I'm not totally sure why his skills as a high school QB would translate to his knowledge of the LB position in a complex system.
Alton Meeks
- Thread starter cyclONE443
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I think Meeks production will grow with age/confidence. It seems so many of these young guys lack confidence.
On a bright note it was good to see Brian Mills out there as a RS FR. That is promising for his future and he has good size at the outside linebacker spot at 235.
On a bright note it was good to see Brian Mills out there as a RS FR. That is promising for his future and he has good size at the outside linebacker spot at 235.
I'd rather watch Brackens miss big and make big than watch Ferch shuffle around doing half of everything. Also, Brackens should be a huge weapon but we refuse to use him for what he should be used for which is a LOS missile.
It's not everything, but understanding offenses - what they are trying to accomplish and who they are trying to exploit is exactly what LB's and safeties need to be successful. The other parts of that are picking up the clues in formation and motion that give you that understanding and understanding your defense and your (and others') role in it. Haven't you ever wondered why Iowa always has so many high school QBs playing on defense? QBs are generally one of the best athletes on their high school teams, usually they are smart, and they understand offenses; all are very valuable in a defensive player.
Then, of course, there is execution.
For whatever reason, either Wally or inexperience, our linebackers like to attack the LOS on most snaps. Too many times getting caught in wrong position and play goes right by them. Numerous plays have happened where the LBS all get tied up with DL. Could be partially DL fault, but when 4 OL occupy 7, that's a problem. Sounds dumb I know, but watch the tape.
When they float and meet the ball carrier at the hole, we only give up 1-2 yards, rather than big plays.
When they float and meet the ball carrier at the hole, we only give up 1-2 yards, rather than big plays.
Will be interesting to see what happens with Meeks next year. Him and Seeley are both built like MLBs and you can't really have two of them on the field for most plays in the Big 12.
The competition for LB playing time should be good; I hope it spurs some improvement over the offseason.
The competition for LB playing time should be good; I hope it spurs some improvement over the offseason.
Wally knows linebackers inside and out. Last year we sat back and were screwed up. This year we attack gaps and they zoom through. Wally knows linebacking. It is the players who do not get it or are not strong enough. Nebby has similar problem. They lost a good linebacker and no one was left in their stable of lbers. They suck alkso at linebacking. Recruiting failed. One reason Bo is GOne.
Yet they both beat us with more Freshman. I just used them as examples because I knew someone would talk about the "crazy talented" freshman excuse. Every single team in America, top 25 or not, have multiple freshman and sophomores playing. To say that none of ours "get the offense or defense" yet is just baloney in my book. Call it like it is, our players just aren't good enough. They take longer to develop physically. Don't blame it on "knowing the playbook". That's just coach speak.
You're right, individually they're not good enough, and its multiplied when your underclassmen out number your upperclassmen. There are not many good teams in the country that have as young of a defense as ours. Yes I know that shouldn't be the case, but that's a different discussion. They gotta coach up the young defense that they have. Whether there is a new defensive staff coming in, or not, this group will be much better in a couple years. Not top 10 in the nation, but plenty good enough to compete with most in the league.