White D-Line '11

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469
I'll start off witha breakdown of some of the Big Tens projected pass rushing stars in 2011. There was a good showing of Big Ten Defensive players selected in the 1st round so it could be a good sign of things to come.
ESPN
Last week, I took a look at the Big Ten's top candidates to record 1,000 rushing yards or more in 2011. The spotlight now turns to defense and the league's strongest position group in recent years.

The sack-masters.

I thought about setting the bar at 10 sacks or more, but eight seems more appropriate. Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan was the only Big Ten player to rack up eight or more sacks in 2010, finishing with 12.5. Five players eclipsed eight sacks in 2009: Kerrigan, Wisconsin DE O'Brien Schofield, Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn, Michigan DE Brandon Graham and Michigan State LB Greg Jones.

Let's look at the likeliest candidates to reach eight sacks or more this fall.


<DIV ="mod-inline -right">
<DIV style="WIDTH: 300px; MARGIN-LEFT: 10px">[+] Enlarge
<DIV style="WIDTH: 300px"><CITE>AP Photo/Dave Weaver</CITE>Big Ten offenses will need to account for Nebraska's Jared Crick this season.


1. Nebraska DT Jared Crick: Crick enters the season as the Big Ten's most decorated defensive lineman and a strong candidate for preseason defensive player of the year. He already has reached eight sacks in a season, recording 9.5 in 2010 to go along with 17 tackles for loss, which are just incredible totals for an interior lineman. Although Crick likely will face plenty of double-teams this fall, he should get to the quarterback enough.

2. Northwestern DE Vince Browne: Browne has put up numbers throughout his career, tying for second in the Big Ten in sacks with seven last fall. The senior can rack up stats in bunches, especially in nonconference play. If he can become just as effective against Big Ten squads, he should have a very strong season and contend for all-conference honors.

3. Purdue DT Kawann Short:
Overshadowed by Kerrigan last season, Short quietly put together an extremely impressive season for an interior lineman, racking up 12.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Although Kerrigan's presence clearly helped Short make plays in 2010, the 6-foot-3, 305-pound junior has made strides and should once again wreak havoc.

4. Ohio State DEs Nathan Williams or John Simon: Williams recorded 4.5 sacks in 2010 and gives Ohio State a speed-rusher on the edge. I expect him to take a big step forward this fall. The same goes for Simon, who can play both line spots but likely will spend more time on the outside. Ohio State has extremely high hopes for the brutally strong Simon, and he could become a star this fall. While I'd be surprised if both players reach eight sacks, one seems likely to do so.

5. Iowa DT Mike Daniels: Daniels put up some nice numbers last season -- 11 tackles for loss, four sacks -- and should be more productive as he takes the lead with the Hawkeyes' defensive line this fall. After starting eight games in 2010, Daniels will see an increased role as Iowa tries to replace standout linemen Karl Klug, Clayborn and Christian Ballard.

6. Nebraska LB Lavonte David: Don't count out Big Ten linebackers from recording eight sacks or more, and Nebraska's David certainly seems capable of reaching the milestone. David had six tackles, 15 tackles for loss and seven quarterback hurries in 2010. Nebraska isn't afraid to blitz him, and he'll do some damage in opposing backfields this fall.

7. A Michigan defensive lineman: The switch to the 4-3 and Greg Mattison's arrival as coordinator should spark Michigan's pass rush this fall. Defensive end Ryan Van Bergen and tackle Mike Martin are two players I could see reaching eight sacks this fall. Van Bergen will have to double his total and Martin must make an even bigger jump, but both men should benefit from the offseason changes.

Also keep an eye on these potential Big Ten sack-masters:
<UL>






<LI>Indiana DE Darius Johnson






<LI>Michigan State DEs William Gholston and Tyler Hoover





</LI>[/list]



I'll list both black players and white players alike and that way we can keep track of some of these guys once the season starts.Feel free to add players (DE,DT,LB)from any Conference who fit the mold as pass rushers with potential.
 

Leonardfan

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
22,970
Can't believe its almost time to do 2011 Team write ups and target players for us to watch. Its always good to do research like this to find good players who are overlooked for obvious reasons, anyone know when we are gonna start doing the write ups? Let me know.
 

Jack Lambert

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jan 3, 2009
Messages
4,743
Leonardfan said:
Can't believe its almost time to do 2011 Team write ups and target players for us to watch. Its always good to do research like this to find good players who are overlooked for obvious reasons, anyone know when we are gonna start doing the write ups? Let me know.

I was going to start them in a couple of weeks or so, to let some more previews/info get out so it's not so hard to find information on teams.
 

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469
Brent Russell is an intriguing prospect from Georgia Southern.
768690838.jpg




Brent Russell, Georgia Southern, DT, Jr., 6-2, 287 - An excellent NFL prospect for 2013, Russell is a dominant force in the middle of Georgia Southern's veteran defense. It often takes two offensive lineman to block the big and strong Russell. He's also fast off the snap, so Russell totaled 71 tackles, including 18.5 for loss and eight sacks, as a sophomore. He had five QB hurries, forced two fumbles and recovered one. He was an All-Southern Conference first-team selection as a defensive end in 2009, then earned the honor after shifting inside last season.
 

