Just five weeks ago, there was so many that was talking about how the defense just sucked, now there are those that say we need to wait to see how they do against a good team. YEP, they have come along way baby.
I am glad to see the progress of the defense and cannot wait to see what Wally will do in a few years with a few of his own players.
I only hope Wally is here in a few years. Same goes for Herman. There is no doubt the staff now is an upgrade from last year's staff overall.
Considering Wally's in his 60s, this is his last stop (he's said so himself). If Wally's here only for a few years, it means either Rhoads' tenure was either a complete failure or Wally decided to hang up the clipboard. Wally's situation is entirely different than Herman's as Wally's career is in its waning moments whereas Herman's career is just beginning.
At LB, I think we'll see Klein, Knott, Lattimer and Taufoou getting more time as the year goes on and that experience will make them better. A JUCO like Earls and a couple of true FR for depth will make this group solid...I'm actually thinking it could be a better all-around group as they should upgrade speed at MIKE and be more physical at WILL.
DB, they'll miss James Smith, but they already have a JUCO committed plus O'Connell and Sandvig are solid players. I expect Benton to start opposite LJ. I think that he has more upside than even LJ. McDowell would move into Benton's spot at nickel back.
I agree that this D is much more fundamentally sound than any ISU team since maybe 2005. They may not be physically great, but they aren't out of position much and the tackling is WAY better than the last few years.
What I've notice regarding tackling is less often our guys are going for the big hit and instead wrapping and tackling in a fundamental way.
I almost wonder if Bolt taught the players to go for the big hit instead of the sure tackle.
What I've notice regarding tackling is less often our guys are going for the big hit and instead wrapping and tackling in a fundamental way.
I almost wonder if Bolt taught the players to go for the big hit instead of the sure tackle.
I can tell you from what one of the athletic trainers said that tackling wasn't even a focus during the season with Chizik's coaches. Not to say it wasn't an off-season focus, they just didn't tackle during the season in practice.