Ufomba Kamalu could be the key to our Defensive Line.

[Hstokes1447]

I really like Ufomba Kamalu at 6'5 280 running 4.65 he has great size and speed combination. He recorded 54 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles. He is a very versatile lineman playing DT & DE on the JUCO level. He was the Defensive MVP in the title game and he comes to us as a redshirt sophmore.

This kid has only been playing football for a few years so he is still raw with huge upside. If this kid can put on 10 more pounds and take the next step as a DT he will do wonders to the rotation.

The biggest reason why this team didn't record more sacks last season was because of the lack of pass rush from the inside. When the rush would get there from the outside QB's would simply step up in the pocket for safety. Ufomba can change that instantly increasing the number of sacks and interceptions due to the inside pressure.

Ufomba effect.
1. Help the rotation
2. Allow the staff to redshirt Moore & or Ivey
3. Add a much needed pass rusher inside.
4. Create class separation.

Possible DT rotation if Ufomba works out.
1. Olsen Pierre JR
2. Curtis Porter SR
3. Luther Robinson SR
4. Ufomba Kamalu RSO
5. Corey King RSO

For the future of this team we desperately need to redshirt a 1 or 2 of the true sophmore DT's on this team. If not the 2015 team could have 5 SR defensive tackles. We can not afford to have such a one sided classification at that position. Ufomba can be the answer if not we will have to bring in at least 1 JUCO DT every class for the next 3 years to get the numbers where they should be.

 

[pcitycane]

Good post, I just haven't seen enough of the guy to say he's already gonna be ahead of those other guys on the depth chart.

 

[bobbydigius]

Good post, I just haven't seen enough of the guy to say he's already gonna be ahead of those other guys on the depth chart.

You have to like the kid's upside but at this point calling him the key to our DL is a stretch, and that is putting it nicely. The kid is very very raw and has no technique. Unless the kid is an absolute phenom I would not expect too much from him this year.

 

[bacane]

Wow, 4.65 - is that legit or confirmed?

 

[bransuperpower]

they need to red shirt the whole dline

 

[sotacane22]

what does tracy howard run ?

 

[Hstokes1447]

Good post, I just haven't seen enough of the guy to say he's already gonna be ahead of those other guys on the depth chart.

You have to like the kid's upside but at this point calling him the key to our DL is a stretch, and that is putting it nicely. The kid is very very raw and has no technique. Unless the kid is an absolute phenom I would not expect too much from him this year.

I use the term key because his impact can effect this team in multiple ways. In no way I believe he will come in and dominate but I do believe he can come in and beat Moore and Ivey for playing time. Those 2 guys are simply not ready and need at least another year to develop before they can be counted on. If Ufomba can keep those guys on the sidelines that will be HUGE for this team. Also if he can provide some push up the middle that will give the defensive ends a chance to record more sacks and pressures.

So they key would be him adding pressure up the middle and keeping Moore & Ivey off the field. This team can add some separation in the class at DT putting this team in great shap numbers wise for the next few years. I can't stress enough how important that will be. 2014 DT situation could be 2 SR's, 3 JR's 2 SO's & 2 FR's. if this staff is not able to redshirt Moore and Ivey we will be looking at a 2014 DT line up of 2 SR's, 5 JR's & 2 FR. That would be a nightmare in terms of numbers. So yes as sad as it is Ufomba holds the key to the DT situation in more ways than one.

 

[pcitycane]

I see what you mean but I think kamalu is more than likely the one to be redshirted.

 

[datdude81]

they need to red shirt the whole dline

LOL well

I haven't seen Kamalu I hope he is up being like what Werner was for FSU...
I am ready to change this thing...it is getting old being a 10 year loser and all I keep hearing is "we have a long way to go"

 

[Hstokes1447]

I see what you mean but I think kamalu is more than likely the one to be redshirted.

He already used his redshirt as a freshman at Butler so he will not be eligible to redshirt again. The only DT's on this team that are eligible for a redshirt are Pierre, Moore, and Ivey.

 

[bobbydigius]

Good post, I just haven't seen enough of the guy to say he's already gonna be ahead of those other guys on the depth chart.

You have to like the kid's upside but at this point calling him the key to our DL is a stretch, and that is putting it nicely. The kid is very very raw and has no technique. Unless the kid is an absolute phenom I would not expect too much from him this year.

I use the term key because his impact can effect this team in multiple ways. In no way I believe he will come in and dominate but I do believe he can come in and beat Moore and Ivey for playing time. Those 2 guys are simply not ready and need at least another year to develop before they can be counted on. If Ufomba can keep those guys on the sidelines that will be HUGE for this team. Also if he can provide some push up the middle that will give the defensive ends a chance to record more sacks and pressures.

So they key would be him adding pressure up the middle and keeping Moore & Ivey off the field. This team can add some separation in the class at DT putting this team in great shap numbers wise for the next few years. I can't stress enough how important that will be. 2014 DT situation could be 2 SR's, 3 JR's 2 SO's & 2 FR's. if this staff is not able to redshirt Moore and Ivey we will be looking at a 2014 DT line up of 2 SR's, 5 JR's & 2 FR. That would be a nightmare in terms of numbers. So yes as sad as it is Ufomba holds the key to the DT situation in more ways than one.

