24/7 quotes Uche RE: Al Washington, Ed Warriner, QBs
Nice little puff piece over on 24/7. Josh Uche has some boilerplate things to say about coaches, QBs, and the OLine. More than anything I think it's promising to hear that he's making progress. I'd love to see Josh Uche become a 3rd down missile set to blow up opposing QBs.
Outside of Bush, I have no clue who will be playing linebacker next fall, but I have no doubt whoever it is will wreak havoc <<insert maniacal laugh here>>
Josh Ross is the most likely guy IMO. I'd love to see Singleton replace Furbush as he would be a significant upgrade athletically but he may not be ready quite yet.
Singleton has been mentioned a bunch too. He may not get a starting position, but is apparently too good to keep off the field. So, it looks like Bush, Hudson, & Ross with a bunch of snaps for Furbush/Uche/Singleton. That's an athletic and speed upgrade from last year, but not a lot of bigger bodies for the MSU & Wiscy's of the world who will have big o-lines and big backs. None of them are likely to crack 240 lbs.
You forgot to mention (potential starter) Gil
Not worried about any size difference. They bring so much speed and violence along with incredible technique, that makes up for any size/weight difference IMHO.
Singleton is going to be a DUDE sooner rather than later.
Where is Jordan Anthony in the mix?
Another freakishly talented LB from the class of 17.
If memory serves me right he's been the topic of a potential transfer over the spring. I do not believe he made the trip to Paris. Someone that pays a little closer than I do may be able to chime in.
Prior to these more recent developments I think the general consensus is that he has a lot of potential, but is a little more raw because he bounced around a bit from RB & LB in high school.
I enjoy hearing the words "pass-rush guru" refering to our new coach
University of Missouri fans would say: "Show me on autumn Saturdays"
...if Uche contributes impact plays, Dwumfour adds positively to the depth on the DL, Gill and Spanellis get snaps and Metellus & McKeon progress, the contribution from '16 recruits outside the national top 700 will be spectacular.
Still won't make the 3* mafia shut up tho.
The thing to remember though is that Don Brown has proven over and over that he can turn to to three star guys into really great defensive players. He did it over and over at BC and will do it here as well.
So while it's great to see, I don't think it's all that crazy or surprising when it happens.
I like this idea of a diversified set of situational players. From Seth's write up the other day about us stockpiling RBs to this 2+ deep defensive front 7, I'm really looking forward to seeing what this team brings in the fall.
Lets keep solving problems with aggression.
I know right? Without the Spring game on my DVR to rewatch every weekend, it's going to be rough making it to September 1st! I love summer but I'm ready for the fall!!
Go Blue!!
I love the idea that Al Washington is a pass rush guru and what that means for improvements in Bush and Hudson's game.
Additionally, thinking about improvements for next year I looked up what Michigan's havoc rate was and even with a young defense that was only 10th, they were #1 in Havoc at 23.7%. That's a tfl, pass defensed, or forced fumble on 23.7% of plays faced. Since 2014 (as far back as I can find havoc rate listed) the only team to exceed 23.7% was 2016 Michigan at 23.9% and the only teams above 23% were 2017 Wisconsin(23.6%) and 2014 Clemson(23.2%).
They will certainly miss Hurst's disruption on the interior, but I could really see this defense setting a new record and maybe even pushing 25%, which would only be 1 more havoc play per game.
Little bits like these and a nice long vacation will get me through the summer until the submarine is back on deployment. Thanks.