Sounds like the three tightest position battles on defense are CB opposite Davie, Safety across from Gerry, and WLB. Plus obviously Kevin Williams fighting for co-starter at DT with Collins and Valentine.
Reports out of camp make it sound like Kalu is the early leader at cornerback, Gerry said he's right there with Davie as a cover corner and if we're going to put the CBs out there 1-on-1 without much help then pure cover skills are probably as important as anything.
Bray seemed to be saying that Newby was really good against the run, Gifford against the pass, but that Young was solid against either. Hoping based on that that Young gets comfortable enough with the defense to take over as starter.
Any guesses on safety? I thought Jackson would be the man there, but the coaches have been pretty muted in what they've said about him so far. Cockrell's such a versatile talent he's a nice fit at nickel but if we're not going to use the nickel much, he should be out there somewhere. Kieron Williams was a pleasant surprise last year. Aaron Williams started for the Red team in the spring game and apparently has continued to improve.
What else is out there for the open starting positions, plus the leader for first DE in after McMullen and Gangwish?
Reports out of camp make it sound like Kalu is the early leader at cornerback, Gerry said he's right there with Davie as a cover corner and if we're going to put the CBs out there 1-on-1 without much help then pure cover skills are probably as important as anything.
Bray seemed to be saying that Newby was really good against the run, Gifford against the pass, but that Young was solid against either. Hoping based on that that Young gets comfortable enough with the defense to take over as starter.
Any guesses on safety? I thought Jackson would be the man there, but the coaches have been pretty muted in what they've said about him so far. Cockrell's such a versatile talent he's a nice fit at nickel but if we're not going to use the nickel much, he should be out there somewhere. Kieron Williams was a pleasant surprise last year. Aaron Williams started for the Red team in the spring game and apparently has continued to improve.
What else is out there for the open starting positions, plus the leader for first DE in after McMullen and Gangwish?