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DLine recruiting

D is not the issue.
The O certainly doesn't look to be improving in recruitment!
Unless that changes, we'll continue to be slightly better than average....
 
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No disrespect to Reiff, Brinks or Jansen, but with the DL we have now and what's coming in, they should never play but in mop up duty, IMO. Our DL is going to be filthy and with the guys we are bringing in the secondary, that shouldn't be an issue either. Rugamba or Ojemudia need to step up this next year, though, if Jackson goes pro. The linebacker tandem is the only spot where I have concerns on defense moving forward
 
ichawk24 said:
This is a good article detailing the high-level recruits we've landed this recruiting cycle and in recent years. We could be really dominant at the position for the next few years.

http://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sp...-strength-john-waggoner-aj-epenesa/943078001/
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Good article except that Nixon would be fighting to start alongside M. Nelson, not Lattimore, since Nelson moved ahead of Lattimore as the starter halfway through the season. And he fails to mention Gholston, which I think is an oversight. I'm still really high on Gholston.
 
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I'd be fairly surprised in Riley fell out of the rotation. I think he is pretty well thought of, with a ton of upside yet. Brincks played very well for this year too.
 
There's honestly too much depth to even talk about. I think we've got guys who would've become starters who won't crack a rotation. I really like Gholston and Simon, for example, but right now it looks like they're just rotation guys and probably not until Hesse and M. Nelson graduate.

I mean, they're not beating out A. Nelson or A.J. Epenesa, for sure, and we have Waggoner coming in behind them to compete with.
 
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hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
No disrespect to Reiff, Brinks or Jansen, but with the DL we have now and what's coming in, they should never play but in mop up duty, IMO. Our DL is going to be filthy and with the guys we are bringing in the secondary, that shouldn't be an issue either. Rugamba or Ojemudia need to step up this next year, though, if Jackson goes pro. The linebacker tandem is the only spot where I have concerns on defense moving forward
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Don't think so. None of them may be great, but they have all played meaningful good snaps this year. The best part of having depth is that the incoming guys in the 2018 class (specifically Waggoner and Shannon) can redshirt potentially. Nixon will have opportunity to play right away. Epenesa was the exception to the rule in being able to contribute immediately on the d-line.
 
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The best part of depth is we can/do rotate fresh bodies at teams all season long. Atleast in my head, if guys are fresh on the feild they are less likely to get injured as well. DL is one area the staff has done a great job.
 
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hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
No disrespect to Reiff, Brinks or Jansen, but with the DL we have now and what's coming in, they should never play but in mop up duty, IMO. Our DL is going to be filthy and with the guys we are bringing in the secondary, that shouldn't be an issue either. Rugamba or Ojemudia need to step up this next year, though, if Jackson goes pro. The linebacker tandem is the only spot where I have concerns on defense moving forward
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Reiff, Brinks n Jansen played very well this year - i would be very surprised if they don't contribute at an even higher level next year! In my opinion.
 
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Freyvet said:
Reiff, Brinks n Jansen played very well this year - i would be very surprised if they don't contribute at an even higher level next year! In my opinion.
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They combined for 32 total tackles this past season. Parker Hesse, who everyone complain about because he's playing over AJ Epenesa, had 39 by himself, with Nathan Bazata leading the DL in tackles with 42 They don't do anything except stand there and wait until the QB *MIGHT* scramble. It's worse when 2 are playing together because we get no pressure. And people complain about no pressure being put on the QB. News flash: It's because 2 of our worst DL player that don't belong in the game are in the game
 
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It seems like Brinks/Reiff/Jansen are playing a QB spy/zone blitz/contain kind of mindset when they are part of the 3rd and long package. Reiff had a pick and 3 deflections.
 
hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
No disrespect to Reiff, Brinks or Jansen, but with the DL we have now and what's coming in, they should never play but in mop up duty, IMO. Our DL is going to be filthy and with the guys we are bringing in the secondary, that shouldn't be an issue either. Rugamba or Ojemudia need to step up this next year, though, if Jackson goes pro. The linebacker tandem is the only spot where I have concerns on defense moving forward
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With all due respect, consider how many guys were rotating in at DT. Through the course of the season, Bazata, Lattimore, M. Nelson, Reiff, Hesse, and Jansen saw reps at DT. The DT who saw the fewest reps was Jansen ... his reps at DT were exclusively limited to our 'NASCAR' speed rush package.

