Predictions on the starting Defense this coming year?

[Goatnapper'96]

Originally Posted by cougjunkie

My two deep (* denotes a starter)

D-end- Jorgensen*, Denney* Dulan (trust me I dont think he goes on a mission,) Putnam

D-tackle- Tialavea*, Afutiti (could also play some end), Wolfley

OLB- Nixon*, Nelson*( I love this kid I think he is going to be a stud), So'oto, Clawson, Bills

MLB- Doman*, Hooks* Bauman (he will play a lot, but I think Hooks explodes this year) Tuitama

CB- Howard*, Pittman*, Brooks, Nagy, Johnson

Safety- Rich*, Bradley* (I think he is moved this spring) Fowler, Tafuna.

The new safety options (Rich, Bradley, Pendleton, Nagy etc) are better athletes than the previous crop, but I am convinced that at least Fowler or Tafuna will start. Mendenhall requires so much from the safeties as to proper alignment and being in position that I cannot see him putting the newbies out there from the start. I just think we often get so excited about the new guys until we are reminded of the vital role of experience.

Time will tell.

[Spaz]

Originally Posted by Goatnapper'96

The new safety options (Rich, Bradley, Pendleton, Nagy etc) are better athletes than the previous crop, but I am convinced that at least Fowler or Tafuna will start. Mendenhall requires so much from the safeties as to proper alignment and being in position that I cannot see him putting the newbies out there from the start. I just think we often get so excited about the new guys until we are reminded of the vital role of experience.

Time will tell.

I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Fowler AND/or Tafuna starting. Seems pretty obvious that, if you're giving so many Defensive responsibilities to a safety, you're going to be better with experience than marginally improved ability there...

[splitbamboo]

Originally Posted by cougjunkie

My two deep (* denotes a starter)

OLB- Nixon*, Nelson*( I love this kid I think he is going to be a stud), So'oto, Clawson, Bills

Do you really think that So'oto makes the transition from O to D and remains a third string player? Making this move at this point in his college career is revealing to me. I'm looking for a surprisingly strong OLB...

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by splitbamboo

Do you really think that So'oto makes the transition from O to D and remains a third string player? Making this move at this point in his college career is revealing to me. I'm looking for a surprisingly strong OLB...

That is what I wondered as well. I can't imagine the coaches telling him to switch to D so he can back up the back up.

[SoCalCoug]

Originally Posted by splitbamboo

Do you really think that So'oto makes the transition from O to D and remains a third string player? Making this move at this point in his college career is revealing to me. I'm looking for a surprisingly strong OLB...

I hear you, but who does he start over? Nixon's a proven stud, and Nelson's supposedly very talented. If So'oto makes the transition smoothly, I'd expect he'll get a lot of time, even if he doesn't start. Plus, isn't So'oto a Jr., and Nixon a Sr. this next season? So even if he doesn't start this year, he would get a good shot next year.

[Frank Ryan]

Originally Posted by cougjunkie

My two deep (* denotes a starter)

D-end- Jorgensen*, Denney* Dulan (trust me I dont think he goes on a mission,) Putnam

D-tackle- Tialavea*, Afutiti (could also play some end), Wolfley

OLB- Nixon*, Nelson*( I love this kid I think he is going to be a stud), So'oto, Clawson, Bills

MLB- Doman*, Hooks* Bauman (he will play a lot, but I think Hooks explodes this year) Tuitama

CB- Howard*, Pittman*, Brooks, Nagy, Johnson

Safety- Rich*, Bradley* (I think he is moved this spring) Fowler, Tafuna.

does Tevita Hola figure in anywhere? Hope he is better than Wolfley

[cougjunkie]

Originally Posted by Frank Ryan

does Tevita Hola figure in anywhere? Hope he is better than Wolfley

I forgot HOla he will play over Wofley and I think we will see Afutiti play some end.

Also So'oto needs to learn the defense and has never played linebacker before (in highscholl he played D-end) so if you think he will make the transition that quickly you are up in the night. He will get some PT at the position but I dont think he starts at the beginning of the season (barring injury of course).

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by cougjunkie

I forgot HOla he will play over Wofley and I think we will see Afutiti play some end.

Also So'oto needs to learn the defense and has never played linebacker before (in highscholl he played D-end) so if you think he will make the transition that quickly you are up in the night. He will get some PT at the position but I dont think he starts at the beginning of the season (barring injury of course).

Afutiti is mostly a DE to begin with and thats what he was recruited for and is likely to see his reps there.

[BYU71]

Just some thoughts. Defense next year could be better than this years. Hooks is very good and would have seen more playing if not for the incident. Hill likes to be more aggresive on defense than Bronco. LB from Snow is very good. Nixon played hurt a lot of the time.

These opinions are those of someone I respect when it comes to football and BYU.

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by BYU71

Just some thoughts. Defense next year could be better than this years. Hooks is very good and would have seen more playing if not for the incident. Hill likes to be more aggresive on defense than Bronco. LB from Snow is very good. Nixon played hurt a lot of the time.

These opinions are those of someone I respect when it comes to football and BYU.

I've heard the same thing 71. Especially regarding the Secondary. I spoke to a source on the team who said that while we're losing leadership and experience there, the talent level and depth at Corner is the best they've had their since the 96 season.

He said to expect some bumps to begin with, but once these kids figure it out they'll be on a level we've not seen at BYU in a long time at that position.