Kendal Daniels to OU. Cross a potential experienced Star LB/NB off the list.

We were never interested in him

Really head scratching that we are apparently not interested in an experienced Star LB/NB like Perry or Daniels after getting gashed on the ground (mostly to the weak side) in our 4 regular season losses.

I get it, Antonio Johnson is a rare breed, but we should at least try. Hopefully going hard at Christian Harrison from Tennessee.

Shudder to think that we roll out next year with RS-Fr Davis, true Fr Rashad Johnson & someone like Ratcliffe as our options.

We have more than the 3 you mentioned including the returning starters.

As far aa I know we are still after a safety but we have a short kist and Daniels wasn't on it for whatever the reason.

TheRatt87 said:

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Really head scratching that we are apparently not interested in an experienced Star LB/NB like Perry or Daniels after getting gashed on the ground (mostly to the weak side) in our 4 regular season losses.

I get it, Antonio Johnson is a rare breed, but we should at least try. Hopefully going hard at Christian Harrison from Tennessee.

Shudder to think that we roll out next year with RS-Fr Davis, true Fr Rashad Johnson & someone like Ratcliffe as our options.

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I think Rashad Johnson is going to be pretty good. I would rather not have to rely too much on a true freshman, though.

I feel like the "star" position has taken on a bit of a life of it's own on this board, but doesn't really line up with what Elko is doing.

We were going with Chappell as more of a traditional nickel in our base starting defense in 2024. Unfortunately, he got hurt. His back up was Hill, so Mayes got looks from corner for depth.

Next year, it will be Chappell, Shaw, Rogers, and maybe Humphrey will get a look, but he can play either outside CB or N.

So far, we haven't tried a single guy in the mold of that hybrid LB/S like some seem to talk about. I'd love an Antonio Johnson. But it seems we are going with more a true nickel instead. And I don't think this is what cost us in the run game. DL not playing within the scheme, particularly Turner who graded poorly, LBers, and safeties cost us far more than our nickel position.

It definitely seems like we are going towards a true NB. I just remeber from the past Elko using the Star more in run support. Seems he may be changing his system some.

beerad12man said:

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I feel like the "star" position has taken on a bit of a life of it's own on this board, but doesn't really line up with what Elko is doing.

We were going with Chappell as more of a traditional nickel in our base starting defense in 2024. Unfortunately, he got hurt. His back up was Hill, so Mayes got looks from corner for depth.

Next year, it will be Chappell, Shaw, Rogers, and maybe Humphrey will get a look, but he can play either outside CB or N.

So far, we haven't tried a single guy in the mold of that hybrid LB/S like some seem to talk about. I'd love an Antonio Johnson. But it seems we are going with more a true nickel instead. And I don't think this is what cost us in the run game. DL not playing within the scheme, particularly Turner who graded poorly, LBers, and safeties cost us far more than our nickel position.

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Tyreek is more than physically enough to play the edge as a Sam when ask. The star position doesn't mean you don't play a true nickel at times it just means you have the physical tools/football skills to do a bit of both, allowing the defense to be able to be adjusted around you (in the 4-2-5 The 5th DB is the pivot point). I guarantee if Tyreek was out there vs South Carolina the front would of been kicked strong (5 and 3 side) with the backers weak (Strong A gap and weakside B gap behind the 1 and 5 tech that way) because you could of played Tyreek as the curl/flat defender with outside force responsibilities to strong/wide side of the field. That way the weak side backer is playing as an overhang behind the 5 tech.... which on a pin and pull situation would have a backer right there right now killing the play that killed us for 200+ yards. That's just one example where having that sort of player could of helped us this year. Basically it allows us to get in a tradition 4-3 over when needed. In addition if you have a capable Jack backer/end now you can even get into a 3-4 or 3-3 look as well. I think with Tyreek and Howell that is extremely possible. The issue how is the depth behind them. Rylan can serve as depth with Howell but I would think we need to sure up who can be that other guy with Tyreek. That's if Tyreek is for certain coming back.

I completely agree with regards to the position and what Chappell could have meant to us.

Elko's whole defense is about the two hybrid positions. It allows you to keep the same personnel for different looks and match ups. Chappell likely would have done this. I'm not as versed in the terminology, but have read a ton on Elko's defenses and these two hybrid positions. The rover (or star) and jack position.

I'm just referring to the narrative on the board that we have to get a 6-2 215 pound guy to do it. Yeah, if coverage is the same, that's ideal. But ultimately it's just about having a versatile player.

Chappell is expected back, the issue is, how effective will he be? Not sure on his exact timeline.

If only we could have landed either Jonah Williams or McNutt which I think we were favored for one or the other at various points. I'd have no problem with J Williams starting as a true fish.

Damon Wilson second year Edge from Georgia just entered the portal. He was a five star in 2023 and had a few sacks this year playing behind some studs. Would we be on his radar? We have gotten a couple of Georgia kids already.

beerad12man said:

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I completely agree with regards to the position and what Chappell could have meant to us.

Elko's whole defense is about the two hybrid positions. It allows you to keep the same personnel for different looks and match ups. Chappell likely would have done this. I'm not as versed in the terminology, but have read a ton on Elko's defenses and these two hybrid positions. The rover (or star) and jack position.

I'm just referring to the narrative on the board that we have to get a 6-2 215 pound guy to do it. Yeah, if coverage is the same, that's ideal. But ultimately it's just about having a versatile player.

Chappell is expected back, the issue is, how effective will he be? Not sure on his exact timeline.

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We are on the same page, for instances I still think Bryce would be good in that position especially vs teams that are balanced but their pass game is more RPOs. I think Myles Davis is that body type that individuals think of when it comes to that Rover position (that's what we called it so I'm the same page as you there too). But you work with who you have and adjust the position accordingly. If its Tyreek then I would think we would want some size on the D-line or Linebacker to compensate for Tyreek not being the biggest. But if we have Tyreek and Howell as that rover (star) and jack position then we are in good shape. The issue is now developing the depth to make it through a season especially one that can go into mid January which I assume is where everyone wants the program to go.