3-4 Defensive Depth

[CanesAreAble]

Gilbert let it slip that we're a 3-4 defense now.

I'll continue to contest that a transfer who's been on campus a week and practiced five times has unmasked a major scheme change, as opposed to expounding on his primary role within a team that has and will continue to be clearly stated as "multiple". You guys, for God only knows what reasons, refuse to see the obvious, unchanged reality that this team runs a 4-3 base, with situational-specific moves to a 3-4.

This.

Gilbert said he's playing a lot of 9-technique, which is usually what a rush LB does.

 

[DJWilliams55]

Gilbert let it slip that we're a 3-4 defense now.

I'll continue to contest that a transfer who's been on campus a week and practiced five times has unmasked a major scheme change, as opposed to expounding on his primary role within a team that has and will continue to be clearly stated as "multiple". You guys, for God only knows what reasons, refuse to see the obvious, unchanged reality that this team runs a 4-3 base, with situational-specific moves to a 3-4.

All I got from this post was 3-4.

I want SMD to ask Al next practice "so coach how is the move to the 3-4 coming along.....oh and when will Derosier be in?".

 

[dg151]

Under Corch D, we have had enough problems just getting subs on and off the field and properly lined up. Let alone breakdowns in man coverage every game. So I wonder how running a "Multiple D" with guys playing new positions for the first time is going to address the confusion issue.

IT'S NOT NEW. WE'VE BEEN RUNNING THE 3-4. WE'VE ALSO BEEN RUNNING DIFFERENT 4-3 LOOKS. I'M USING CAPS BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THE NEW STAFF HAS BEEN HERE AND CONSTANTLY SAID THEY'VE RUN A HYBRID DEFENSE, THEN WE'VE GONE OUT AND PLAYED AND RUN A HYBRID DEFENSE, BUT SOMEHOW PEOPLE STILL DON'T REALIZE THAT WE RUN A HYBRID DEFENSE.

Ok I'm done.

 

[jerzeycane]

Under Corch D, we have had enough problems just getting subs on and off the field and properly lined up. Let alone breakdowns in man coverage every game. So I wonder how running a "Multiple D" with guys playing new positions for the first time is going to address the confusion issue.

IT'S NOT NEW. WE'VE BEEN RUNNING THE 3-4. WE'VE ALSO BEEN RUNNING DIFFERENT 4-3 LOOKS. I'M USING CAPS BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THE NEW STAFF HAS BEEN HERE AND CONSTANTLY SAID THEY'VE RUN A HYBRID DEFENSE, THEN WE'VE GONE OUT AND PLAYED AND RUN A HYBRID DEFENSE, BUT SOMEHOW PEOPLE STILL DON'T REALIZE THAT WE RUN A HYBRID DEFENSE.

Ok I'm done.

People are just retarded and think that the coaches are using coach speak.

No, D'Onofrio has stated incessantly that they run hybrid and you've even seen them shift to it in the middle of a pre-snap.

 

[RiDLer80]

Gilbert let it slip that we're a 3-4 defense now.

I'll continue to contest that a transfer who's been on campus a week and practiced five times has unmasked a major scheme change, as opposed to expounding on his primary role within a team that has and will continue to be clearly stated as "multiple". You guys, for God only knows what reasons, refuse to see the obvious, unchanged reality that this team runs a 4-3 base, with situational-specific moves to a 3-4.

This.

Gilbert said he's playing a lot of 9-technique, which is usually what a rush LB does.

DEs in the 4-3 can also play the "wide-9." I believe the Eagles used to utilitze this a lot with Trent Cole.

 

[Hstokes1447]

It's been a long offseason, and I for one am not just assuming that guys like Gilbert, McCord, and AQM are gonna play a new position for the first time and THATS what magically saves our defense. Seems like a real reach to me. We couldn't hold up against the Run with 4 DL last year, so I'm not sure what taking one away and having an awkward confused blitz linebacker doing a new job is gonna do in the short term. I also disagree that South Florida is perfect for the 3-4. South Florida has speed at LB, speed at End, not a ton of Huge NT. Defenses here should be Speed Speed Speed.

Your depth chart gives me headaches because there isn't one position on this whole defense that even the biggest homer could say we have any depth at.

Let look closer into the type of talent that south Florida producer. First I will start with the NT position it is often believed that the NT must be some huge 350 pound space eater but in fact the NT should be strong at the point of attack and have the ability to take on multiple blockers.

Here is a look at Alabama's NT depth chart
1. NT - B. Ivory | 6-4, 310
2. NT - D. Lake | 6-3, 324
3. NT - W. Love | 6-3, 286

Now lets look at some of the available DT's in south Florida

2014 South Florida DT that could play NT
K. Clark 6-2, 325
T. Valentine 6-3, 320 (Committed)
B. Darrell 6-1, 322
B. Edwards 6-1, 370

Now to your point about depth, here is a further look at Alabama's roster they currently only have 9 total defensive lineman. Miami has a total of 10 defensive lineman on the roster.

