'15 WI DT Kahlil McKenzie (UT Signee 2/4/15)

[Glitch]

So, just a theoretical question....I think this kid is the difference maker we've lacked on defense for many, many years...

If Kahlil went down with a season ending injury early, how would that effect the season outcome?

I think we have enough playmakers on D that even losing a player of Khalil's ability wouldn't hurt us to bad.

 

[Nationdom]

Confession. I'm turning into 'Dom every time I open KM's thread. Over the top homerism is eating me up. Feels good.

It's not over the top if it's true.

 

[BarrythesnoUT]

Alright, I've always wondered. Is that guy and what is tHis gif from?

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

So, just a theoretical question....I think this kid is the difference maker we've lacked on defense for many, many years...

If Kahlil went down with a season ending injury early, how would that effect the season outcome?

IMO, if our defense in 2015 is going to be as strong as everybody is talking it up to be (that is, elite), then we need KMAC and/or Tuttle to at least be steady contributors who improve throughout the season.

We know our defense should be able to run sideline to sideline, rush the passer, and force some turnovers. What we don't know is if we're strong enough up the middle to consistently stop the run.

O'Brien, Owen Williams, and Jordan Williams played admirably inside last season, but we didn't have the size to completely shut down the inside run game. We had to utilize a lot of stunts and move guys around. Plus, it helped that we had AJ in the middle for most of 2014. Say what you will about his lack of speed, but he was a pretty good inside run stuffer.

If our 2015 defense is gonna take the next step, then we need our big bodies, KMac and Tuttle, to be able to play effectively against run heavy teams. If KMac goes down, then that could leave us with only one 300 pounder at DT (depending on what happens with Mosley and Saulsberry, that is). I'm not sure we're ready to shut down the big boys on our schedule if we don't have a couple 300 pounders to sub in and utilize in certain situations. I could very well be wrong though. I'm no expert.

TL;DR: If KMac and Tuttle aren't able to play effectively throughout 2015, it significantly hurts our chances of having an elite defense (IMO).

 

[csprig9]

IMO, if our defense in 2015 is going to be as strong as everybody is talking it up to be (that is, elite), then we need KMAC and/or Tuttle to at least be steady contributors who improve throughout the season.

We know our defense should be able to run sideline to sideline, rush the passer, and force some turnovers. What we don't know is if we're strong enough up the middle to consistently stop the run.

O'Brien, Owen Williams, and Jordan Williams played admirably inside last season, but we didn't have the size to completely shut down the inside run game. We had to utilize a lot of stunts and move guys around. Plus, it helped that we had AJ in the middle for most of 2014. Say what you will about his lack of speed, but he was a pretty good inside run stuffer.

If our 2015 defense is gonna take the next step, then we need our big bodies, KMac and Tuttle, to be able to play effectively against run heavy teams. If KMac goes down, then that could leave us with only one 300 pounder at DT (depending on what happens with Mosley and Saulsberry, that is). I'm not sure we're ready to shut down the big boys on our schedule if we don't have a couple 300 pounders to sub in and utilize in certain situations. I could very well be wrong though. I'm no expert.

TL;DR: If KMac and Tuttle aren't able to play effectively throughout 2015, it significantly hurts our chances of having an elite defense (IMO).

IMO, the defense will be helped out big time if the offense is productive and can help keep them rested.

 

[BigOrangeD]

Compilation of his best Vines from this past summer...

http://youtu.be/bUsBcsvlI_A

All. American.

Good stuff. Thanks for the link. :good!:

 

[BigOrangeD]

IMO, if our defense in 2015 is going to be as strong as everybody is talking it up to be (that is, elite), then we need KMAC and/or Tuttle to at least be steady contributors who improve throughout the season.

We know our defense should be able to run sideline to sideline, rush the passer, and force some turnovers. What we don't know is if we're strong enough up the middle to consistently stop the run.

O'Brien, Owen Williams, and Jordan Williams played admirably inside last season, but we didn't have the size to completely shut down the inside run game. We had to utilize a lot of stunts and move guys around. Plus, it helped that we had AJ in the middle for most of 2014. Say what you will about his lack of speed, but he was a pretty good inside run stuffer.

If our 2015 defense is gonna take the next step, then we need our big bodies, KMac and Tuttle, to be able to play effectively against run heavy teams. If KMac goes down, then that could leave us with only one 300 pounder at DT (depending on what happens with Mosley and Saulsberry, that is). I'm not sure we're ready to shut down the big boys on our schedule if we don't have a couple 300 pounders to sub in and utilize in certain situations. I could very well be wrong though. I'm no expert.

