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A Quick Look at the Longhorns’ 2010 Defense

August 13th, 2010

 

The Texas Longhorns have always prided themselves on defense, and this year they should be able to put a strong defense on the field in 2010.  Although the Longhorns have lost some significant talent on defense from 2009 this year, they should be able to make up for those losses with the talent that they currently have on the roster.

The defensive line had a big loss with LaMarr Houston leaving the team, but the Longhorns will feature new stars, such as Emmanuel Acho and Curtis Brown. Their secondary looks like it will be one of the best in the Big 12, if not all of college football.

Not only did the Longhorns lose Houston on defense, they also lost outside linebacker/defensive end Sergio Kindle, linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy, defensive tackle Ben Alexander, safety Earl Thomas, and cornerback Deon Beasley. They will all be difficult to replace, but the Longhorns are good at replacing players, especially on defense.  

Let’s take a quick look at the possible starters on defense this coming season, who might replace whom and where the Longhorns stand on defense heading into the new season.

Right now, it appears as if the starting defensive ends will be sophomore Alex Okafor and senior Sam Acho. Acho has a lot of talent and could easily be selected as an All-American if he has a standout senior season. Alex Okafor is a solid but young talent that is slotted in as the starter at one defensive end position.

The other defensive end position will be manned by Sam Acho, a star in the making. Acho has shown some solid instinct and great play at times, and should be able to build on what he has done before in that defense. Backing up both Okafor and Acho will be Eddie Jones.

 

At the defensive tackle position, the Longhorns will use junior Kheeston Randall, while redshirt freshman Calvin Howell may end up manning the other spot. Backing those guys up will be Taylor Bible and Tyrell Higgins. Keep an eye on Howell. He will either make or break this position for the Longhorns.

The strong side linebacker position will manned by potential superstar Emmanuel Acho. Acho played in the position last season and was overshadowed by Sergio Kindle on the other side but this year he’ll get his chance to shine. Backing him up will be Tariq Allen and Ryan Roberson.

The middle linebacker spot should go to Dustin Earnest this season. Earnest, a senior, has played well the past and should play well in the spot for this year. Backing him up will be the aforementioned Allen and Jared Norton.

On the weak side, the Longhorns will start Keenan Robinson, and Robinson is poised to have a big season for the Longhorns this coming season. Not only should he be a star for the Longhorns but scouts are thinking that Robinson could be one of the most sought after linebackers in the 2011 (if he comes out as a junior). Look for a big season out of him.

Backing Robinson up will be Jordan Hicks. Emmanuel Acho could also back up here in a pinch.

At the right cornerback spot, senior Curtis Brown returns for what should be another solid season in the secondary for the Longhorns. Brown was a big part of that unit last season and should help make it even better this year. Backing him up will be Chykie Brown, a player who has the ability to start right now, and A.J. White.

 

At the left cornerback position, there is a little bit of controversy. Chykie Brown has played so well there has been some talk of giving him this position. However, junior Aaron Williams appears to be the guy that will start there but this might end up to be a spot that is one of the featured position battles in practice leading up to the season. If Brown loses out to Williams, then Williams will backup Brown as will Eryon Barnett.

The Longhorns will be strong at both safety positions this season despite the fact that they lost Earl Thomas to the NFL. Starting at the free safety position in 2010 will be junior Blake Gideon. Gideon is a hard hitter, very knowledgeable, and poised to have a strong season. Look for him to make some big plays this year. Junior Nolan Brewster should back him up.  

The Longhorns have a bit of a decision to make at the strong safety position. Heading into practice, it was thought that junior Christian Scott would take the reigns as the starter there but now it appears that he may have some competition. The Longhorns have really liked the way that Brown (Chykie) has played and feel that he might be able to make a move from cornerback to the safety position.

If this happens, then Scott would be relegated to backup along with sophomore Kenny Vaccaro whom some think could be a starter at the position as well. It will be interesting to see who comes out as a starter for their first game of the season in just a few weeks.

