My biggest concern, by far, is our run defense…

Posted on August 9, 2026 at 01:44:37 PM by Craig (edited August 9, 2026 at 01:45:11 PM)

We’re in a down cycle at DT, both in terms of top talent and depth.

We have unknowns at LB.

Not a great combination, run-D-wise.

I know there’s been a lot of hype about the DL. And good, disruptive pass rushers do sometimes come out of nowhere: sometimes even true frosh are really good pass rushers. But a really good run-stopping DT? That’s something that you more often see building and developing in a younger player, rather than a switch flipping, I’d say.

What do I know—maybe our DL is going to great like the coaches keep saying. But I look at Pierce and Etta, and I see guys with upside, but I don’t really think either has looked like a great run-stopper in the making thus far. Hopefully I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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Thread:

My biggest concern, by far, is our run defense… - By Craig August 9, 2026 at 01:44:37 PM
- the offense is loaded with proven players we can reasonably expect to improve. Defense is loaded with inside straight draws. - By plug August 9, 2026 at 04:16:10 PM
- I expect the defense to look well coached but I also expect they'll get pushed around by the better teams on the schedule - By Arctic August 9, 2026 at 02:15:16 PM
- from a roster point of view, I worry about overall defense way more than the offense - By DoctorD August 9, 2026 at 01:59:08 PM
  - Huh—I consider DB our most proven position on D - By Craig August 9, 2026 at 02:05:39 PM
    - Hill and Berry have been up and down. I'm less sold they can be great, and safety is a big question mark* - By DoctorD August 9, 2026 at 02:14:06 PM
- There's enough hype about the DL that I buy it. Guys pop all the time after getting stronger in a SC program. LB worries me.* - By Bluebuck August 9, 2026 at 01:52:52 PM
  - We have a lot of experience and young talent… - By ameriKa August 9, 2026 at 02:52:35 PM

The Victors

My biggest concern, by far, is our run defense…