Jerry Montgomery talks 2012 Defensive Line
It's early, and we still have some great 2011-12 to finish before we "need" to worry about it, but Kyle Meinke (who's proven to be not bad by AA.com/News standards) has a pretty extensive interview with Montgomery on the various players who make will make up the D-line, and what they have to do to be ready next year.
Also some Mike Martin quotes thrown in for good measure. Not sure if it will make anyone feel better, or worry more, but they don't seem to feel like it's hopeless, or something they haven't done before.
December 8th, 2011 at 2:09 PM ^
Everyone is making it sound like RVB and Martin were incompetents the first four years. Both were excellent players last year and the only thing that held Martin back last year was a turned ankle. The implication that this staff made these players and because of that Washington and Campbell are going to play at any level approaching them is ridiculous. I will give the staff props for putting the finishing touches and getting more out of them. However, I do not accept that these players were made in one year.
I also do not accept the excuse that the backups did not make the field because the first team was playing so well. If you have adequate talent in your 2deep you play them. We observed the experiments at playing backups at the beginning of the year and they failed pretty badly.
Even if Campbell and Washington make huge strides the best we can hope for it barely adequate. Teams are going to run all over us next year. The foundation of a defense is its Dline. I am confident that when Hokes recruits get some experience, we will go back to normal. But there was a reason why it was so important to have a good year this year. Next year is going to be bumpy. If the defense is even remotely as good next year as this year, I will be worshiping on Greg Mattison's doorstep on sundays and work starting a new religion ;)