Not to be forgotten, we should take a quick look at the specialists. The Longhorns have tabbed punter John Gold to start as their punter. They will use Justin Tucker as their kicker to replace the departed Hunter Lawrence.

 

The job of returning punts should go to Williams with DeSean Hales and Brown (Curtis). There will be some competition prior to the season for this spot but Williams should prevail.

When it comes to returning kickoffs, the Longhorns are going to count on Marquise Goodwin and D.J. Monroe to return kicks. Malcolm Williams and Monroe will back them up as will Aaron Williams.  

The Longhorns have always prided themselves on defense and this year should be a good one all across the board. As long as those players who are expected to step up step up right and play well and don’t get injured then things should be fine with the defense.

Keep an eye on this group as there could be several (depending on if any juniors declare) that could get drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft.

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Posted in Big 12 Football, College Football, Mack Brown, NCAA, Preview/Prediction, Texas Longhorns Football

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Alabama Defense: Competition at Every Position

August 11th, 2010

While there are a few players, barring injury or physical ailments, that have secured a starting role for the Crimson Tide defense, there are very few or possibly no secured positions at this point in time.

Unlike what many have posted in this regard, much of this is attributable to the depth on defense, not the lack of experience.

Will Josh Chapman or Kerry Murphy get the nod at nose tackle? Will it be Damien Square or Luther Davis, Marcel Dareus or Darrington Dentimore at defensive end? Remember, Dareus made his impact as a substitute off the bench in nearly every game last year. His impact was most impressive on pass rushing downs.

At linebacker, there has never been more depth. For sure, Dont'a Hightower will start, but at which position, Middle or Jack?

It depends on the situation and the down. If Hightower is at Jack, who is at Mike? And the questions keep going.

Despite his key play last year, Nico Johnson is in a tough competition with Chris Jordan. Jerrell Harris and Tana Patrick are competing and Jalston Fowler is making great strides and impressing the coaches with his agility and abilities at linebacker. There have been no positions solidified.

In the secondary, Dre Kirkpatrick will clearly be a starter, but on the left or right side. Where will he play in nickel and dime packages? Who will be the first off the bench when extra defensive backs are called on.

And who is at the other corner position—DeQuan Menzie, Phelon Jones, John Fulton or DeMarcus Milliner? There is no answer at this point in time.

For sure, Mark Barron will be at the safety position, but the second safety position is not solidified. Robert Lester has strong consideration, but Jones can compete at safety as well as cornerback.

Solidifying a position is not what matters to these players; solidifying a role is the key. Defense or special teams, it doesn't really matter. These players are unselfish and will encourage the player on the field from the sidelines until it is their number that is called.

I think what the coaches have done for themselves is that they have provided great options at every position. They have put every position in good standing because whoever starts, they will have earned the position by competing at a high level.

I think this is probably the first year since the '70's that every defensive position will be manned by some of the best players in the entire SEC, and in some cases the entire nation.

This is truly an All-Star cast, 'Bama fans.

We as fans will not be disappointed by the product placed on the field. Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, Jeremy Pruitt, and Sal Sunseri will be able to develop defensive packages for any type of offense they will face in 2010. The will bring stunts from every angle, confuse every quarterback in the league, and bring tears to more that just one notable player in 2010.

The Tide is high. Others are counting on the Alabama offense to be explosive, but I can't wait to see the defense get put together and get after it like no other defense has in years past. This defense will be extremely fast, incredibly athletic, strong, immovable up front, and unbelievably agile in pass coverage.

The Tide will strike fear in the mind of the opposition's quarterback before the ball is snapped. The quarterback will have no more than three seconds to get rid of the ball because a blitz could come from any position in the second line of defense.

Opposition running backs will time and time again be strung out to the sideline, and the north-south runner will hit a wall on every down. Receivers crossing over the middle will pay for their intrusion. Deep passes will be met by defensive backs with leaping and catching abilities that rival any receiver in the land.

