Recruiting for a 3-4 instead of a 4-3 defense?

#1
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#1
Given the difficulty we have had historically in recruiting defensive tackles, both in terms of SEC-caliber talent and numbers, would it be advantageous for Tennessee to change to a 3-4 base defense? How radical a retooling process would this entail, particularly in terms of the specific skill sets needed for outside linebackers? I will be particularly interested to read the opinions of those of you who are well versed in the nuances of defensive football.
 
#2
#2
As of right now you have two players who would be great at being a 3-4 outside linebacker, Maggit and Jacques Smith. It's really the back-ups you gotta worry about if they go down.

Another thing you have have to worry about is you need someone huge at nose tackle to eat up blocks, someone around 330 lbs. He doesn't necessarily have to a great skill guy just strong to hold his own against double teams. You can put interior Tackles in a 4-3 at ends in a 3-4.

You would need two big middle linebackers that could take on blocks from the guards too which you already have one in AJ Johnson and one coming in, Santos. But once again behind them you don't have a whole lot, in this situation would be size.

The big thing is getting that true nose tackle but from there you should be set. Although it seems like we're doing well with recruiting for a 4-3 anyway with what Dooley's bringing in so I wouldn't worry too much about it
 
#3
#3
A 3-4 would require a defensive tackle that is well over 300 pounds to be able to run it effectively. And, well, those kind of players don't grow on trees.

The advantage with a 3-4 is that the NG takes up two blockers, essentially giving you a 4-4-4 defense if you have the players for it.

The problem is that recruiting for it, as previously mentioned, could be problematic, especially for the NG position, which is the lifeblood of the scheme.
 
#4
#4
might work well but with the win now mentallity of our fan base i dont think we would put up with the time it would take to retool our d to fit the scheme. would be an interesting look in the minor league nfl (SEC) because a majority of pro teams run it
 
#6
#6
tvols75 said:
Not sure what the OP is getting at. We would need to recruit more DTs to run the 3-4.
Click to expand...

That is wait I was thinking. If you are having trouble recruiting DT's, stay in a 4-3. You have to have 3 DT's in a 3-4 and like many posters have put a monster in the middle.
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#7
#7
You recruit the best athletes you can and play to their abilities. If that is a 3-4, then play it. If it is a 4-3 then play it. I think it is more difficult to recruit players who are more suited to the 3-4 than the 4-3. However, the noseguard in the 3-4 does not have to be a great athlete, but he must be very big.
 
#8
#8
No chance of us going to a 3-4 base defense. Wish we would though. Only place I've ever seen this talked about is on here.
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#9
#9
In a 3-4 the 3 are all basically DTs. So the OP doesn't make sense.
 
#11
#11
And you dnt have to be well over 300 pounds to run a 3-4 defense. Hell Glen Dorsey is a cool 297 and does anybody remember Aubrayo Franklin? He is barely tippin 310
 
#12
#12
I think the difference in a 3-4 and 4-3 is dramatically overblown anyway - when the LB rushes on most every play then it isnt really a 3-4 - calling guys like demarcus ware a LB is a little misleading as he barely ever goes into coverage

the only real difference i see in most 3-4's is that your outside guy will rush more with his hands up - but that is about it
 
#13
#13
Guys, if you haven't been paying attention, we've shown a 3-4 look many times this season on defense. When a defense can be multiple, that is when it is most dangerous. When players like Maggitt and Smith have the ability to play multiple positions, it gives you the opportunity to switch things up. But, it really isn't a whole lot of difference if the personnel is the same. It basically comes down to Smith or Maggitt standing or having a hand on the ground.

I still think our base defense will be 4-3 for the forseeable future.
 
#14
#14
You don't need more DT's to play a 3-4. Your DE's are bigger - the 270-290 guys. Think Malik, Corey and to some extent Marlon. You do need at least 2 guys above 310 lbs that play the nose tackle. You need AJ's to man the inside LBs. With Santos on the way can I see this happening more next season along with Harris getting stronger. Couch, Hood, Carson, Jacobs, O'Brien - we will all have more beef next season and can shift between the 3 and 4 man front at DTeasily.

When Malik is moved to the 5 gap and out he is unstoppable. That is what you will see with the guys coming in.
 
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