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Message: [QUOTE="ivorytower, post: 3175513, member: 6888"] Good question about lack of height , have noted same and given it previous thought so bear with lengthy reply . Not sure if purposeful construct or not but our D does lacks real height/size/length compared to many other rosters outside ssdm. That presented unfavorable matchups at cd at times but not any more frequent than others who encounter a different set of matchup issues. Size on D was emphasis for Starsia at UVA and his imprint on their makeup still seen. Quick glance at our 1st opponent Colgate shows they have several defenders larger than any Cuse defender as well but dont see it as a concern in todays game. Space eaters certainly help especially d's when packed in but offensive players are quicker to spots than ever so d quickness covering and sliding is at a premium . Old time contact has been restricted in every sport lessening the impact of size advantages and the game is primarily a horizontal one on a large field. As such, can envision greater emphasis by Cuse and others on mobility and quickness in every direction or at least altering the mix. Obviously be best to have players who possess the total package but there is a reason why cornerbacks who cover skill players tend to be shorter, they simply move quicker than larger players. Some taller attackman such as Spencer, Heningburg, Charlamides have given us problems but they did the same to big bodies besides Surdick Believe the main asset of top attackman beyond their skillsets is quickness. .Defending the Aments, Sowers, Grays, Krauss, Teats and like that populate the ranks requires quick feet so some of the best cd are on shorter size ie Mellen, Harris, Foley and Grill to mention a few. On the other spectrum, defending a wide strong body who can move ie Tehoka is going be difficult for most any type . The difference in Cuse defending him in 19 vs 18 was as much about different game plan and approach. Up top, mids tend to have more size to contend with but our lsms are honey badgers with top speed and squad possesses good size at dm .D unit comprised of full bodied athletes who play bigger than listed sizes . Bomberry was considered a big but he was sturdier than taller . DiPietro has a similar build to him while Murphy is similar size to Cunnigham who was fundamentally sound.. Any apprehension is about replacing Bomberry's incredible stick and the experience that he and and Cunnigham had. Overall team D will be the key to season imo, it was still a work in progress in fall given several changes /switches and shallow depth at time . Pillars are there and coordination on that end will only improve as roles are settled into while depth will be bolstered by several returns . [/QUOTE]

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