Alabama Weak DE Depth
1. DE - J. Pagan | 6-4, 290
2. DE - L. Fanning | 6-7, 270

Alabama Strong DE Depth
1. DE - E. Stinson | 6-4, 292
2. DE - D. Tomlinson | 6-2, 287

2014 South Florida small DT's that can play 3-4 DE
Moten 6-4, 295
D. Christmas 6-3, 285
J. Thompson 6-4, 280
F. Jones 6-2, 270
J. Sibole 6-3, 269

South Florida is more than equipped to recruit very successful 3-4 personal. Also with the huge speed advantage that South Florida produces Miami could actually run a 3-4 defense that does not lose the speed that miami is known for. There are 6-3 225 DE's running 4.5 all over south Florida those guys will make pass rush nightmares as 3-4 OLB's.

Also when running a 4-3 you must have DE's that are in the 250-260 range to be successful. With south Florida traditionally producing smaller DE's it will take those guys at least 3 years to put on the necessary weight to contribute at a high level. Now on the other hand those same undersized DE at 230 can be successful at that size playing 3-4 OLB and could get to 240 (ideal 3-4 OLB wight) after just one season in UTough. The same can be said about the traditional undersized DT's in south Florida being able to contribute faster as 3-4 DE's.

 

[umhurricano]

For those doubting the switch to the 3-4, I talked to a GA this spring and he told me, "we are switching to a 3-4." I don't know if that means a multiple or what. Not trying to be an insider, just passing what I heard.

 

[WhatTheHell]

For those doubting the switch to the 3-4, I talked to a GA this spring and he told me, "we are switching to a 3-4." I don't know if that means a multiple or what. Not trying to be an insider, just passing what I heard.

This is correct.

As some may or may not know, I actually recent became an insider due to a weird circumstance. I don't want to come out and say it, but we're moving to a 3-4. Teams have not seen the Canes roll out this defense. Things were supposed to be kept on the hush but the fudge is out of the bowl now.

 

[Kyle]

Gilbert let it slip that we're a 3-4 defense now.

I wonder if that was why Golden seemed ticked off today and didn't speak to the media. According to Brian London he usually talks with them after the player interviews but not this time.

 

[zone3cane]

The stuff I posted a while ago about the 4-3 Under is basically a 3-4 hybrid defense.

exactly thats what it's going to be b/c that's what we saw last year..... the 3-4 isnt a knew scheme by Coach D, Miami's defense was lining up in 3-4 sets last year w/ T. McCord coming off the edge.

 

[ghost2]

For those doubting the switch to the 3-4, I talked to a GA this spring and he told me, "we are switching to a 3-4." I don't know if that means a multiple or what. Not trying to be an insider, just passing what I heard.

This is correct.

As some may or may not know, I actually recent became an insider due to a weird circumstance. I don't want to come out and say it, but we're moving to a 3-4. Teams have not seen the Canes roll out this defense. Things were supposed to be kept on the hush but the fudge is out of the bowl now.

In fairness, teams have not seen the Canes roll out any defense in two years...

 

[CanesAreAble]

Gilbert let it slip that we're a 3-4 defense now.

I'll continue to contest that a transfer who's been on campus a week and practiced five times has unmasked a major scheme change, as opposed to expounding on his primary role within a team that has and will continue to be clearly stated as "multiple". You guys, for God only knows what reasons, refuse to see the obvious, unchanged reality that this team runs a 4-3 base, with situational-specific moves to a 3-4.

This.

Gilbert said he's playing a lot of 9-technique, which is usually what a rush LB does.

DEs in the 4-3 can also play the "wide-9." I believe the Eagles used to utilitze this a lot with Trent Cole.

Yeah the WDE position is flexible.

This all pretty much comes down to gap responsibility.

 

[FullyERicht]

It's been a long offseason, and I for one am not just assuming that guys like Gilbert, McCord, and AQM are gonna play a new position for the first time and THATS what magically saves our defense. Seems like a real reach to me. We couldn't hold up against the Run with 4 DL last year, so I'm not sure what taking one away and having an awkward confused blitz linebacker doing a new job is gonna do in the short term. I also disagree that South Florida is perfect for the 3-4. South Florida has speed at LB, speed at End, not a ton of Huge NT. Defenses here should be Speed Speed Speed.

Your depth chart gives me headaches because there isn't one position on this whole defense that even the biggest homer could say we have any depth at.

Agree. Heat here makes for leaner players. Hard to grow and hold big huge bodies without being fat. Our historic speed came from smaller LBs and DEs. We moved safeties to LB and LBs to DEs. This team is being grown and recruited to play more 3-4. I like our old style, but it just does not work in the Dolfins' house. The OB had short fast rug. Sun Death has taller pasture still rug that negates speed. Our D has gone downhill since Donna lost the OB. Like it or not, we are going bigger and therefore slower. Without our own house, there is no choice. We need Ray Lewis the pro LB now, now Ray Lewis the skinny fast high school safety. Losing the OB killed our old D.

If your team is faster than the other team (which ours always was), they will still be faster than the other team on the slower field; both teams have to play on it.