TL;DR: If KMac and Tuttle aren't able to play effectively throughout 2015, it significantly hurts our chances of having an elite defense (IMO).

We may be young at LB depending on who earns the starting role but very talented. Hopefully they can help in middle as needed.

 

[engineerVOL]

So, just a theoretical question....I think this kid is the difference maker we've lacked on defense for many, many years...

If Kahlil went down with a season ending injury early, how would that effect the season outcome?

You shut your mouth. That hypothetical makes me sad.

 

[Nationdom]

So, just a theoretical question....I think this kid is the difference maker we've lacked on defense for many, many years...

If Kahlil went down with a season ending injury early, how would that effect the season outcome?

With Kahlil we are a top 7 D, without him we are top 15.

 

[engineerVOL]

MLB is without a doubt my biggest concern next year.

 

[LotteryPick]

MLB is without a doubt my biggest concern next year.

I think that's overblown, personally.

If it's Bates, I don't think it'll be an issue at all.

 

[Glitch]

MLB is without a doubt my biggest concern next year.

I think Darrin Kirkland will lock that spot down sooner rather than later but Gavin Bryant is going to be tough to keep on the bench too. There has been a lot of hype about how DK's mental aspect is off the charts and how GBO just hits really hard and tackles well. It should be a fun competition to watch this fall.

 

[UTMVol76]

I think that's overblown, personally.

If it's Bates, I don't think it'll be an issue at all.

Plus we haven't seen Kirkland yet in Orange. Last we were all seeing him, he was doing his best impersonation of a heat seeking missile in the Army AA game.

 

[LotteryPick]

I think Darrin Kirkland will lock that spot down sooner rather than later but Gavin Bryant is going to be tough to keep on the bench too. There has been a lot of hype about how DK's mental aspect is off the charts and how GBO just hits really hard and tackles well. It should be a fun competition to watch this fall.

Bates.

 

[Glitch]

Bates.

I really think Bates stays on the outside. He is to good in coverage and we will need him there I think.

 

[engineerVOL]

I think that's overblown, personally.

If it's Bates, I don't think it'll be an issue at all.

No way you can overblow that. Jakob Johnson last year got us gutted. DK Jr will be a bonafide stud but he's a freshman and that concerns me.

 

[Volunteer_Kirby]

Alright, I've always wondered. Is that guy and what is tHis gif from?

Its from the Tim & Eric show....Its Spagett!

 

[LotteryPick]

No way you can overblow that. Jakob Johnson last year got us gutted. DK Jr will be a bonafide stud but he's a freshman and that concerns me.

Jakob won't be playing.

 

[Glitch]

No way you can overblow that. Jakob Johnson last year got us gutted. DK Jr will be a bonafide stud but he's a freshman and that concerns me.

Yeah. We are gonna have some growing pains in the middle no matter who takes over there.

 

[LotteryPick]

I really think Bates stays on the outside. He is to good in coverage and we will need him there I think.

I think that would be a mistake, because his football IQ is off the charts too. We have the athletes outside; Bates fits right in at MLB.

He may be outside though. Who knows.

 

[engineerVOL]

Bates seems like a stud on the outside too. I seem to remember him getting pushed around by lineman that got to the second level. Granted not many MLBs are gonna stand up a charging center but he seems light. We hVe a ton of options at outside backer.

 

[LotteryPick]

Bates seems like a stud on the outside too. I seem to remember him getting pushed around by lineman that got to the second level. Granted not many MLBs are gonna stand up a charging center but he seems light. We hVe a ton of options at outside backer.

He was a freshman; he's had plenty of time to bulk up.

 

[Glitch]

Like I said. It is going to be an exciting competition this fall. I for one am really excited to see some of the surprises that unfold this fall. September 5th can't get here fast enough for me.

 

[85SugarVol]

I think we'll only see 1 true OLB in most sets, which will be JRM.

Cortez will back up JRM.

Bates & Kirkland will battle for MLB.

I look forward to the instances where we come out of the Nickel, play a true 4-3, and have Curt at OLB with Kyle Phillips at the other DE. :good!:

 

[TriCitiesVol]

Would bet money that JJ redshirts this year. I think he's transitioning back to DE. Was pretty much hurt all Spring. Got a lot of capable bodies at DE.