In terms of production, the production of Reiff and Lattimore was very comparable ... Lattimore being a bit more powerful, but Reiff logging more 'disruption' numbers. Not surprisingly, both trailed Matt Nelson ... because he had the advantage of all of his DE experience from the prior year ... although he definitely had to face a learning curve at DT too.

Here's some perspective for you in terms of raw numbers:

As the ONLY primary backup at DT in 2014, Jaleel Johnson had the following production:
Johnson (RS SO - '14) - 11 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sack

As members of a very active rotation at DT in 2017, Matt Nelson, Lattimore, and Reiff each had the following production:
M. Nelson (RS JR - '17) - 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 BU, 1 QBH
Lattimore (TR SO - '17) - 12 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 QBH
Reiff (RS SO - '17) - 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 3 BU, 1 QBH, 1 FF, 1 INT

The above numbers tell a story to me concerning how our DTs are still developing. However, it also tells me that just as Jaleel Johnson went on to have a pretty darn productive season in '15 ... I think that the aforementioned guys will be equally well positioned to take the next step in their respective DT developments too! With Bazata graduating ... that will open up the opportunity for more snaps to go around. With more snaps to distribute, COMBINED with more collective experience at DT ... I think that could really be a recipe for some mighty fine production.

Furthermore, guys like Anthony Nelson, Parker Hesse, and AJ Epenesa are only going to improve more too ... so that is going to continue to "put the squeeze" on the QB/RB on the outside ... so there will continue to be more opportunities for the DTs to make plays too!

Anyhow, the above paints a picture of Reiff "belonging" on the field every bit as much as anybody else at DT. He's also a bit of an undersized guy too ... so he's only going to continue to physically develop under the tutelage of Chris Doyle.
 
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hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
They combined for 32 total tackles this past season. Parker Hesse, who everyone complain about because he's playing over AJ Epenesa, had 39 by himself, with Nathan Bazata leading the DL in tackles with 42 They don't do anything except stand there and wait until the QB *MIGHT* scramble. It's worse when 2 are playing together because we get no pressure. And people complain about no pressure being put on the QB. News flash: It's because 2 of our worst DL player that don't belong in the game are in the game
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Hmm. You think Hesse and Bazata are our worst 2 DLinemen? Let’s compare their numbers to Lattimore. Or M Nelson.

Hesse is so good he is keeping AJE on the sidelines except for obvious passing downs. Then he is so versitile, he slides over to DT in the NASCAR package. Every Defensive player and coach says that Bazata is so valuable because he is constantly eating up 2blockers. Hesse sets the edge better than AJE right now. I could go on, but I won’t.

I don’t think your opinion is shared by many in here.

Do I want our DE to be the 2nd coming of Kampmann? Of course! I would like all of our DTs to be as good as Colin Cole. Meanwhile, our DLine has performed very well and gave up very few points this year. Your beef has to be with the offense.
 
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hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
They combined for 32 total tackles this past season. Parker Hesse, who everyone complain about because he's playing over AJ Epenesa, had 39 by himself, with Nathan Bazata leading the DL in tackles with 42 They don't do anything except stand there and wait until the QB *MIGHT* scramble. It's worse when 2 are playing together because we get no pressure. And people complain about no pressure being put on the QB. News flash: It's because 2 of our worst DL player that don't belong in the game are in the game
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The don't do anything except stand there and wait until the QB might scramble? LMAO! More idiotic hyperbole. Stick to being a basketball fan. They run stunts and twists up front A LOT, plus they 'push' to collapse the pocket so that the QB can't 'step up'. Most of the passes that aren't 3rd and long are quick passes, so they hit and get their hands up. This line probably knocked down more passes than any in a long time. Yes, occasionally one DT steps back and 'spies' the QB but to say 'they don't do anything' is just absurd. I'm not trying to degrade you, you did it all by yourself. I just pointed it out. Right CidHawk....
 
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TKingpin said:
Hmm. You think Hesse and Bazata are our worst 2 DLinemen? Let’s compare their numbers to Lattimore. Or M Nelson.

Hesse is so good he is keeping AJE on the sidelines except for obvious passing downs. Then he is so versitile, he slides over to DT in the NASCAR package. Every Defensive player and coach says that Bazata is so valuable because he is constantly eating up 2blockers. Hesse sets the edge better than AJE right now. I could go on, but I won’t.

I don’t think your opinion is shared by many in here.

