Predictions on starting defense

[cusefan88]

One thing not mentioned, feels like with the depth at LB and DB, special teams coverage should be really good.

 

[RF2044]

Because we have a ton of viable options and we haven’t heard a word about how he’s performed. He’s a new player added to the mix who hadn’t played at his old stop. Why would we assume that he is in the rotation? Unless someone has info, which is what I was asking. I haven’t seen any info about him except that he’s practicing. Have you?

Translation: you're drumming up another topic to wring your hands about.

 

[SmilinBob]

One thing not mentioned, feels like with the depth at LB and DB, special teams coverage should be really good.

DB went from a ? to deep in a matter of months. Impressive use of the system by Babers and staff.

 

[SoBristol]

Translation: you're drumming up another topic to wring your hands about.

I don't know about other topics to wring hands about (we are very deep across the D), but it is not unfair to ask for updates about 3 of our guys who are coming off injuries. That would be Thompson (no contact yet), Lockett (reported to be 100%), and Ingraham (series of injuries at Alabama before transferring, though he practiced here in the Spring).

Are these players running full speed, as quick as in their prime? No swelling, no owies?

 

[SU91]

Translation: you're drumming up another topic to wring your hands

Lol. I have interest in Ingraham. We could use a player with his size if he’s operable. In fact, it would be quite the welcome addition to have him in rotation because that would mean the coaches think he’s viable and he brings the size we don’t typically have. I mean, I love Darton, who wouldn’t, but it’s almost a miracle that he’s held up to this point. We have a number of players with experience in the interior now, which is great and could easily put Ingraham on the bench. However, and this bares repeating, players with size that can play within this scheme would be an atypical SU player. Therefore, the prospect of him making the rotation (not guaranteed) would be an interesting and good development.

So far, no mention of him. Is that because he’s been unspectacular? Is he showing the goods but still hasn’t picked up the playbook? Good but others just better? Is he just emergency depth or a possible future rotation guy? This is training camp. This is when these questions are asked and, if anyone has Intel, hopefully answered.

 

[bigmike]

 

[RF2044]

Lol. I have interest in Ingraham. We could use a player with his size if he’s operable. In fact, it would be quite the welcome addition to have him in rotation because that would mean the coaches think he’s viable and he brings the size we don’t typically have. I mean, I love Darton, who wouldn’t, but it’s almost a miracle that he’s held up to this point. We have a number of players with experience in the interior now, which is great and could easily put Ingraham on the bench. However, and this bares repeating, players with size that can play within this scheme would be an atypical SU player. Therefore, the prospect of him making the rotation (not guaranteed) would be an interesting and good development.

So far, no mention of him. Is that because he’s been unspectacular? Is he showing the goods but still hasn’t picked up the playbook? Good but others just better? Is he just emergency depth or a possible future rotation guy? This is training camp. This is when these questions are asked and, if anyone has Intel, hopefully answered.

There's been very little information that has flowed out of camp. Anyone paying attention to football at this juncture knows that -- there are even threads where posters' dissatisfaction with the coaching staff being so secretive has been discussed, at length.

Everyone agrees that it would be great to have an athletic, former 4-star transfer DT from Alabama being able to bolster the defensive line inside.

But clearly, the "no mention of him" is based upon the coaches not divulging virtually ANY information from camp, rather than his inability -- as you are implying.

 

[SU91]

There's been very little information that has flowed out of camp. Anyone paying attention to football at this juncture knows that -- there are even threads where posters' dissatisfaction with the coaching staff being so secretive has been discussed, at length.

Everyone agrees that it would be great to have an athletic, former 4-star transfer DT from Alabama being able to bolster the defensive line inside.

But clearly, the "no mention of him" is based upon the coaches not divulging virtually ANY information from camp, rather than his inability -- as you are implying.

