, having lost many of the main contributors to last years success. The offense was particularly hard hit, losing the top three receivers, key linemen, BYU's all-time leading rusher and one of the great's at QB. Those around the program however, prefer to term this season a reloading, which applies particularly well to the defense.
Having lost only 4 starters (Jensen, Robinson, Wagner and Paongo), they also return 8 starters. Before you question my math, Tialavea started about half the games at NT.
Who will emerge as leaders in the senior class?
3. Ben Criddle (DB): Criddle was the best suprise from last year's much improved DBs and provided a force to be reckoned with on the boundary side of the field. He provided great coverage and was a very sure tackler. Criddle was second on the team in solo tackles (47), only behind the General. The only knock against him was dropping some INTs. He is working on his catching abilities this offseason and we should see a couple more big stops for his effort.
2. Quinn Gooch (DB): The hit against BC is one of my favorite from last year. Gooch is stepping up to be a leader on the defensive side of the ball, an important element that needs to be addressed on the defense. Gooch was actually the 4th highest tackler from last year, providing good run support and some pretty intimidating footsteps in the secondary. If he can establish himself as a leader the secondary will only get better.
1. Bryan Kehl (OLB): Kehl made the 3rd most stops on the defensive side of the ball last year and the highest of all returning players. Kehl is lightning quick and a vocal leader. His ability to get into the backfield has really made the difference last season and the new blitzing implemented this spring should see him in the face of many QBs next season. Kehl needs to step up and take the place of Jensen as the leader.
Honorable mention(s): Markell Staffieri/Kelly Poppinga (ILB): If the defense is going to be as good as last year's (or better), these players will be the reason. They are quicker, but not as big, as last years ILB duo. Look for Poppinga to establish himself as a leader on the defense. Staffieri has the opportunity to shine if he can fully recover from his injury.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
You forgot David Nixon. He's solid, experiences, nearly as fast and dangerous as Kehl in pursuit and getting in the backfield. He and Kehl amount to a tough pair on the outside. BlueRampage
I definetly agree that Nixon will be hugely important this coming season, but he is not a Senior. It can easily be argued that Nixon changed the course of last season by his sack on Ballard against TCU. Lets all hope he heals up and comes out swinging against Arizona.
Post a Comment