Do I want our DE to be the 2nd coming of Kampmann? Of course! I would like all of our DTs to be as good as Colin Cole. Meanwhile, our DLine has performed very well and gave up very few points this year. Your beef has to be with the offense.
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And his ignorant opinion is definitely not shared by the staff, who somehow know what they are doing. Hesse is WAY ahead of AJ against the run. Go watch how many times AJ gets 'washed down' on OT runs. Amazing that there are people on here who actually believe they know more about coaching and who to play than professionals who do this for a living, every day, and see the kids every day and in practice. Just mind boggling. I'm not degrading the poster, they degraded themselves by making suck idiotic, delusional comments. It's one thing to be wrong, or have an opinion, but to believe that you know more than professional coaches is just a form of mental illness.
 
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TKingpin said:
Hmm. You think Hesse and Bazata are our worst 2 DLinemen? Let’s compare their numbers to Lattimore. Or M Nelson.

Hesse is so good he is keeping AJE on the sidelines except for obvious passing downs. Then he is so versitile, he slides over to DT in the NASCAR package. Every Defensive player and coach says that Bazata is so valuable because he is constantly eating up 2blockers. Hesse sets the edge better than AJE right now. I could go on, but I won’t.

I don’t think your opinion is shared by many in here.

Do I want our DE to be the 2nd coming of Kampmann? Of course! I would like all of our DTs to be as good as Colin Cole. Meanwhile, our DLine has performed very well and gave up very few points this year. Your beef has to be with the offense.
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Hesse has progressed nicely, and has earned his spot in the rotation no doubt. I wouldn't say however that he's keeping AJ off the field except in obvious passing downs. As the season moved on AJ played more in the rotation for entire series and not just passing plays. If he continues to progress it will be interesting to see what unfolds. His upside is higher then anyone of the other linemen, but as I said Hesse has earned his spurs. Hell the guy has returned several picks and fumbles for scores, so he's a playmaker as well. And no one is chasing A Nelson off the field. First team all BIG next year for the big guy.
 
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hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
They combined for 32 total tackles this past season. Parker Hesse, who everyone complain about because he's playing over AJ Epenesa, had 39 by himself, with Nathan Bazata leading the DL in tackles with 42 They don't do anything except stand there and wait until the QB *MIGHT* scramble. It's worse when 2 are playing together because we get no pressure. And people complain about no pressure being put on the QB. News flash: It's because 2 of our worst DL player that don't belong in the game are in the game
Click to expand...


Strange....you might want to get a 2nd opinion from someone who knows what they are seeing.

I'd start following Hawkeye Gamefilm on twitter. I'm pretty certain he'd have a different opinion than you.
 
TKingpin said:
Hmm. You think Hesse and Bazata are our worst 2 DLinemen? Let’s compare their numbers to Lattimore. Or M Nelson.

Hesse is so good he is keeping AJE on the sidelines except for obvious passing downs. Then he is so versitile, he slides over to DT in the NASCAR package. Every Defensive player and coach says that Bazata is so valuable because he is constantly eating up 2blockers. Hesse sets the edge better than AJE right now. I could go on, but I won’t.

I don’t think your opinion is shared by many in here.

Do I want our DE to be the 2nd coming of Kampmann? Of course! I would like all of our DTs to be as good as Colin Cole. Meanwhile, our DLine has performed very well and gave up very few points this year. Your beef has to be with the offense.
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Im saying Jansen, Reiff and Brinks are our worst 3 DL players and shouldn't play. That was he point
 
hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
They combined for 32 total tackles this past season. Parker Hesse, who everyone complain about because he's playing over AJ Epenesa, had 39 by himself, with Nathan Bazata leading the DL in tackles with 42 They don't do anything except stand there and wait until the QB *MIGHT* scramble. It's worse when 2 are playing together because we get no pressure. And people complain about no pressure being put on the QB. News flash: It's because 2 of our worst DL player that don't belong in the game are in the game
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Perfect! You got it figured out so don't put them on your fantasy college football team! I like them and thought they did a great job in their role! But I'm a positive Hawk fan and understand we arent Alabama and all of our players arent Reggie White. Carry on!
 
To all you heroes that like to 'critique' line play, answer me these simple questions:
Which of our linemen play the 1tec and which play the 3tec?
Do they switch sides? When and why?
Where do the 1 and 3 tec line up and what are their gap responsibilities and what technique do they use in those responsibilities?
Do we have strong and weak ends? Do they switch sides according to strength? What determines 'strength?
When do the DE's line up in a 5tec or a 7tec? Why?
What are their gap responsibilities when playing a 5tec....a 7tec? What techniques do they use in those responsibilities?
Should I go on?

