Looking At The D.E. Position

[Snaggletiger]

This year will see a young but fairly experienced group of defensive ends to open the 2011 season.  Ted Roof's ends will not be a huge bunch with regard to size but will rely on speed and technique as only two players in the mix top 250 lbs.  However, that shouldn't be a problem with guys like Nosa Eguae, who by years end had solidified himself as a starter and made huge plays down the stretch in 2010.

Sophomore Corey Lemonier was in the rotation right from the start as a true freshman and plays much bigger than his 229 pound frame would suggest.  At 6'4" it would seem logical that off season workouts could put 10 more pounds of muscle on him before the season, making him quite a force off the end with the speed he already possesses.  Another player who earned more and more playing time after proving to be a monster on special teams is Craig Sanders.  Coming out of spring, it was apparent that Coach Yoxall's training has benefited Sanders as he has added approximately 17 pounds since arriving on the Plains and is the biggest defensive end on the roster at 257 pounds.  Look for Sanders to possibly take one of the starting spots this Fall.

Another part time player who may come into his own and be a force to be reckoned with before his career is over is Dee Ford.  With numbers down as a true freshman, Ford was thrust into the rotation early in 2009 but was too light to be really effective.  Now up to an impressive 6'4" 233, he looks to have the size and strength to put himself in the two deep and stay there.  JUCO transfer Joey Bonomolo sat out the 2010 season with injuries but all indications with his play in the Spring are that he's ready to make an impact on this defense.  The same goes for redshirt freshman, Justin Delaine, who will be pushing for playing time this Fall as well. 

Unless there are others in the incoming recruiting class who will get a look at the end position, it looks as if Keymiya Harrell, a 6'5" 235 pounder will round out this group once he arrives this summer.  As it stands, coming out of the Spring, our defensive ends will be as listed below.  Of course, Coach Yoxall has a way of transforming young guys in a short period of time...for the better.

Craig Sanders   6'4"  257
Nosa Eguae   6'2"  255
Corey Lemonier   6'4"  229
Dee Ford   6'4"  233
Joel Bonomolo 6'2"  237
Justin Delaine   6'5"  236
Keymiya Harrell   6'5"  235   

[Townhallsavoy]

I'm excited about this group. 

Lemonier, Eguae, Sanders, and Ford all have the ability to create havoc in the backfield.  As long as we get some boars to take care of business in the middle, I think we'll be a top 3 defense in terms of pass rush. 

[The Prowler]

"NOS" and "Lemon" coming off the edge, will scare the shit outta QBs this year, then when they get a breather, you'll have "The Animal" Craig Sanders coming in.

[jmar]

"NOS" and "Lemon" coming off the edge, will scare the shit outta QBs this year, then when they get a breather, you'll have "The Animal" Craig Sanders coming in.

I'm thrilled with the entire DE crew, aggressive and very fast but will someone (anybody, even Prowler) tell me good things about the DT's?
This position worries me.
It's okay to lie, go on, tell a fucking lulu, just make it seem like an invincible force. 

[No Huddle]

You will  not need them.

[The Prowler]

Our DTs will be pretty good, not great...yet.  Kenneth Carter and Jeffrey Whitacker played a lot last year.  Behind those two, will likely be Gabe Wright (Freakin' Hoss) and hopefully "The Delaware Bear" Angelo Blackson.  Our LBers will FLY to the ball (Bates, Eltoro, Holland, Owens, Landrum, Garrett, Jawara, and maybe Kris "Kross" Frost.

[djsimp]

Our DTs will be pretty good, not great...yet.  Kenneth Carter and Jeffrey Whitacker played a lot last year.  Behind those two, will likely be Gabe Wright (Freakin' Hoss) and hopefully "The Delaware Bear" Angelo Blackson.  Our LBers will FLY to the ball (Bates, Eltoro, Holland, Owens, Landrum, Garrett, Jawara, and maybe Kris "Kross" Frost.

And to go along with that, I like most of us believe the DB's will a strong point as well. I could see the LB's, DB's and DE's giving the inside lineman a little room for error.

[The Prowler]

And to go along with that, I like most of us believe the DB's will a strong point as well. I could see the LB's, DB's and DE's giving the inside lineman a little room for error.

Eggsackery