Opposing offenses will be pounded on every play. They will weaken and be defeated week after week. This is what Alabama football used to be like, and this is today's Alabama football.

From the standpoint of a fan, have class and represent your university well. Thank the opposition fans for visiting. Greet them with a handshake and a smile.

There is no team in the country that Alabama fans should envy. We have the best in our own backyard and we can watch the best play every weekend. Let's get ready to celebrate with class and dignity.

Roll Tide, Alabama, Roll Tide Roll.



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Posted in Alabama Crimson Tide Football, College Football, NCAA, Opinion, SEC Football

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Jacksonville Jaguars 2010 Training Camp: Top 10 News Items, August 6-9

August 11th, 2010

This past weekend, the Jaguars held their last practices in Jacksonville before heading to Flowery Branch, Ga., to join the Atlanta Falcons. On Monday, the teams began two days of combined drills.

Key events between the sidelines included updates on the hotly-contested position battles at safety and wide receiver, a few cases of lingering injuries, and some noteworthy new faces.

Off the field, head coach Jack Del Rio's eye-opening commentary drew our attention to positive and negative developments on the roster, one involving quarterback David Garrard.

Meanwhile, the wave of optimism in the wake of a stadium naming rights deal with EverBank ran into a considerable obstacle.

To find out the latest on the Jaguars as they approach Friday's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, read on.

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Posted in Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL, Opinion

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NFL: The Less We See of Josh Cribbs, the Better the Cleveland Browns Will Be

August 10th, 2010

Pardon me while I go against the grain for a moment, but I’m getting a little concerned about all of this Josh Cribbs exposure.

First, a disclaimer—I love how good this guy is, and how versatile. I love that he returns kicks (better than anyone), covers kicks, and can play receiver, running back, quarterback, and, yes, even safety.

He, as much as any individual, embodies the essence of Cleveland Browns football.

Did you read what he said recently?

"To be a Brown is to be bestowed with dignity and honor, and to be a part of rich history."

No kidding, that's an actual quote. And then—

“I say all the time, if our stadium was an island off the coast of Alaska, you’d see Browns fans in canoes rowing out to the games. It’s a way of life.”

The guy just gets it. No wonder Cribbs has supplanted LeBron James as the favorite son of Cleveland sports fans.

With that said, I could stand to see a little less of him.

That’s because the more we see Cribbs at wide receiver, the more I worry about the position. The same goes for quarterback, and running back, and, quite frankly, safety.

Yes, I jump out of my seat with a “did you see that?” look on my face when Cribbs lines up in the wildcat formation and runs rings around flailing, frustrated defenders.

Yes, I find myself thinking “why don’t they do that every play” when he splits out wide on offense and catches a quick slant pass for a first down.

Yes, I get excited when I see Cribbs trot out to join the defense, line up at safety, and burst into the backfield on a beeline to the quarterback that, in a regulation game, would likely result in a sack.

It’s the fan in me who loves that, just like the fan in you. There’s nothing wrong with it, either, providing it comes in small doses.

However, the more of it I see, the more I’m reminded that there is no Peyton Manning, Drew Brees or Tom Brady at quarterback for the Browns, no Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson at tailback, no Andre Johnson at receiver, and no Ed Reed at safety.

Teams that have those players don’t resort to the kinds of things the Browns do with Cribbs. They simply don't have to.

As great of an athlete as Cribbs is, there’s a reason why players don’t play two ways (or five or six ways, as is being suggested in Cribbs’ case) in the NFL.

It’s the same reason former college stars often struggle early in their pro careers—namely, these guys are good.

Not in the tactical way the PGA Tour slogan implies, either. No, we’re talking about a blindingly fast, bone-jarringly vicious, world-class athletic way.

It’s the reason no individual NFL player can be all things to all people and survive. The other guys are just too good.

