If I'm betting a trifecta box on UVA's Linebacking corps this fall, here's how I'd structure the bet...
Jared Detrick: a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
WIN:
- SLB) LaRoy Reynolds, sophomore -- Those of you watching Building of a Program know that "Roy" is quickly developing into one of the key young leaders on the defensive front seven. He consistently sets the tone in practice and in the weight room. I think he's been an absolute revelation since sliding up from the safety position, and I'm really looking forward to watching him make plays with his superior speed and instincts this fall.
- MLB) Steve Greer, sophomore -- He's probably the closest we have to a "sure thing" at the linebacker position heading into this fall, after he put together an exceptional freshman season in 2009. Yet, he's receiving intense pressure in an all-out battle with Aaron Taliaferro for the starting mike spot. I trust that Greer will ultimately win that duel, and glide right back into his career trajectory as UVA's next great linebacker
- WLB) Ausar Walcott, sophomore -- Another safety convert, Walcott brings great quickness and cover ability to the will spot. Like Greer, Walcott is locked in a battle royale situation in training camp, with Jared Detrick bidding to steal his starting spot. Detrick is more of a true linebacker, but Walcott is the faster player... flip a coin, but maybe give the weighted side to the speed guy, since Coach London and Jim Reid are building this defense to be as fast as possible.
PLACE:
- SLB) Tucker Windle, sophomore -- Yet another sophomore in the linebacking mix, Windle is a more traditional linebacker than the converted safeties... but he's still learning to speed up his game, and until he does, he'll be relegated to the second team. I'm sure Windle will have a role in the goal line and short yardage defenses, as he brings a bit more size and strength to the table than guys like Roy and Walcott.
- MLB) Aaron Taliaferro, junior -- Like Anthony Mihota on the o-line, Taliaferro is an immensely gifted player who was always stuck in the Al Groh doghouse for whatever reason. A run & hit linebacker all the way, Taliaferro is taking full advantage of his second lease on life under Mike London, and has been pressing the team's best overall linebacker (Greer) as hard as possible. He might not end up being the starter, but Taliaferro has certainly earned serious playing time this fall.
- WLB) Jared Detrick, junior -- Detrick might be the most athletically talented linebacker on the roster, and he has shown flashes of greatness as a core special teams player. His problem has always been his inconsistency --- it's said that he doesn't have the best instincts for the linebacker position. That being said, it seemed to me like Detrick was finally starting to "get it" in spring practice. Hopefully that has translated to training camp success and will lead to him being able to make a positive impact in the fall.
SHOW:
- SLB) Darnell Carter, senior -- It's a shame he could never put it all together to make a dent in the rotation at linebacker. He's a big, fast guy, who (I guess) just isn't wired to be a totally effective linebacker.
- MLB) Connor McCartin, sophomore -- He's batting third at mike, but is still forcing his way onto the field with his propensity for big hits and his appetite for mixing it up and making contact. I think he'll see some time on D as a situational pass rusher, and he'll see plenty of time as a core special teams player.
- WLB) LoVante Battle, sophomore -- The third converted safety working at the linebacker position, Battle might have the best pure feel for the game, but is too small at 5-foot-10 and just over 200 pounds. A mid-career redshirt might be the plan, because an extra year of work in the weight room could transform this young man into a true weakside terror.
ALSO RAN:
- Henry Coley, true freshman -- Coley fits the profile of being a "prototypical" linebacker for Mike London's attacking 4-3 defense. He's quick, instinctive, is a sure tackler, and has a nose for the football. Many think he was hidden gem of the 2010 recruiting class. A redshirt is probably in order for this season.
- Cam Johnson, Bill Schautz, Jeremiah Mathis -- I'm sure any of these three defensive ends could slide back to outside linebacker in a pinch.
ANTE POST: If any position group on defense will emerge as a weakness of the team, it is the linebackers. Everyone knows that. There is a lot of youth on this unit, and a lot of players projecting to fill prominent roles who are playing the position for the first time. That being said, I rather like this group of players, especially the starting trio of Reynolds, Greer, and Walcott/Detrick. UVA hasn't had this kind of speed at the linebacker position since the days of Jamie Sharper and James Farrior. I think the linebackers will be great in pursuit, and sensational when dropping back into coverage. However, when coupled with what is also a weird, smallish d-line, the Hoos could really struggle to stop the power rushing games of teams like BC and Virginia Tech. Make no mistake, teams will be trying to run right at us this fall. Guys like Steve Greer and Aaron Taliaferro stepping up as run-stoppers will really be important to the overall play of the defense. BOLD PREDICTION: Steve Greer is named to the All-ACC first team this season, after he tops his fantastic 92-tackle freshman output.
No comments:
Post a Comment