Breakout Defensive Player Predictions
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.
Sorry guys... Here's the hit you guys all know I was referring to.
...that is all.
That was the first name that came to mind.
James Mutha Phukin Ross
True Dat. Ross is going to be a star.
Because OBVIOUSLY
Sweet Pea
Need him to be more than just a rotational guy.
I think we definitely need more from him and can't let him slip to Will Campbell territory.
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.
I think Taco is going to be the our Stud Freshman so my pick is Taco.
I only have a few.
James Ross
Blake Countess
Frank Clark
Keith Heitzman
Jarrod Wilson
Ondre Pipkins
Brennan Beyer
Plus one more no one is expecting
Mario Ojemudia. Book it.
A close friend of mine was a counselor of his in high school and said he's a real quality kid, so I've been hoping he'll do well since he showed up. Hope it happens this year.
Scaring opposing offenses with that death stare, no doubt.
Just hope he's put on some serious weight this offseason.
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.
Also my pick
I will go with someone who nobody seems to be mentioning in Chris Wormley
Wormley probably won't even start.
Johnny Manziel wasn't a starter at this time last year either, no reason Wormley can't breakout and be an unexpected contributor.
Yes, I realize that. But Johnny Manziel started. What I'm saying is that Wormley probably won't start, which is why I said that Wormley probably won't even start.
That last sentence makes my top 5 sentences ever on this blog:
What I'm saying is that Wormley probably won't start, which is why I said that Wormley probably won't even start.
and the unknown unknowns?
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.
Touche.
If you are suggesting Wormley get busted with a fake ID after a bar fight so that the staff can cover it up, I will have to disagree.
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"?
"to state there is no way he could be a breakout player is ignorant."
I agree wholeheartedly!!! Now tell me who said that there's no way he could be a breakout player. Find that quote, and I'll join your side! Let's string that guy up!
You are right. As others have also said, the fact that so many players have been mentioned is a great sign for the future. Very excited about this upcoming season.
I guess I could pick James Ross or Blake Countess like everyone else but that doesn't seem to add much to the conversation.
But fine. James Ross
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.
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.
This ^^^
For the sake of all of our sanity it better be Jarrod Wilson
Totally agree. This is the only "uh oh" spot on the roster that comes to mind (more so than the young o-linemen to me).
I also hope Jake Ryan can return to form midway thru the season
If we get the insane pass rush Coach Swagison is aiming for we won't need a break-out D-back.
Wouldn't that be swell (swooning)
But a good secondary is also able to give pass rushers the extra second for them to reach the qb.
"Nickelback."
Note: the competition may not be that fierce.
Are you me? Was just going to say nearly exact same thing.
With the leaps and bounds he made last year I can't wait to see him play this year.
Never heard of him.
I'm more curious about Raymon than this Raymond fella.
Raymond is Ann Arbor's local State Farm insurance agent.
Damn autocorrect
Raymond is a well-known point guard for the proud Owls of Florida Atlantic.
5'6", 145 lbs.? He must have been a Rodriguez recruit.
There are so many 4/5 stars to pick from. I don't even know who to take.
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.
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.