So, while I can marvel at Cribbs’ versatility right along with the next guy, and even cheer when it's on display this season, I really don’t want to see him all over the field, on offense, defense, and special teams.

I admire his athleticism. I'm as amazed as the next guy to see him step in seemingly anywhere on the field and have an impact.

Relying on one person for so much, however, can have serious ramifications down the road. For example, if he is counted on to play an overabundance of roles, and then suffers a serious injury, what then?

What I want from Cribbs is to see him do what he does best, and do it better than anyone else.

Meanwhile, I want to see other players on the Browns do their job better than he could.

Then, and only then, will we know that the Browns are legitimate contenders in the AFC North.

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Posted in Cleveland Browns, Joshua Cribbs, NFL, Opinion

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2010 College Football Predictions: UCLA Preview

August 10th, 2010

 

UCLA needed a win over Temple in the EagleBank Bowl to ensure a winning record last season, as they finished up the 2009 campaign at 7-6.

But the Bruins were just 3-6 in Pac-10 play, finishing ahead of only Arizona State and Washington State.

UCLA heads into the 2010 season with 13 starters back, and enters the third season under head coach Rick Neuheisel. The talent is starting to grow on this team, and while the Bruins likely won’t win the conference this season, they could really surprise a lot of teams.

Here is a quick breakdown of what the Bruins will look like this season, plus my prediction on where they finish the year in the Pac-10.

 

Offense:

The Bruins are hoping to get improved play out of quarterback Kevin Prince, who enters into his sophomore season after a pretty good freshman run, when he threw for 2,050 yards and eight touchdowns.

If Prince improves as everyone expects he will, the Bruins should have one of their best offenses in years.

The running game will feature another talented sophomore in Johnathan Franklin, who led the team with 566 yards and five touchdowns in 2009.

Also back in the mix in the running game is junior Derrick Coleman, who had 244 yards on just 54 carries last season.

 

The Bruins will get their top two threats in the passing game back for the upcoming season in juniors Nelson Rosario and Taylor Embree, but they may end up taking a seat behind the talented freshman Malcolm Jones, who is expected to start right away.

UCLA is expected to fill the void at tight end with sophomore Joseph Fauria.

The offensive line welcomes back four starters from last season, but will have to find a new starting left tackle for the upcoming season.

Heading into the fall it looks as though senior Micah Kia will take over that responsibility, as he has starting experience but was forced to sit out last season with a ACL injury.

 

Defense:

The Bruins only return five starters on this side of the ball, and were hit the hardest up front where they lose three starters, including the very talented defensive tackle Brian Price.

Senior Kevin Carter and junior Nate Chandler are expected to take over in the middle, while freshman Owamagbe Odighizuwa looks to make an immediate impact starting opposite of junior Datone Jones at defensive end.

At linebacker the Bruins will have one of the best in the conference in junior strongside backer Akeem Ayers, but they must replace both other spots this fall. It looks as though junior Steve Sloan will take over in the middle, while junior Sean Westgate is the leading candidate to take over at the weakside spot.

 

The Bruins bring back three starters in the secondary, and this unit will likely be one of the best the Pac-10 has to offer this season.

A couple of sophomores will start at corner in Sheldon Price and Aaron Hester, and Price is expected to be one of the best in conference after a solid freshman season.

At safety, the Bruins have two very talented playmakers in junior free safety Rahim Moore and junior strong safety Tony Dye.

 

Pac-10 Prediction—Tie for 7th

The Bruins are a tough team to predict in 2010, as they have a lot of very good young talent.

Despite the five conference home games the schedule is very tough for UCLA this season, as the Pac-10 really looks strong.

But this team has a chance to be one of the surprise stories of the season and could easily finish much higher than I have them predicted.

 

For a complete look at how the conference will play out this season, check out our 2010 Pac-10 predictions.

If you are looking to make any bets on college football odds this season, be sure to stop back for our expert college football picks when the season gets underway.

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Posted in College Football, College Football Predictions, Preview/Prediction, UCLA Football

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