I don’t think anyone reading what I wrote would infer that I implied he doesn’t have ability except, maybe, you. And, I’m fully aware of the lack of info coming out of camp, hence the search for tidbits should anyone have them. There are tidbits about receivers, offensive that have been discussed. I’m not sure what you’re saying, we shouldn’t have curiosity about player’s performance in camp because we know that info has been held close to the vest? If info was widely available, there would be no reason to ask because we’d already know the answer. Considering the lack of press, this is exactly the place to ask the question. Who better to know than the folks on this board? Darn right I want to know about the former Alabama DT. Should the numerous posts about Reed cease for the reasons you suggest?

 

[FrancoPizza]

But clearly, the "no mention of him" is based upon the coaches not divulging virtually ANY information from camp, rather than his inability -- as you are implying.

But both could be true. We just don't know. I have to imagine if Ingraham was impressing in camp that something would trickle out.

It might be time for kcsu to take another plane ride with a player. That's been the only real scoop we've gotten in the last 2 months.

 

[RF2044]

I don’t think anyone reading what I wrote would infer that I implied he doesn’t have ability except, maybe, you. And, I’m fully aware of the lack of info coming out of camp, hence the search for tidbits should anyone have them. There are tidbits about receivers, offensive that have been discussed. I’m not sure what you’re saying, we shouldn’t have curiosity about player’s performance in camp because we know that info has been held close to the vest? If info was widely available, there would be no reason to ask because we’d already know the answer. Considering the lack of press, this is exactly the place to ask the question. Who better to know than the folks on this board? Darn right I want to know about the former Alabama DT. Should the numerous posts about Reed cease for the reasons you suggest?

What anyone reading infers is that your posts trend toward sky is falling non-stop. Go correctly called you out for this a couple of days ago.

You insinuated a bunch of reasons rationalizing why we haven't heard much about Ingraham, while overlooking the main one -- i.e., the coaches are keeping a lid on information coming out of camp. Which is why I responded the way that I did.

People can ask any questions they want. We're all starving for information. But the only thing that should "cease" is the negative spin to fill in the blanks.

You brought up Reed -- should we infer that he isn't performing well because the coaches are being tight lipped about the OL? What purpose does inserting that interpretive spin serve, when we know that information has been limited by design, beyond manufacturing reasons to be concerned?

 

[SU91]

What anyone reading infers is that your posts trend toward sky is falling non-stop. Go correctly called you out for this a couple of days ago.

You insinuated a bunch of reasons rationalizing why we haven't heard much about Ingraham, while overlooking the main one -- i.e., the coaches are keeping a lid on information coming out of camp. Which is why I responded the way that I did.

People can ask any questions they want. We're all starving for information. But the only thing that should "cease" is the negative spin to fill in the blanks.

You brought up Reed -- should we infer that he isn't performing well because the coaches are being tight lipped about the OL? What purpose does inserting that interpretive spin serve, when we know that information has been limited by design?

I honestly think you’re overthinking and overreacting to a simple question about a player. I think you said it, we all want information about how things are going. I don’t think we should assume anything about any player without knowledge of that player. I’m particularly interested in the Bama DT.

 

[RF2044]

I honestly think you’re overthinking and overreacting to a simple question about a player. I think you said it, we all want information about how things are going. I don’t think we should assume anything about any player without knowledge of that player. I’m particularly interested in the Bama DT.

Fair enough.

 

[TexanMark]

DB went from a ? to deep in a matter of months. Impressive use of the system by Babers and staff.

Deep but partially unproven. We should know after Purdue where we stand. Their transfer QB was a 5 star at Texas.

 

[CuseMan4]

Josh Crawford has some really nice practice video up from today.

The 1st team defense from his video
DE-Caleb
DT-Darton
DE-Jobity
OLB-Lowery
MLB-Wax
OLB-McDonald
CB-Johnson
CB-Wilson
S-Clark
S-Simmons
Rover-Barron

Obviously Thompson is limited at OLB
I’m sure Jobity and Jaquez are splitting reps
I’m sure Darton and Lockett are splitting reps
I’m sure Wilson and Peterson are splitting reps
I really like this defense. Fast and big

 

[PhatOrange]

One thing not mentioned, feels like with the depth at LB and DB, special teams coverage should be really good.