Unless you know the answers to these questions (and many many more) you have no idea what you are looking at and who is executing better or at a high level. You just see someone put pressure on the QB occasionally and think you know who the better players are and who should and shouldn't be playing. Preposterous! I don't know why people think they can 'critique' things they have very little understanding of. Also, the coaches (who watch these kids everyday) figure out the D-lines strengths and weaknesses and substitute accordingly based upon situations. The kids that are playing have earned it and are playing at a level that warrants their playing time. Plain and simple.
 
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Muskie5 said:
You're an idiot and your pointless. Just shut up. Brinks is way better against the run than A. Nelson, that's why he played half the snaps. Plays with great leverage and discipline. I don't know why I'm even trying to explain anything to you. Your comments clearly indicate that you have almost no understanding of the game or what you're even looking at and aren't interested in learning anything..... Thank goodness we have coaches that do know what they're doing. No offense, but I trust the coaches over you, LOL.
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:rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
Johnsoda123 said:
Nixon and Golston might be upgrades over Jansen and Brinks. There is nothing wrong with hoping this is the case.
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The more competition, the merrier! I still think they will move Brincks inside (I bet they're working him there during bowl prep to prepare for next year) to get Gholston on the field. I will be really surprised if Nixon walks right in and joins the rotation his first year. Big difference between JC and B1G lines. I think he'll need a year of Doyle rebuilding his body (like they had to with Davis etc...) and a year of technique work, but he may surprise me. Seems to have a good motor and he'll be able to go through spring ball which will help. I still think this is what we'll see next year to start the year....
RDE- Hesse/Eppy
DT- M. Nelson/Lattimore
DT- Brincks/Rieff
LDE- A. Nelson/Gholston

I think that is a very formidable line-up (with tons of experience) and what's nice if the injury bug happens, there is Nixon, Jansen, Waggoner, Simon, etc. waiting in the wings and pushing these guys to get in the rotation. Good problem to have!
And they can use all kinds of combinations in obvious passing situations. They like to move Hesse inside in those situations against mobile QB's because he can spy the QB and chase about any of them down. People don't realize how fast Hesse is. I think Hesse will play 'nuts' next year knowing it's probably his last year of ever playing football (he 'might' get a look as a OLB in a 3-4 defense in the NFL) and he will be on the field for his 4th yr. as a starter, so his experience will be invaluable! I hope that giant M. Nelson plays like there's no tomorrow next year as well. He's 6'8 and will probably be close to 300 lbs. next year! With our depth, he doesn't have to worry about stamina, just go nuts with that giant body every play! We have had a lot of DL who have had GREAT senior years in the past, hopefully these seniors next year (Hesse, Nelson and Brincks) just tear it up and take some pressure of the inexperienced LB's!
P.S.- They could start Lattimore alongside M. Nelson, but I'm not sure either one is a great 1tec. They're both more 3tec/1 gap, kind of guys.
 
hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
No disrespect to Reiff, Brinks or Jansen, but with the DL we have now and what's coming in, they should never play but in mop up duty, IMO. Our DL is going to be filthy and with the guys we are bringing in the secondary, that shouldn't be an issue either. Rugamba or Ojemudia need to step up this next year, though, if Jackson goes pro. The linebacker tandem is the only spot where I have concerns on defense moving forward
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I liked Hankins better than either R or O.
 
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hawkeye bb n fb fan said:
Me too, but who's gonna start on the other side? Another true freshman?
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I would hope R or O would make a big leap like Jackson did this year. Rugamba has the talent, but he got off to a bad start this year (suspended first game, then injured) and just never got it together. I expect him to rebound and I think OJ does some things well (solid tackler and decent in zone) and will push both of them if he improves in man coverage. Remember, everyone thought Rugamba was going to be the star this year and Jackson was 'meh'......and look how that turned out. You never know with these athletes.
I would think the 3 RSFR (Creamer, Turner, Harrell) would be making strides as well with a year under their belt to figure things out. And they were high on Boswell, in fact some thought he would start opposite Rugamba, going into the year but he just disappeared. Injuries??? Whether Jackson stays (I think he will) or goes, there is plenty of talent and depth to work with. Who will be the next 'great story'?
 
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