TwentyTwo

Master
Joined
Oct 31, 2009
Messages
3,412
Location
Louisiana
DE-(Sr.)Jake Bequette (6'5" 270)should be All SEC 1st Team this coming season....two years ago as soph. was seendominating Florida's Pouncey twins on national TV whichput him on the radar! Last year he was 2nd Team All SEC with 7 sacks &amp; 8.5 tackles behind the line; had a forced fumble vs Auburn....he considered entering the NFL Draft back in Jan....NFLDraft Scout has him rated #6 DE entering 2012 Draft...named to 42-player 2011 Lott ImpactTrophyWatch List

ncfujakebequettecmg400.jpg
 

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469
TwentyTwo said:
<div>DE-(Sr.)Jake Bequette (6'5" 270)should be All SEC 1st Team this coming season....two years ago as soph. was seendominating Florida's Pouncey twins on national TV whichput him on the radar! Last year he was 2nd Team All SEC with 7 sacks &amp; 8.5 tackles behind the line; had a forced fumble vs Auburn....he considered entering the NFL Draft back in Jan....NFLDraft Scout has him rated #6 DE entering 2012 Draft...named to 42-player 2011 Lott ImpactTrophyWatch List</div>
<div></div>
<div>
ncfujakebequettecmg400.jpg
</div>
<div></div><div>He's due for a big year!! I want to see him go 10 plus in the sack department and really use his Senior season to bolster his draft stock. Just like Kerrigan and Watt did last year. Perhaps it will be Crick and Bequette this year.</div>
 

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469
Logan Harrell 6'2 280, Jr. Fresno State<div>Had 10.5 sacks as a Sophomore, 14 tackles for loss and 46 total tackles. </div><div>
logan-harrell.jpg
</div>
 

TwentyTwo

Master
Joined
Oct 31, 2009
Messages
3,412
Location
Louisiana
Yes indeed celticdb15!I'm expecting big things from them too!Nice work BTW....

DT- Derek Wolfe (Sr) 6'-5"302 Cincinnati
Some buzz after his soph. year hehad 1st round potential; but an injury late in his jr. year has him "Projected" anywhere from Rounds 3 to 6....Kiper has him rated #5 DT... Athletic; fits a Pro 4-3 or 3-4 defense...it should be interesting to see where he lands!
derekwolfeoppl5905mid.jpg
 

Mighty Joe

Newbie
Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
78
There seems to be an increase in White D linemen particularly 3-4 ends,the bigger stronger ends.You obviously cant have fat blobs with no cardio at this position.The majority of NFL teams that run a 3-4 defense start a White 3-4 end.Smith and Kiesel are amongst the best in the league,some predict Kyle Williams will be moved to end which may be his best position.Mike Wright,Devito,Castilo are productive players and Carriker was starting to play well towards the end of last season.Lissemore for the Cowboys looks like a potential stud from his brief playing time last season and Watt could be a star from the get go.Chris Nield with a 1.71 10 yard dash is athletic enough to play either DE or NT.it would be great to see him and Carriker potentially manning the Redskins D line along with Kerrigan.Crick is regarded as the top pick for this position next year aswell as guys like Harrell,Sweezy,Wolfe and Alexth who should all be drafted with good senior years.Overall things seem to be looking up at D line.Edited by: Mighty Joe
 

Wisdom

Newbie
Joined
May 19, 2011
Messages
21
Kerrigan will be an outside linebacker in the 3-4 they run in Washington.
 

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469

Mighty Joe2

Newbie
Joined
Aug 5, 2011
Messages
41
Brett Roy for Nevada had 2 sacks against Texas Tech and has 4 in 3 games.From his size he looks like a Karl Klug type,he's dominant yet dos'nt get mentioned as a draft prospect.
 

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469
Western Michigan defensive tackle Drew Nowak is dominating offensive lines and N.F.L. scouts are taking notice.
 

Deadlift

Hall of Famer
Joined
Aug 2, 2007
Messages
5,240
Location
North Carolina
Shea McClellin had 6 solo tackles and 2 sacks against Nevada!
 

backrow

Hall of Famer
Joined
Oct 23, 2005
Messages
7,211
Location
Spain
i haven't been following college football whatsoever this season, how is Crick doing? i looked at his stats and they look pretty ordinary for someone that i hoped is going to get picked in Round 1.
 

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469
N.F.L. scouts have taken notice of Winona State's Matt Ulrich, an athetic 6' 8", 300 pound nose guard.
 

celticdb15

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
8,469
i haven't been following college football whatsoever this season, how is Crick doing? i looked at his stats and they look pretty ordinary for someone that i hoped is going to get picked in Round 1.

Well according to this Sporting News writer Crick draft stock is falling..

Jared Crick (6-4, 285), senior, DT, Nebraska
Many expected Crick to improve and have a dominant senior season which could put him in position to be a top-10 pick. That's not the case so far. Crick must step it up to recover that status.
Crick is quick and agile, and he can defeat pass blocks using his long arms. The issue is, he has not been as disruptive rushing the passer as his talent warrants. Too often offensive linemen stop his initial charge, tie him up and keep him from pressuring the quarterback.
Crick has excellent instincts and competitiveness, especially in pursuit. The problem he encounter is a consistent lack of good leverage off the snap.
Remember, Crick missed the Wyoming game because of a head injury—reportedly a concussion—and in Nebraska's next game, against Wisconsin, he was not an impact player. PROJECTED: Late first or high second round.


Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-fo...er-to-first-round-consideration#ixzz1aKe7U1TI
 

Deadlift

Hall of Famer
Joined
Aug 2, 2007
Messages
5,240
Location
North Carolina
Logan Harrell -- 8 tackles

Bjoern Werner -- 4 solo tackles and 2 sacks!
 

backrow

Hall of Famer
Joined
Oct 23, 2005
Messages
7,211
Location
Spain
damn, Crick's stock is shot now... btw what's with torn pectorals this season?!
 

Leonardfan

Hall of Famer
Joined
Jul 30, 2006
Messages
22,970
Backrow, I still think he will be a solid second round pick if not late first round. He had a very good career at Nebraska.
 
Top