So the conventional thinking is that the lb'ers are the weakest link

[Reality Man]

on the defense. This begs the following question.

Furbush...offered by MSU. Harbaugh loves.
Peppers...no further comment
McCray...offered by OSU
Gedeon...offered by OSU


So I am having trouble understanding why this position group is the weak link. I guess experience or potential injuries is the problem because it surely can't be for a lack of supposed talent according to recruiting analysts.

I could make the case that the linebacker position is the highest rated group on that side of the ball.



RM

 

[CarolinaWolverine]

Our LB's would be great with more starting experience, as it stands they will be very good. The DL and DB's will be great. Great>very good = LB as weakest link. JMHO

 

[Reality Man]

Peppers has experience. Gedeon played last year. Your point is accurate but from a supposed 'talent' perspective it should be the linebackers who have been in the system for a few years shouldn't be seen as weak ESPECIALLY when one of the top 10 players in college football (prognosticators) is playing lb.

I can't think of any position group with a pre-season All American that would be considered the weak link unless this is the greatest college defense of all time.

How I would phrase everything is

DL (Great)
LB (Very good)
Secondary (Very good)
QB (TBD...average)
RB (Average)
OL (Average to Above Average)
WR (Very good)
TE (Above Average to Great)


http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/08/01/2016-preseason-all-america-team


RM

 

[Reality Man]

So another site...Brian gives a 2.5 stars out of 5 for the inside lb'ers. Again...how do you give the outside guys a 5 stars and the inside a 2.5? Come on. Upper class guys...see below for McCray. I think this position group is being minimized because of the potential greatness of the DL and some bias of lack of experience which really is only the case for 1 guy. Gedeon is plenty good. I just don't see it. This guy isn't Bolden. He runs and hits well. I am happy to have this group unless my choice was to have David Harris or Gold/Jones.
____________________________________________________________________________

And McCray left little doubt. Devin Bush enrolled early and got to competing with McCray at WLB; from the sounds of it he wasn't particularly close. Partridge was busting out the best words very early in spring practice:

Has Mike McCray been full go? He’s had a lot of shoulder issues over the years. Is he doing alright with that?

“Yeah, he’s been incredible over the past first five practices. He’s a pleasant surprise. You know, you kind of knew he had it in him and just his first five practices have been phenomenal.”

At around the same time a source told Lorenz that McCray was "unreal". Webb saw him in person down in Florida:

Early in 11-on-11 action he met Ty Isaac in the hole and brought him down for no gain. A few plays later he showed nice feel in coverage and would have de-cleated Jack Wangler on a crossing pattern. His best play came later on in the practice when he timed a blitz perfectly and tagged Kareem Walker in the backfield.

 

[detroitjohn]

on the defense. This begs the following question.

Furbush...offered by MSU. Harbaugh loves.
Peppers...no further comment
McCray...offered by OSU
Gedeon...offered by OSU


So I am having trouble understanding why this position group is the weak link. I guess experience or potential injuries is the problem because it surely can't be for a lack of supposed talent according to recruiting analysts.

I could make the case that the linebacker position is the highest rated group on that side of the ball.



RM

I think the OL is the weakest or most vulnerable unit, LBs with Peppers in the mix is on more solid ground.

 

[Reality Man]

You said it better than me. They are solid. I was listening to Brian/Engineer and Sam. Brian has the concerned with of why Gedeon didn't pass up Bolden...well Harbaugh may not have known the personnel as well coming in and Bolden did direct the defense.

Sam isn't as worried especially as they get into the middle of the season because these lb'ers are clearly more talented...which is supported by the offers from OSU and others.

My view is that these lb'ers are talented. Gedeon is a solid lb'er. I like the guy. He is clearly in my mind an upgrade over Bolden who was reckless playing lb'er sometimes...many times. Injuries may change the equation. Got peppers for pass coverage and certain offenses and Furbush who is also very talented.

My last point is that UM has some quality talent at the lb'er position...much better than last year and when in conjunction with a dynamic and deep DL...should be at least solid. I don't equate solid with a concern. Is it Gold/Jones? No. That doesn't mean it isn't solid to above average. The secondary will also make it easier.

Here is my prediction. The DL and the overall defense will make the lb'ers look really good and people will say...Dang...your lb'ers are really good. They don't need to be flashy...just hard hitting and solid tacklers and they (IMO) fit the bill.



RM