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.
Worried a bit about the hype on Taco guys, or your expectations this early in his career. When was the last time a frosh or a redshirt frosh really made a serious impact at DE? Serious question.
Taco is the Real Enchilada...
Cam Gordon will make us almost forget we're missing Jake Ryan for much of the season. Also an obvious choice in James Ross.
Not sure how many of you were at the spring game, and I know that watching an inter-squad "scrimmage" is worlds away from a real game. However, this dude is a freaking beast. He seems relentless to me, and I really think that throughout the first half of the season he will shine with the limited reps he'll get. I also think that buy game 6, the coaches will have to rotate him in more and more to give us the best chance at creating pressure with just 4 guys.
I'm not sold on Clark or Ross being dominant quite yet, and I hope Countess can return to form after his injury. I think Desmond Morgan will have put some more bulk on, and I like his ability to read/react. I predict he will lead the team in tackles this season and be the rock that we need to depend on from our inside linebackers. Can't wait for this season!!! Go Blue!