This is one of those rare seldom seen posts where I attempt to debunk the prevailing myth that I am a complete and total sunshine pumper.
This table is the Pass defense rating for each of our games over the past 2 years, sorted worst to best:
Edit to add: Note that in the games we lost (12) we gave up 26 passing TDs and had only 4 interceptions. In the games we won (13) we only gave up 9 passing TDs and had 19 interceptions.
Over the years I’ve read claims that the secondary is the most important position group on the defense. Overall I think we have done a good job recruiting (2018-2021) all the other position groups but I don’t think we’ve done as well recruiting the secondary. jmo.
I looked at the offers we’ve had out, and while 2018 is sort of muddied by the change in staff, we offered 60 defensive backs that were listed as DBs. According to Rivals Flowers ranked #56 on our offer list and George ranked #60. In 2019 we offered 71 DBs. Fields ranked #21 on that list of offers, McCollough ranked #30, Burrell ranked #38, Harris who ended up in JUCO ranked #59, and Solomon ranked #70. In 2020 we put out 73 offers to DBs listed as DBs and got #10 in Lawrence, and #26 in Slaughter. So far in 2021 we have 64 offers out and commitments from Jones #30, White, #37, and Rucker #54. The highly ranked and sought after guys we’ve offered have ended up at Georgia, Alabama, Florida, LSU, etc.
I think with 2020 and 2021 we get an A for QB and RB recruiting. For 2019 and 2020 we get an A for OLine recruiting ( including transfers). For WR/TE to this point I think we get at least a B+ or A- for those position groups. I think we get an A for specialists recruiting.
On defense, I think we get an A for linebacker recruiting and I think we’re close to an A on the defensive line. We just need a couple more guys in the 2021 class to solidify that A.
I do think we need 2 more high level offensive linemen in our 2021 class and 1 more linebacker. But the thing is, in my view, we need 5 more defensive backs. I think it’s the least talented and weakest position group on our roster overall. Of course we have a few good guys back there but for the most part we’re making do, developing guys who have some potential because we are having difficulty pulling the most coveted high school guys in the numbers we need. Again, this is only for this position group. jmo.
This sort of has me scratching my head because the 2 men coaching DBs for us, Pruitt and Ansley, have a reputation and resume that establishes them as 2 of the best recruiters in the business and 2 of the absolute best teachers for this position group. I think at this point they’re making do, getting good athletes and then developing them into defensive backs. Pruitt has often stated that football is a developmental sport so it’s not an overnight process. We may end up with some of the guys we have now turning out to be all-world, eventually, but that’s not helping us all that much today. To compete right now with the elite teams on our schedule we need guys like Eric Berry in our secondary. jmo.
When I look at our roster I look out 3 years so I’m trying to see what our roster will look like in 2022 and I think the staff is doing that too. It’s the only way to avoid a debacle like 2017. So again, in the 2021 class I think we need 2 more highly coveted offensive linemen, 2 more highly coveted defensive linemen, 1 more highly coveted linebacker, and 5 more highly coveted defensive backs. Is that really too much to ask for?
I think if we watch our DB recruiting, given our recruiting success in all other position groups, it will be crystal clear to everyone the point at which we cross back over into the ranks of elite football teams. jmo.