Special teams for sure. Lot of big athletes added with the JUcos and LB / DE depth. I think the coverage teams should be stout.

 

[sutomcat]

One thing not mentioned, feels like with the depth at LB and DB, special teams coverage should be really good.

I believe our special teams units were much improved last season, both returning kickoff/punts and defending them.

Yes, many of the spots on these teams are typically manned by young players who are very good athletes. We have a lot more of them on the roster this year.

A couple of years ago we had a number of walk-ons who we had to play on special teams because we were so shorthanded. I think those days are gone now. If a walk-on makes a special teams unit now, they must be something special.

 

[Chris02M]

Pain

 

[shu 49]

Guys who are locks IMO
Caleb, Darton, Wax, Thompson, Johnson, Clark, Simmons and Barron.
So that leaves one defensive lineman, one linebacker and one defensive back.
We will see a lot of rotation on the defensive line so I don’t know if it matter who starts. I wouldn’t mind seeing Lockett, Caleb and Darton on first and second downs.
Sparrow is my favorite to be the third linebacker with a heavy dose of McDonald.
The second corner is the biggest question mark. Wilson has had high praise but is somewhat small. Patterson looked decent in the bowl game. Any chance Clark slide to corner once Farmer is comfortable?

Lockett will start unless hurt at dline. Darton 1st in.

 

[SUDadx2]

Josh Crawford has some really nice practice video up from today.

The 1st team defense from his video
DE-Caleb
DT-Darton
DE-Jobity
OLB-Lowery
MLB-Wax
OLB-McDonald
CB-Johnson
CB-Wilson
S-Clark
S-Simmons
Rover-Barron

Obviously Thompson is limited at OLB
I’m sure Jobity and Jaquez are splitting reps
I’m sure Darton and Lockett are splitting reps
I’m sure Wilson and Peterson are splitting reps
I really like this defense. Fast and big

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

If we had a game tomorrow that would likely be the starting 11 on defense.

BUT we don't play tomorrow. We don't play until 4pm on Saturday, September 2, 2023, which is 18 days away. In those 18 days the team will play two more scrimmages, there will be a few more "owies" and some guys who are currently banged up will get healthy.

Peterson was not suited up today. Early in camp Bellamy was splitting time with Wilson but missed a few days last week. Reportedly Wilson re-established himself in Bellamy's absence.

I noticed a few other guys limited today, offense and defense. Watch the videos for yourself.

There are two more scrimmages (usually one a week in camp) before the teams enters game week on Monday, August 28, 2023 (which is also the first day of classes for the fall semester - yes, they have to go to class too).

I expect Thompson will be on the field for the first defensive series against Colgate and likely be done for the day after that. We don't want to lose this guy in a game against Colgate or Western Michigan.

I think Martin (transfer from Nebraska) who has been working at safety in camp has been moved to corner.

Word is Farmer is working with the rovers. He needs to learn the defense, but I expect him to immediately challenge Oliver for R2.

Greenwood can play all five positions in the secondary. He is undersized, but smart and plays hard.

I wouldn't be surprised if Seabourn (transfer from Santa Barbara CC) redshirts this year. It's not that he can't contribute this season, but he is one of the few guys in the secondary who still has a redshirt year to give (Simmons, Barron, Clark and Wilson are the others). Redshirting will help his development and put him is a better position to compete for playing time in 2024.

This defense does have good size and good speed, but they need to be smart. The 3-3-5 is challenging to offenses cause the QB often has trouble knowing who is going to be where in coverage or who will be blitzing from where, but we will hurt ourselves if we outsmart ourselves. Nothing hurts a defense more than someone missing an assignment or being out of position.


I pray everyone gets healthy and stays healthy.

 

[JKinPhilly]

 

[CbusCuse]

Lockett will start unless hurt at dline. Darton 1st in.

