And really damn physical. They deserve some love.
This Defense is playing really well
- Thread starter JM4CY
- Start date
So many talented guys on the defense but Will McDonald continues to just shine. Dude is so talented and maybe the best pro prospect on this team.
That one sack--he was getting held on the pressure but then was like 'well I have one arm free so I guess I'll sack the QB with it'.
They are giving him a lot more snaps on possible running downs too. Used to be he’d only see the field on third and long.
If he hits the weight room hard this offseason there is no doubt he could be a high round draft pick. Still needs to fill out that frame a bit. Freakish athlete coming off the edge.
What stands out to me having be able to catch a couple games live this year is how big some of these guys are. I don’t think it comes across on TV how THICK Mike Rose is or the massiveness of some of our D lineman are. I’ve watched ISU football for a long time and I don’t know that there’s been many guys that are as big and just plain strong looking as guys like Uwazurike and Bankston are.
Not only the starters, but how solid do the backups look?
- Blake Peterson 91 DE reserve, comes in and immediately gets pressure (massive dude by the way at 6-4, 260+)
- Aric Horne 20 LB has looked very fast and sure tackler in the snaps he's gotten this year
- Mason Chambers 33 safety, looks really big and can run and hit
- TJ Tampa, corner - probably only scratching the surface of how good he can be
Prior staffs it would just show when backups got in the game there would be a MASSIVE talent dropoff. With our talent and depth now... just doesn't happen anymore. Need to continue to replenish that DL pipeline, I love the Jayden Gray DE and Howard Brown Nose signings this year.
- Blake Peterson 91 DE reserve, comes in and immediately gets pressure (massive dude by the way at 6-4, 260+)
- Aric Horne 20 LB has looked very fast and sure tackler in the snaps he's gotten this year
- Mason Chambers 33 safety, looks really big and can run and hit
- TJ Tampa, corner - probably only scratching the surface of how good he can be
Prior staffs it would just show when backups got in the game there would be a MASSIVE talent dropoff. With our talent and depth now... just doesn't happen anymore. Need to continue to replenish that DL pipeline, I love the Jayden Gray DE and Howard Brown Nose signings this year.
Isheem Young is a land torpedo. Hits soooo hard. Becoming one of my favorites.
It still utterly astounds me how the Heacock defense can shutdown the run almost every game with only 5 guys in the “box” on most plays. Just great execution of a really innovative scheme.
demoncore1031
Well-Known Member
He needs to improve against the run. JaQuan is under rated as a run stopper, but I think he will be drafted because of that - he is a complete player. McDonald completely dominated West Virginia. There were several times he beat a tackle around the edge. I also think Anthony Johnson is under rated as a corner. He doesn't get his name called a whole lot, but that is a good thing. Teams just don't throw his way all that much.
The best part about McDonald is he’s a true sophomore so we get him next season!
demoncore1031
Well-Known Member
He has what, 8.5 sacks this season? Which is crazy because I remember him being around the QB a lot, but not necessarily getting to them. Dude has been sneaky good.
Cyclonepride
Thought Police
That game was an absolutely clinic by this defense. They just took nearly everything away from WV, and when they did manage to put a drive together, they got even tougher in our own territory.
I legitimately think he gets held on every snap and he still gets pressure on the qb. Absolute freak.
demoncore1031
Well-Known Member
The defense has whooped up on WVU 3 years in a row now!
The shear sound of his hits is just astounding.
From watching the game it became clear to me the defensive scheme doesn't allow full-on pass rushing all the time. Most of the time they play a containment role. But when they're allowed to rush, it's a lot of fun to watch.