 

[252cane]

I hope like **** it isn't a full time 3-4. Guys like valentine despite his size is not a nt that guy is to explosive for that,thomas is 6'6 240 and will end up at 260,270 that's not a rush lb or 5 technique.Aqm will likely be at 250 next year and by his jr year 260,265 perfect wde i think it's best will still run the 4-3.

 

[Distructobot3000]

By next year Pierre will grow into the NT to replace Porter. He is already 305. I agree that the personnel in the front is a much better fit for the 3-4....it's reflected in the emphasis on weight gain for the LBs. Quan and McCord are perfect pass rushing 3-4 OLB also but are too small for 4-3 DE and may not be great pass coverage fits for 4-3 OLB.


This is going to be a badass 3-4 when we get depth in place. There is going to be a ****ing unending wave of terrors off the edge at OLB.....AQM?...Figatron....McCord....Chad Thomas....Smith. We are going to beat the crap out of opposing QBs. And with UTough....our ILB will continue to just get bigger and badder like Stanford. We'll have a bunch of brothers hitting like Shayne Skov.

I'm really excited for our team. For the first time Ina decade there is alot to look forward too as a fan...in terms of great direction, infusion if big time talent, matching schemes to talent (rather than 4-3 Over every ****ing year...thanks Randy), great leasdership and direction. I can say I'm honestly very happy to be a fan. We are going to go places....and fast.

Don't forget about Naim Mustafaa and Trent Harris. We are going to have ridiculous depth and versatility at DE and LB very soon..

 

[zone3cane]

I hope like **** it isn't a full time 3-4. Guys like valentine despite his size is not a nt that guy is to explosive for that,thomas is 6'6 240 and will end up at 260,270 that's not a rush lb or 5 technique.Aqm will likely be at 250 next year and by his jr year 260,265 perfect wde i think it's best will still run the 4-3.

it isnt a full time 3-4 defense....

why is everyone acting like this is the 1st year Coach D is going to have 3-4 looks on his defense?? We did it last season. The hybrid 3-4 and the 4-3 under are almost one and the same in this scheme, everyone needs to calm down.

 

[jnw4563]

I hope we show 4-3 for the whole FAU game and break out the 3-4 for the Florida game. Let Florida prepare for the 4-3 & we hit them with the 3-4.

 

[deleted3746]

The whole 4-3 vs 3-4 thing is a moot point. The important thing is our Canes have versatile players that can play in both and there are versatile recruits on the way that can do the same.

 

[BlackKeysFan]

It's been a long offseason, and I for one am not just assuming that guys like Gilbert, McCord, and AQM are gonna play a new position for the first time and THATS what magically saves our defense. Seems like a real reach to me. We couldn't hold up against the Run with 4 DL last year, so I'm not sure what taking one away and having an awkward confused blitz linebacker doing a new job is gonna do in the short term. I also disagree that South Florida is perfect for the 3-4. South Florida has speed at LB, speed at End, not a ton of Huge NT. Defenses here should be Speed Speed Speed.

Your depth chart gives me headaches because there isn't one position on this whole defense that even the biggest homer could say we have any depth at.

Agree. Heat here makes for leaner players. Hard to grow and hold big huge bodies without being fat. Our historic speed came from smaller LBs and DEs. We moved safeties to LB and LBs to DEs. This team is being grown and recruited to play more 3-4. I like our old style, but it just does not work in the Dolfins' house. The OB had short fast rug. Sun Death has taller pasture still rug that negates speed. Our D has gone downhill since Donna lost the OB. Like it or not, we are going bigger and therefore slower. Without our own house, there is no choice. We need Ray Lewis the pro LB now, now Ray Lewis the skinny fast high school safety. Losing the OB killed our old D.

If your team is faster than the other team (which ours always was), they will still be faster than the other team on the slower field; both teams have to play on it.

I don't think has anything to do with different grass. Not sure where that came from. I don't care if we are stronger or faster or neither, as long as we are better. My whole initial ***** session was about the fact that our D hasn't looked like they know where they are supposed to line up or what they are supposed to do, and I'm not a huge fan of moving people around doing crazy **** when we looked confused as **** in a Vanilla cover 2.

 

[Ernie McCracken]

It's been a long offseason, and I for one am not just assuming that guys like Gilbert, McCord, and AQM are gonna play a new position for the first time and THATS what magically saves our defense. Seems like a real reach to me. We couldn't hold up against the Run with 4 DL last year, so I'm not sure what taking one away and having an awkward confused blitz linebacker doing a new job is gonna do in the short term. I also disagree that South Florida is perfect for the 3-4. South Florida has speed at LB, speed at End, not a ton of Huge NT. Defenses here should be Speed Speed Speed.

Your depth chart gives me headaches because there isn't one position on this whole defense that even the biggest homer could say we have any depth at.

Again, I really don't think we're switching to the 3-4 exclusively. The defense still suits the recruiting base. Explosive DTs still fit into the 3-technique (or the SDE), and edge rushers can play the "Elephant" position (or the SAM).

The only guys that might not have a role are the 185-LB high school backers that are going to top off at 220 LBs. Those guys might have a tough time getting recruited unless they're special players, e.g. Sean Spence.

You mean like Jermaine Grace?

I used to think that about Grace but he may end up bigger than we thought.