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[QUOTE="RF2044, post: 2277966, member: 40"]
Agreed.  And it is important to remember that Rome isn't built in a day.  This offseason [and through the class of 2018], the coaching staff has substantially improved the QB, OL, WR, RB, DE, LB, CB, and S positions.  And arguably TE, although depth is a concern there.

DT is clearly a huge area need.  I would expect that to be a MAJOR focus of our recruiting between now and February, and wouldn't be surprised if they dip into the JUCO ranks to bolster short term while giving high school prospects time to round into form.

Conversely, at DE I expect them not to go JUCO anymore, unless there is somebody out there who is a stud we can reel in.  By my count, Coleman / Black / Berry / Robinson / Pickard [who I believe already redshirted] are all sophomores with three years of eligibility left. Jonathan is a true frosh, as is Ellis.  Morton probably redshirts.   So, they can probably roll with that nucleus for the next 2-3 seasons, which would make bringing in somebody to play immediately less important--I think they'll focus on HS prospects at DE in the class of 2018.

But back to your point--I think we can expect the D to improve somewhat, primarily due to: [1] experience / the players understanding their assignments, [2] better depth at several positional units, and [3] better size / athleticism / depth in the secondary.  If the offense makes the 2nd year jump that Babers has described, then we're in business.  And the D will continue to get better in year 3, year 4, etc. with the personnel the coaching staff is loading into the pipeline -- especially when we iron out the issues at DT.
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