LB position this spring

[kcsu]

shu, dietab, coker, amene are three LB's who have to step up. With Spruill hurt who plays the middle this spring? Dietab looks to be it. Unless they move Lynch to the middle in the spring to get him some reps. Also is Dan V back yes or no?

 

[qdawgg]

Do we end up playing more of a 3 - 4 scheme? I thought it was stupid when someone suggested it on here over a year ago but maybe not.

 

[RF2044]

No question--the play of the LB corps needs to improve moving forward, but I'm confident that it will, and don't see this positional unit as being in dire straits like some seem to. I think that there were two reasons why the LBs struggled: the DTs didn't stop the run which enabled blockers to get to the second level and engage our undersized LBs, and general inexperience.

Our best three 'backers consisted of a true soph who had changed positions, and two true frosh. Lynch and Davis really showed impressive play at times--once they gain experience and figure things out, this unit looks really formidable.

Beyond that, there are other reasons to be optimistic about the future of this position. We return our top 5 players, including all three starters. A player like Vaughn, who was a productive gamer but looked a tad physically overmatched will probably be pushed down to second string--which is a good commentary on the talent improving at LB around him. We also add athletic redshirts Vigille and Mungwa into the mix.

And that doesn't count Washington or MPB who also might fit at LB situationally.

It certainly would have been nice to add a Parsons or Whitehurst, but its not like those type of guys would have cracked the two-deep next season. I expect improved LB play in 2012, and wouldn't be surprised to see Lynch / Davis make huge strides this offseason.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

Do we end up playing more of a 3 - 4 scheme? I thought it was stupid when someone suggested it on here over a year ago but maybe not.

I dont think you will see a 3-4. Syracuse just doesnt have the right personnel, mainly, big run stuffing linebackers. I thing the attacking 4-3 will be alive and well, along with more nickel and okie packages.

Personally, i feel like SU is always in an okie package, because the linebackers are so undersized, they are more like having extra safeties on the field.

 

[qdawgg]

In a lot of games last year they had Jones drop back in either a zone coverage or in a QB - HB spy role. Didn't know if they would line up 4-3 and use one of the faster - hybrid type DE's in a drop back OLB role.

 

[007]

No question--the play of the LB corps needs to improve moving forward, but I'm confident that it will, and don't see this positional unit as being in dire straits like some seem to. I think that there were two reasons why the LBs struggled: the DTs didn't stop the run, and inexperience.

Our best three 'backers consisted of a true soph who had changed positions, and two true frosh. Lynch and Davis really showed impressive play at times--once they gain experience and figure things out, this unit looks really formidable.

Beyond that, there are other reasons to be optimistic about the future of this position. We return our top 5 players, including all three starters. A player like Vaughn, who was a productive gamer but looked a tad physically overmatched will probably be pushed down to second string--which is a good commentary on the talent improving at LB. We add redshirts Vigille and Mungwa into the mix.

And that doesn't count Washington or MPB who also might fit here somewhere.

It certainly would have been nice to add a Parsons or Whitehurst, but its not like those type of guys would have cracked the two-deep next season. I expect improved LB play in 2012, and wouldn't be surprised to see Lynch / Davis make huge strides this offseason.

I hope you are right RF.

I agree about the DTs and the experience factors. I would add a 3rd factor...size. Either these kids need to get bigger/stronger/faster, or we need to find bigger LBs. As you pointed out, Vaughn is a perfect example of this. Great instincts and motor, but a step slow or physically over-matched far too often.

I am looking forward to what MPB, Simmons, and Washington might bring to the table.

 

[orangephan]

shu, dietab, coker, amene are three LB's who have to step up. With Spruill hurt who plays the middle this spring? Dietab looks to be it. Unless they move Lynch to the middle in the spring to get him some reps. Also is Dan V back yes or no?

Your comments and questions are the likely answers. Diabate and Vaughan have game experience at MIKE. This spring is also a HUGE opportunity for Coker to prove/assert himself; he's a God-gifted athlete, but needs to get his head straightened out in the mental aspects of the game. Lynch, I'm convinced, can play any of the 3 LB slots as well. I'm really excited about Vigille and Mungwa getting into the mix, though I doubt Oliver is a MLB. I'm not worried about LBs next season, unless Spruill is out for the season or physically compromised.

 

[orangepassion]

This is why I am not thrilled with the Myles Davis to FB move.

 

[TheSpaz]

This is why I am not thrilled with the Myles Davis to FB move.

If he can't mover side to side that great he's not going to be able to help at LB.

 

[kcsu]

If he can't mover side to side that great he's not going to be able to help at LB.

There is an interview with him on the other site and he says that mobility has nothing to do with his move to FB rather he played the position in HS and according to the article he is penciled as the starter at FB heading into the spring. Sounds like he can move they just like him at FB better. Who knows

 

[OrangeXtreme]

There is an interview with him on the other site and he says that mobility has nothing to do with his move to FB rather he played the position in HS and according to the article he is penciled as the starter at FB heading into the spring. Sounds like he can move they just like him at FB better. Who knows

Must be we're not too high on Burke / Cleveland / Piasecki.

 

[kcsu]

Must be we're not too high on Burke / Cleveland / Piasecki.

I have no idea Burke looks the part.

 

[SoBristol]

No question--the play of the LB corps needs to improve moving forward, but I'm confident that it will, and don't see this positional unit as being in dire straits like some seem to. I think that there were two reasons why the LBs struggled: the DTs didn't stop the run which enabled blockers to get to the second level and engage our undersized LBs, and general inexperience.

. . . ... .

Maybe not dire straits (all 3 starters and the best reserve return), but I am in the show me camp.

The frosh LBs who played last year (Lynch & Davis) will be improved, but the unit is still short of the talent and size you need to win in the Big East. Spruill, our MLB, was better as a frosh in the SAM. Diabate has speed, but lacks the size you want as MLB. In the recruiting battles, the other units got some help -- LBs not so much.

Our new LB coach will have a chance to earn his pay.

 

[Rocco]

I am pumped to see what Vigille looks like. The staff loved him last year.

 

[RF2044]

Maybe not dire straits (all 3 starters and the best reserve return), but I am in the show me camp.

The frosh LBs who played last year (Lynch & Davis) will be improved, but the unit is still short of the talent and size you need to win in the Big East. Spruill, our MLB, was better as a frosh in the SAM. Diabate has speed, but lacks the size you want as MLB. In the recruiting battles, the other units got some help -- LBs not so much.

Our new LB coach will have a chance to earn his pay.

"Show me" is fair--but I'm optimistic based upon the natural improvement I expect from the true froshs' developmental curve. I also agree that the entire unit is short on size--the coaching staff is all in on speed over size--although hopefully the entire group utilizes this off-season to improve the strength / size quotient somewhat.

Will be interesting to see what Vigille / Mungwa bring to the table, if anything, and whether they can crack the two-deep.