All of this talk of development is fine...but we are in December of Al's third recruiting class and he hasn't landed a single projectable impact defensive tackle prospect.
We can continue to blow smoke up all of our asses, but its a serious point of discussion at this point. This class cycle isn't over yet, but, its worrisome.
It was pretty unanimous that this class needed to feature multiple prospects at the position with at least one being ready to be ready to contribute significantly from Day 1. Lets not move the goal post.
No one is moving the goal posts. This class needed a Keith Bryant and/or a JuCo guy. I wouldn't really talk about his first class.
The relevant point to that, which is what is being discussed, is whether or not there is an impact DT on the roster that hasn't developed. Personally, I think Pierre may be that guy. I think we'll find out more next year and then on draft day in April of 2014.
I care nothing about draft prospectus...I care about collegiate production...draft position isn't about what you've done, its about what you will do...
As for impact DTs on the roster, its my assumption we have potential contributors, guys who will be good collegiate players, but no guys that project as legitimate impact defensive tackles. The All-American, the Lombardi, the Bednarik Award finalist, the legitimate, unanimous first-team All-Conference player...we need to get those guys and we haven't done it yet, and this class, in December, doesn't have one...even if it does get a Keith Bryant, that defensive tackle prospect won't project to that level for at least 3 years down the road. Meanwhile, Miami's going to continue struggling on defense to an extent because it lacks these types of players.
I said we'll find out more this year. The mention of his draft status was a reference to future validation that he's "the" talent we're discussing.
Aside from that, wasn't Jelani a 4* and wasn't Mccord a 4*? Ideally, they'd both have taken shirts and grown into their natural positions/impact, but if we see flashes from them this upcoming year and/or the next, don't they fit into the category you seek? Another point is that there are a slew of 2* and 3* guys that ball out - impact in college - later in their career. Are we writing off Ivery, King (despite being a Buddha on Wheels this year), and Moore already? Would it be that hard to believe that one of those guys makes a jump 2-3 years into college?
What's weird is some of you guys are making this into the rest of us saying we don't need further help...immediately. Obviously, we do. I just don't think it's as dire as it is being made out to be.
As I mentioned, Hamilton and McCord aren't DTs, which is really, what this thread is about.
As for the mention development...Miami should be in win-now mode...this team skipped two bowl games under Golden, so, once we are free and clear of the Bowl bans, we should be seeing this team play in significant football games.
And, sure, some guys develop, but those should be considered "nice surprises" moreover banking anything on them, especially this early in their career. Personally, I think Moore is the best of the bunch, but he's got a ceiling.
As for how dire the situation is...I disagree...I think it is need #1...pass rushers coming in #2 before a big drop off elsewhere.
