DT: D
Returning: Jenkins (JR), Moten (JR), Norton (SO), Willis (RS SO), McIntosh (SO), Fines (RS FR)
Norton looked like a future stud last season. This group does not lack talent but losing 2 veteran starters will hurt our depth. This group has potential to be much better than last year with the addition of Willis and continued development from Moten, Jenkins, McIntosh and Norton. I feel a lot better with coach Kool developing these kids. No seniors in this group so they could be the strength of the defense by 2017 if everyone returns .
Lost: Hertelou, Kamalu, Wyche, Moore, Hamilton
Hertelou and Kamalu were 2 guys that I really liked although their production were not great under the previous staff, then again what DT did well under coach D at Miami? The other 3 were none factors but losing 2 starters and 3 backups will hurt the depth at the position.
Signed: Martin
We missed on all our major targets and Kool was only able to pull in one player that he had a previous relationship with from Missouri. Martin seems like a RS candidate at 265 but Kool seems to like him so hopefully he will develop and contribute in a couple of years. Bethel may end up at DT as well but will see. 2017 will need to be a big year for DT, Jon Ford is a good start.
Why D: We needed 2 DTs and got only one who is a project. Golden was unable to secure any before getting fired and Richt was unable to get any of his main targets down the final stretch.
DE: A+
Returning: Thomas (JR), AQM (RS JR), Harris (JR), Jackson (RS SO), Patchan (RS FR)
This is a very talent group with a high ceiling. Thomas and AQM are players who have potential to dominate a game. Harris is a solid player and Jackson can be a play maker. Patchan should be able to provide quality depth after RS and recovering from his knee injury.
Lost: Kamalu, McCord
Kamalu and McCord played some at DE but other than that we return a ton of talent. McCord had to play a lot at LB last season so losing him will not hurt as much.
Signed: Jackson, Bethel
Jackson and Bethel are 2 of my favorite recruits from this class. Not as much hype as the WRs but they are definitely just as talented. These 2 are big both DEs and may be able to slide inside down the road if needed.
Why A+: We needed 2 DEs and got 2 really good ones. Both has great size and speed and are very athletic.
LB: A+
Returning: Grace (SR), Owens (JR), Young (JR), Gayot (JR), Perry (SO), King (SO), Gordinier (RS FR), Smith (RS SO), McCray (RS SO)
Grace, Owens, and Young should be a solid starting lineup. This is one of the biggest, fastest and most athletic groups we've had in a while. Depth is a concern with Gayot coming back from injury and no one else has much experience. The incoming class should help with that.
Lost: Kirby, McCord
Kirby's impact will not felt as much on the field since he missed half of last season with a knee injury, but his leadership will be missed. Grace will need to step up the senior leader. McCord will be missed as a pass rusher but if Owens is healthy we should not miss a beat.
Signed: Shaq, Zach, Pinckney
This is the best position we signed in 2016. 3 studs that are physically and mentally ready to contribute right away.
Why A+: We needed 3-4 LBs and got 3 really good ones, one at each position. They are all very athletic and physically ready.
CB: D
Returning: Corn (SR), Redwine (SO), Jackson (SO), Mayes (RS SO), Henley (SO)
Corn will need to stay healthy and Redwine and Jackson needs to take the next step to try and replace Burns and Howard. Haven't seen much from Mayes and Henley but hopefully they can provide some depth and be ready if needed.
Lost: Burns, Howard
Losing 2 of top 3 CB will be tough to replace in 2016. This is the position that I'm most concerned about on the defense going into the season.
Signed: Young
Losing Jackson and Byrd hurt a lot as we needed a couple guys who can come in right to compete and contribute significantly. Young should be a solid nickle but will need to learn fast as he will most likely be needed in 2016. We may need to try a couple of our safety at corner as well to provide more depth.
Why D: We needed 2-3 CBs and ended with one. Not finding a replacement for Jackson and Wiggins and losing Bryd at the end really hurt our depth for the next couple years. Major area of need for SQUAD17.
S: B
Returning: Jenkins (RS SR), Carter (SR), Johnson (SO), Knowles (RS FR)
Jenkins and Carter can be very good this year. The talent is there but consistency is needed. Depth is a major concern here with Johnson been the only other player who has any college experience. The incoming class will need to compete and contribute right away.
Lost: Bush, Crawford
Bush was a playmaker for us and will be sorely missed. He made plays at S and on ST, one of my favorite players on the team. Crawford was a leader on the team but his lack of speed will not be missed.
Signed: Wright, Finley, James
Wright has a higher ceiling than Crawford and Finley is very talented as well. James seems like a guy with a lot of potential but may need a couple of years before he can contribute. My guess is Finley and Wright will be needed in 2016 and hopefully Jeff will get a RS.
Why B: We needed 2-3 Ss and ended with 3. Finley and Wright will be good players and Jeff has good potential for the future.
