Breakout Defensive Player Predictions

Submitted by Generic MGoBlogger on

I saw the thread for very specific football predictions, and it got me longing for football season to begin.  So I thought I could keep it going with another predictions thread.  Who do you guys/girls on the blog think will be a breakout player on defense this upcoming season?  Our defense, if we stay away from injuries, should be solid once again with a strong line and many opportunites for somebody to have a breakout season.

I've got two guys: Frank Clark and Blake Countess.  Countess will be poised to return with greatness after his injury.  Also, somebody really needs to emerge as an elite pass rusher on the line, something that lacked last season, and Clark showed flashes of greatness last season. Who can forget about this hit?

 

So,commence discussion, and GO BLUE!

Edit: Embed fail... Check comments.

GoWings2008

June 27th, 2013 at 8:30 AM ^

I'd like to submit, for the MGoCommunitiy's consideration, a breakout player at each of the three main areas of the defense; line, LBs and DB.  

Pipkins, Ross and Countess are my three breakout players. 

Space Coyote

June 27th, 2013 at 8:37 AM ^

And the reason I'm going with him isn't necessarily because he's going to take a huge step forward and suddenly be the best NT ever. But the B1G had a ton of DT talent the last couple years, and Washington has been consistent, but over shadowed. I think people start to recognize him more now that some of those other guys are gone.

Space Coyote

June 27th, 2013 at 10:17 AM ^

Ok, I get what you're saying is that Wormley probably won't start, which is why you said that Wormley probably won't even start; but you also have to admit that Wormley probably will start if it's probable that Wormley starts, at which point you'd have to say Wormley will probably start. 

Also, yeah, bringing up Johnny Manziel in comparison to a 3-tech DT being a breakout player is probably a little bit of a reach.

Abomb4480

June 27th, 2013 at 11:19 AM ^

Not saying there is any comparison between a quarterback and a 3 tech, but to state there is no way he could be a breakout player is ignorant. My point is every year there are breakout Sara in college football who the previous year no one had heard of, and many times were fighting for a starting spot entering fall camp. Wormley is no different than anyone on the defense in regards to his ability to make an impact this season. Who thought Desmond Morgan would have the impact that he did in 2011 as a true freshman? Was he "probably going to start"?

Magnus

June 27th, 2013 at 9:35 AM ^

I mean, I think the question was asking who the breakout player would be. If you think James Ross is the guy, go for it. If you think Wormley is the guy, stick to your guns.

I could pick Richard Ash and then seem like a genius if he breaks out, but chances are very slim that it actually happens.

mgobaran

June 27th, 2013 at 10:37 AM ^

People above mentioned Joe Bolden, Taco, Ondre Pipkins, and Mario Ojemudia. All four of these players probably won't start either. 

Wormley is a workout warrior, and has just as much of an opportunity to rotate in as all the other guys and become a starter/breakout player.

That being said, my pick is Dymonte Thomas. Kid is going to make plays. Wouldn't be shocked if he saw some offensive snaps as well. People forget, this kid was our Jabrill Peppers before we got Jabrill Peppers.

ssuarez

June 27th, 2013 at 9:05 AM ^

Just reading through the comments and seeing 10 different guys listed, and actually believing that there is merit in all of the arguments is a great feeling. 

CR7

June 27th, 2013 at 9:12 AM ^

I would hope to see Cam Gordon breakout and mostly fill the JMFR-sized gap in the defense. Pipkins, Clark, Ross and Wilson as well.