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Message: [QUOTE="anomander, post: 1395853, member: 2766"] As of right now which side of the ball do you have more confidence in? I know people are concerned with all the players lost on the defensive side of the ball, but I am still bullish on the D. I actually think they have a chance to be better then last season. Here's my reasoning: - Replacements are better. I'll take Thompson/Simmons over Robinson/Welsh all day long. Robinson and Welsh gave us no pass rush what so ever. Both Thompson and Simmons have the ability to rush the passer, especially Thompson, who could be in store for a coming out party. Losing Zeke hurts, but Arciniega could be an interesting as he will give some speed off the edge. Even at LB I don't see a drop off. Dyshawn always had the potential, and was good for some splash plays, but he was wildly inconsistent. Losing Cam will hurt in terms of rushing the passer, but he was a liability in pass protection where he was routinely exposed. I also think Franklin is in store for a monster year and may be on the best MIKE's we've had in a long time. That will allow Hodge to move outside, and let Bennett and Thomas fight it out for the SAM. At very worst the unit will be an upgrade in athleticism, which is always good in the ACC. -Coaching. The talent is clearly on the defensive side of the ball, led by Shafer helping with the defensive gameplan. I wouldn't trade Daoust for anybody in the country, and Lea is pretty damn good himself. If I want anybody on the staff breaking in young talent, it's these 2. -imo the most important player on the defense this year will be Julian Whigham. We absolutely need him to step up. I really think he is better then what he showed last year, where he was flat out horrible. Don't forget he should a lot of promise as a true Freshman who got playing time, and as a Sophomore before he got injured. He needs to get his confidence back. We also need Wayne Morgan to finally live up to his potential on the other side of the field. This unit is going to be very young. I'm actually predicting Marquis Blair to start as a true Freshman if he can get qualified. I also see Jake Pickard getting playing time as a true Freshman. It's tough saying a DT will play his first year, but we may need Steven Clark to do so. He looks like he is physically ready, but it's going to be a monster step up from his level of HS competition to the ACC. I could possibly see Troy Henderson getting some time as a back up to Hodge at the WILL. It was a tough call in deciding which side to have more confidence in. On one side you have question marks in personnel, and the other side has questions with coaching. I do think the OL will be the surprise unit of the team, but there's just too many other question marks. So which side of the ball do you like, and why? [/QUOTE]

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