DL Trouble

rexvol · 08-20-2007, 03:59 PM

With Martin's injury - which is likely season-ending - the Vols moved freshmen linebackers Chris Donald and Chris Walker to defensive end.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Donald was a Parade All-American last year and rated the No. 1 inside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com.
Walker, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound Memphis native, was a two-time Division II All-State selection at Christian Brothers High School.

this move tells me that we've got trouble at the end position, esp if Phil's willing to burn the year of a guy playing out of his natural position.

Plano Vol · 08-20-2007, 04:07 PM

I think you are corrrect. I had high hopes for Martin in that he would add speed to the rush and use those long arms to block passes. Maybe the two rookies can provide the speed rush?

I worry that the LB cupboard ain't exactly overflowing.

Cartervol · 08-20-2007, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rexvol

With Martin's injury - which is likely season-ending - the Vols moved freshmen linebackers Chris Donald and Chris Walker to defensive end.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Donald was a Parade All-American last year and rated the No. 1 inside linebacker prospect by Rivals.com.
Walker, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound Memphis native, was a two-time Division II All-State selection at Christian Brothers High School.

this move tells me that we've got trouble at the end position, esp if Phil's willing to burn the year of a guy playing out of his natural position.

I wouldn't say that.They may just be toying around with the idea.As far as i can tell we have no depth problems at DE.Those guys probably weren't going to get much playing time a LB this year anyway.We will be fine at DE.I'am more worried about our depth in the middle than outside.Besides they are both undersized for DE.So phil has to be thinking maybe he can use them in certain down and distance situations to get pressure on the Qb..

**oklavol** · 08-20-2007, 04:12 PM

I think the coaching staff is trying to improve the DL play from last year by using new players at the postion.

They seem very small for DE. Going to a 3-4 and letting them play OLB seems to me would be a better fit.

General Jack · 08-20-2007, 04:15 PM

Martin was already on the light side for a DE. These guys are even lighter... I'd rather see one than both get moved, preferably Walker. Wasn't he an OLB, which would probably be an easier transition than Donald being a MLB.

**hvwarrior58** · 08-20-2007, 04:19 PM

This may not be permanent. These two were fringe players anyways and could play either/or. We want speed on the end and that instills it, very quickly. It is a short term solution, nothing more. Quit freaking out.

**hvwarrior58** · 08-20-2007, 04:20 PM

And as stated in another thread, we are still 2 deep+ at all 3 LB positions.

BigPapaVol · 08-20-2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by General Jack

Martin was already on the light side for a DE. These guys are even lighter... I'd rather see one than both get moved, preferably Walker. Wasn't he an OLB, which would probably be an easier transition than Donald being a MLB.

Jason Taylor and Leonard Little are both "too small" to be a DE.

General Jack · 08-20-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigPapaVol

Jason Taylor and Leonard Little are both "too small" to be a DE.

Yeah, and so was Chuck Smith, and so is Dwight Freeney, I hear you.

The idea of moving Donald gives me some trouble, at least a first glance. He was a dominating inside line backer in HS, #1 in the country by rivals as I'm sure we all know.

However, if hvwarrior is correct in that its situational (passing downs), I feel alot better. I'm just already worried about our rush defense and the thought of 225 lb guys on the ends without dominating tackles in the inside gives me visions of last year's Ark game all over again.

rexvol · 08-20-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvwarrior58

This may not be permanent. These two were fringe players anyways and could play either/or. We want speed on the end and that instills it, very quickly. It is a short term solution, nothing more. Quit freaking out.

the whole purpose of a message board is so people can freak out

**hvwarrior58** · 08-20-2007, 04:40 PM

The purpose is to discuss sports. Not melt down at any sign of a potential "hurdle".

**dan4vols** · 08-20-2007, 05:00 PM

As stated above the quickest argument for a sub 6' 3'' under 240 lbs guy playing DE is he gets blown off the ball....thats true unless that guy uses his quickness properly and doesn't let anyone get a solid block on him. If CPF moves a light guy into the DE position and he has a great 1st step and good technique CPF appears a genius when this guy racks up sacks and is a force disrupting running games.

General Jack · 08-20-2007, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan4vols

As stated above the quickest argument for a sub 6' 3'' under 240 lbs guy playing DE is he gets blown off the ball....thats true unless that guy uses his quickness properly and doesn't let anyone get a solid block on him. If CPF moves a light guy into the DE position and he has a great 1st step and good technique CPF appears a genius when this guy racks up sacks and is a force disrupting running games.

This is true. But I'm skeptical these young LBs will have the skills to get off blocks when lining up as a down lineman, at least at first.

But who knows, we could be surprised. And Jake brought up an interesting point on another thread I hadn't thought of yet. Leonard Little made this transition (OLB to DE) rather well.

vol_in_ar · 08-20-2007, 05:08 PM

Which one is faster?

**hvwarrior58** · 08-20-2007, 05:12 PM

Ayers was a LB. Haralson was a LB. Mathis was a LB.