Since Locket is coming back from injury he may not be in there yet but I'm not so sure Darton won't be starting in front of him even if Lockett is fully healthy. Per Darton's bio i think he was starting in place of Lockett even before his injury. Additionaly, Darton had a very fine season in 2022 and has had more experience than Lockett. I'm sure Lockett will still get plenty of reps but Darton may be the starter.

Darton Bio per Cuse.com: Appeared in all-13 games with 11 starts at nose tackle ... After splitting time with Terry Lockett, who suffered a season-ending injury in week four.

 

[CbusCuse]

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

If we had a game tomorrow that would likely be the starting 11 on defense.

BUT we don't play tomorrow. We don't play until 4pm on Saturday, September 2, 2023, which is 18 days away. In those 18 days the team will play two more scrimmages, there will be a few more "owies" and some guys who are currently banged up will get healthy.

Peterson was not suited up today. Early in camp Bellamy was splitting time with Wilson but missed a few days last week. Reportedly Wilson re-established himself in Bellamy's absence.

I noticed a few other guys limited today, offense and defense. Watch the videos for yourself.

There are two more scrimmages (usually one a week in camp) before the teams enters game week on Monday, August 28, 2023 (which is also the first day of classes for the fall semester - yes, they have to go to class too).

I expect Thompson will be on the field for the first defensive series against Colgate and likely be done for the day after that. We don't want to lose this guy in a game against Colgate or Western Michigan.

I think Martin (transfer from Nebraska) who has been working at safety in camp has been moved to corner.

Word is Farmer is working with the rovers. He needs to learn the defense, but I expect him to immediately challenge Oliver for R2.

Greenwood can play all five positions in the secondary. He is undersized, but smart and plays hard.

I wouldn't be surprised if Seabourn (transfer from Santa Barbara CC) redshirts this year. It's not that he can't contribute this season, but he is one of the few guys in the secondary who still has a redshirt year to give (Simmons, Barron, Clark and Wilson are the others). Redshirting will help his development and put him is a better position to compete for playing time in 2024.

This defense does have good size and good speed, but they need to be smart. The 3-3-5 is challenging to offenses cause the QB often has trouble knowing who is going to be where in coverage or who will be blitzing from where, but we will hurt ourselves if we outsmart ourselves. Nothing hurts a defense more than someone missing an assignment or being out of position.


I pray everyone gets healthy and stays healthy.

Thanks for the info!

I don't like that Peterson is banged up but I like hearing that he was ahead of Wilson.

I'm not sure how much we are going to get out of Thompson this season. But hoping he gets to almost 100% in a month or two at the latest.

Not surprised at all if Jobity gets the first team reps at DE this season.

Wouldn't expect Farmer to be in the starting role at this point but would be surprising if he doesn't get a lot of PT this year.

 

[shu 49]

Since Locket is coming back from injury he may not be in there yet but I'm not so sure Darton won't be starting in front of him even if Lockett is fully healthy. Per Darton's bio i think he was starting in place of Lockett even before his injury. Additionaly, Darton had a very fine season in 2022 and has had more experience than Lockett. I'm sure Lockett will still get plenty of reps but Darton may be the starter.

Darton Bio per Cuse.com: Appeared in all-13 games with 11 starts at nose tackle ... After splitting time with Terry Lockett, who suffered a season-ending injury in week four.

No don’t get me confused on wether Darton deserves to start cause I think he does. Totally. He won us the Purdue game after he drove all big ten center 1st team into backfield 3 outta 4 plays but he was getting some rest. Kid is amazing. 1 on 1 he is hard to beat but 2 on 1 they get him cause he isn’t big.

 

[GoSU96]

Lockett will start unless hurt at dline. Darton 1st in.

Lockett is coming off a knee as well. He might get spotted early in the year.

 

[sutomcat]

Lockett is coming off a knee as well. He might get spotted early in the year.

Agree. But when Dino was talking about the players in green jerseys (i.e. players not yet cleared for contract), Thompson was on the list and I don’t think Lockett was. So maybe he is a little ahead of Thompson?

I believe both suffered the same injury in the same game last year so they should be on a similar timeline.