The defensive line
Posted on May 28, 2008
Lets just hope the defensive line of 2008 fairs better than the defensive line of 2007. In 2007 coaches lost James Vess to reasons only he and they will disclose and then they saw a potential top 10 draft pick dwindle his career to not even being able to sign a free agent contract. Problems on the defensive line have continued into 2008 as Allen Christopher who played in 24 games in the last 2 seasons decided he would rather be back in East Texas.
Well at least Vess is back for one more season and we have Cody Moore along with Kelly Griffin anchoring the middle, but the corners will have a lot of ground to make up. Jerry Hughes and Matt Panfil have shown great progress, but the future really lies with Braylon Broughton and Jeremy Coleman.
Depth chart:
WDE:
Jerry Hughes-JR shows good speed on the corner and decent cover skills.
Clarence Leatch-Soph with limited experience but huge upside.
Jeremy Coleman-tremendous athlete and will get PT on the corner and in the middle. His ability to drive and elevate sets him apart.
SDE
Matt Panfil-had tough shoes to fill and did an adequate job in 2007. Will see lots of pressure for PT from 2s and 3s.,
Wayne Daniels-Took a year off to develop and fans should start getting excited about this young man. Can play inside or out.
Braylon Broughton-Another highly anticipated talent and this RSFR made end up being one of the best.
NT
James Vess-suspensed for critical mistake in 2007 and is back with a vengance. Had a tremendous spring.
Kelly Griffin-Started every game in 2007 and will be basically another starter in 2008
Cory Grant-has really come on strong and may pucsh hard for more PT at either interio line position.
DT
Cody Moore-Has been solid for years and look for him to be the strength of the DL.
John Fonua-Will apply pressure from the middle, needs to learn how to play the run better.
Henry Nuitei-Cousin of Fonua and has really started to show his potential. The interio line looks to be a solid 3 deep.
Others:
DE Allen Christopher-doubtfull that he will contribute in 2008.
Needs for the class of 2009:
Vess, Moore. Panfil & Fonua will need to be replaced. Solid currently on the interior so no JUCO expected there however the corner may be some concern. Possibly one JUCO DE but really need some youth for the future. Getting the Maud 3 was huge for this staff as they fill a huge void with very good talent and the potential of Nate Bonsu may really complete this class.
Commits:
I had heard quite a bit of talk about Dunbar over the past few days/weeks, and about how great his skill set was when you consider how few 1A players go on to the DI level. Well, after watching his tape, I can say I agree. He’s big, and he still looks like he could use a little more work to chisel that frame down, but he’s got uncanny athleticism and body control for someone of his size and, like former TCU DE Tommy Blake, he even totes the ball once in a while. He didn’t blow my socks off, but he’s certainly a great player and unquestionably lives up to his reputation. http://texasfootball.com/mediamgr/player.php?sid=4764&s=1204738206-978434477
Offers:
Others:
I fully expect that Nate will commit if he hasn’t already and that would fill the most immediate needs of the class. With some of the extra spots available coaches may add a JUCO such as Johnson, he is a tremendous athlete and could cover the youth currently at DE. The class appears to be virtually complete for the DL, but there are still some athletes such as Quinn Anthony from Rusk still out there.
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