Most of it concerns linebacker. This has been a trouble spot for sometime, and the depth is especially weak. John Haneline is still not back, so this spring we are really short on bodies.
The article contains the disappointing news that Glen Stanley is no longer with the team. He was showing himself to be a real playmaker during his true freshmen season, but apparently could not swing the academic side of college football. I guess that's an idea of how we get an all-Florida player like him.
To compensate, we are following our normal trend of moving safeties in to LB. With the emergence of PJ Mahone last year, Jarrett Sanderson is moving into LB to get them both on the field. Also, Calvin Marshall, another reserve safety, will play OLB too. Here's what Jack wrote.
Of last season’s starting outside linebackers, Loren Hargrove has completed his eligibility, John Haneline continues to recover from a knee injury, and Glen Stanley is no longer with the team because of academic difficulties. Aaron Davis, who started in Stanley’s spot in the GMAC Bowl, has moved to inside linebacker along with Erique Dozier, who led the team with 112 tackles last season. Cody Basler, who also started in the bowl game, has experience, both inside and outside.
Moving d-backs in leaves us with what amounts to a small linebacking corps. Hopefully, small but quick, but reliant on the D-line to swallow up some blocks so they can move freely. This has been our style, but our defense has not always been great, especially against the run. This is a year we should challenge for a title, and it would be a shame if we didn't have enough bodies on defense to make a run. If Haneline can stay healthy, that would make a major difference.
The team is also emphasizing the need to replace three O-lineman, and the article notes that there is still a lot of shifting and uncertainty there as the coaches look for the right combination. This is also a priority for challenging for a title.
Final good news....Diryal Briggs is back with the team, after he was suspended for the GMAC Bowl.
Spring game in 18 days--no April Fool joke there.
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