Another thing is that he is kinda lite right now to do what our scheme would ask him to do. He will get some looks there just because of the glaring holes we have there, but I see him more as Jumbo end for us.

 

[pcitycane]

I see what you mean but I think kamalu is more than likely the one to be redshirted.

He already used his redshirt as a freshman at Butler so he will not be eligible to redshirt again. The only DT's on this team that are eligible for a redshirt are Pierre, Moore, and Ivey.

Ah, wasn't even factoring that in. Hope he can contribute.

 

[bransuperpower]

what does tracy howard run ?

i seached hard for this the only time i have see was a 4.6 but i knew he wasnt a blazing speed guy from the begining

 

[JHallCanes]

Wow, 4.65 - is that legit or confirmed?

No way in **** he runs a 4.65.

I really like his versatility though and this staff is doing well with these hidden talents so I'm optimistic.

 

[TheMatador]

what does tracy howard run ?

'bout that. Maybe you thnkin' of movin him to DT? And Ufumbo or whatever his name is to CB?

Kinda like when Richard Gordon was returning kickoffs. I liked that, I was waiting to see him break out like Devin Hester.

 

[Spidercane]

This isn't a knock on the OP but I remember a year ago the same exact things were being said about Moore, Ivey and Briscoe.

 

[deleted3746]

Disagree with the OP.

A healthy Curtis Porter is a bigger key.

A consistent Luther Robinson without Papa Robinson's ****ery is a bigger key.

And the continued progression of Olsen Pierre is a bigger key.

 

[canecountry3]

Good post. I can appreciate solid conversations about the Canes.

However, this is the line of thinking that has Canes fans burying rising true Sophomore DTs because they weren't playing like Nick Fairley as Freshmen.

Defensive Tackles (ESPECIALLY DTs, among some other positions) take time to develop. Typically in college DTs don't show out until their JR or SR years, often kids who have been in college 3 or 4 years.

Do Kamalu a favor - forgetting for a moment he couldn't care less what the message board experts say - and don't put any expectations on him.

 

[Hstokes1447]

Good post. I can appreciate solid conversations about the Canes.

However, this is the line of thinking that has Canes fans burying rising true Sophomore DTs because they weren't playing like Nick Fairley as Freshmen.

Defensive Tackles (ESPECIALLY DTs, among some other positions) take time to develop. Typically in college DTs don't show out until their JR or SR years, often kids who have been in college 3 or 4 years.

Do Kamalu a favor - forgetting for a moment he couldn't care less what the message board experts say - and don't put any expectations on him.

My point is not to say he will come in and dominate my point is IF he can take the 5th rotation spot away from Moore or Ivey that will be huge for the DT position. As you said it takes DT's at least 3 years out of high school before they should be expected to make a impact on a team. Well Ufomba is 3 years removed from high school where Moore and Ivey are not. Moore and Ivey still need at least one more year to develop, so if Ufomba can come in and earn a spot in the rotation that will allow the staff to redshirt those guys giving them a chance to fully develop.

I hate having to see DT's forced into action before they are ready. I personally would like to see this team get to a place where Defensive Lineman don't see the field until their redshirt sophmore year. So my point is not to put huge expectations on this kid all I realistic see is 15 playes a game. If in those 15 playes he can make playes like he made at the JUCO level getting pressure on the QB that will create more sacks and turnovers. 1 more sack or 1 more turnover a game last season and this could be a 9 win team vs a 7 win team.

 

[Hstokes1447]

Disagree with the OP.

A healthy Curtis Porter is a bigger key.

A consistent Luther Robinson without Papa Robinson's ****ery is a bigger key.

And the continued progression of Olsen Pierre is a bigger key.

I totally agree with you and I think you are completely missing my point. Ufomba will not be expected to dominate he will be expected to do 2 things.

1. Get pressure up the middle (something he consistently did at the JUCO level)
2. Keep Moore & Ivey off the field. (Not writing them off but they both are still at least a year away from being ready to produce on a high level)

15-20 solid plays a game can make a world of a difference if he can get pressure on the QB this will create sacks and turnovers.

I think the one thing no one is paying attention to is if Moore or Ivey do not redshirt we will lose our entire DT rotation in 2 seasons. With the staff not bringing in a freshman DT in 2013 class this could be the makings of a huge issue that could take 3 recruiting classes to solve. Ufomba is the only player who can help change this problem and that what makes him the key to the DT situation.

There are only 3 DT's on this roster eligible for a redshirt thats Pierre, Moore, and Ivey. Also with the way recruiting is going now i think this staff plans on bringing in 1 JUCO and 2 FR's. if this happens 2014 DT line up could have 2 very different looks.

2014 if Ufomba can take the 5th rotation spot
1 SR (if Grimble stays at DE)
3 JR
2 SO
2 FR

2014 if Ufomba can not take the spot
1 SR
5 JR
2 FR

If this happens this staff will have to bring in at least 2 JUCO DT's in 2015 but with the recent issues with landing top notch JUCO DT's I would hate to be in this situation. This team can not afford to be rebuilding the DT position in 2016. Some smart roster management must take place NOW and I'm sorry to say this but Ufomba is the key to that.