Further Breakdown of the Defense Talent

Some repition with my other thread ranking team players. But this breaks down their talent and our defensive lineup make up

Note: Best players have been Barrow and Frederique, they are our only defenders having all conference type seasons

Above Average (need at least 8-9 of these types starting or getting alot of snaps, and then preferably 2 or more all American or 1st top 2 round NFL draft types yearly):

Barrow (hopefully back for Wake forest, injured 2Q GT)
Bain
Frederique (Frosh, been excellent)
Baron
Mesidor
Bissainthe (not a star, but a starting caliber player that will probably get a chance at NFL)
Bryant (Stock rising, plays some games on bench for others no idea why, size limitations but makes plays)
Aguirre (Gaining more PT, but missed last 2 with injury)

————

Adequate decent players. If you want to be a top 15 defense it’s ok if you have ehhhh up to 3 as starters…or just 1-2 in they group if you have any players in the group below (which we obviously do). Although for the most part not as frosh, but when you get this group too large a part of your starting lineup up to say 4+, you better have superstars everywhere else. Ok for frosh to be in this category in terms of their development, but you probably don’t want more than about 40% of your two deep to be this group or lower.

Mauigao (disappointing season was better last year, maybe bulked up too much, teams attacking him sideline to sideline…This may even been too high for him, Aguirre is clearly better)
Alston (missed last 2-3 games)
Moten (stock rising)
Porter (disappointing season, too weak for nickle, was better last year outside)
M.Cook (doesn’t play a ton but grading out well, may struggle if forced into bigger role if Barrow out)
Scott (Fr. high hopes for future)
Patterson (Fr. high hopes for future)
Pruitt (Fr. high hopes for future)
McConathy (Fr. they like him alot for future, hasn’t stood out but not embarrassing himself when he gets in)
Pickett (Fr. seeing time now, high hopes for future but maybe be a pass rusher only)
Alderman

Just not good enough….- Really want as few as possible, none starting, and no more than 4-5 in two deep, preferably not at same position. Notice both our starting safeties here. And notice how much of our secondary is here. (Although I definitely think there’s been some scheme issues too…)

Powell (thought about putting him in adequate category, he’s the best of this group but he’s’ basically average at best, and average isn’t good enough…Smart and in position, has ball skills, very average athlete)
Richards (out for year, was having ok game vs. Duke, but he should basically be your 4th or 5th corner)
D.Hill (good game vs. VT and USF, has really fell off and gotten exposed since)
J.Harris (He’s killing us right now, never in position, awful angles…Like the opposite of powell excellent athlete, no idea how to play safety)
CJ Clark (meh, overall expected a little more…Not terrible, but again not good enough)
M.Williams
C.Smith
A.Campbell (backup senior, mostly mop-up but has been in for a few downs here and there )

Not listed

Damari Brown (maybe back for Wake, been out since UF…Twe desperately need a stud corner, is it him)

Jury still out, would like to see more:

R.Wash (may see him more at corner next 2 weeks)
B.Wash (monster hitter and athlete, but supposedly struggles with coverage and mental side, time is ticking for the twins)
Stafford
Day (Fr. has been awesome special teams, high hopes)

Then a Bunch of Frosh…Hayes, Mack, etc… That have played very little to none

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Basically I think we need a little bigger first group (captain obvious), especially as starters as a couple players I’ve listed are backup. Not great, but not devoid of talent.

I think our middle group is a fair size overall, as some of those players aren’t even in the 2 deep, I don’t think group comprises too much to be a top 10-15 defense. Especially when you consider there is some youth in there who could take the next step next season.

As for the 3rd group, well we just have too much of that right now in the two deep, and it’s all grouped in the secondary. Jaden Harris was a very, very key player for us coming into the season, we all know that…And so far his move to safety has not been good. Supposedly a great kid and teammate, but has had a rough year. Porter has fallen off, partially because of the move to the slot, etc.

Overall if I had to put a grade on the defensive rooms

DL: B+ (A- before G.Tech…Hopefully Barrow is back, we really need him)
LB: C+ (I think this is on the way up, the fall off of Mauigao has dragged it down this season, and Chase Smith now getting more snaps isn’t doing it any favors)
DB: C-

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I would give our DB a D. Really the weak spot of our D. If our Dline could generate more pressure it would help but leaving them out there for too long, well…

Is this a mixture of lack of talent AND coaching? Speaking of our DB group.

Can’t argue with it.

Maybe Damari Brown and Robbie Washington can give us a jolt last 2. Will especially be needed against Cuse.