05-02-2022, 11:00 AM
I agree with lex24 that it all starts up front, on both sides of the ball. As I just posted in another thread, there is much that needs to happen for that, spanning recruiting, coaching, strength and conditioning, and player retention, at the very least. I am struggling to see the theory of the case for how this is going to get markedly better but hope has to spring eternal until some alternative presents itself.
For 2022, there is a plausible case for optimism for the offensive line and none (even that's mild) for the defensive line. For 2023, if our "seniors" depart then offensive line is in for a rebuild and just how much we have with DL remains to be seen based on what players show this year and how much they can mature year-on-year. More fundamentally/long-term, both positions have deteriorated in recruiting compared to what Shaw built in the 2012-2017 recruiting classes and there is scant evidence the 2023 recruiting class will return to the 2012-2017 standards at OL or DL recruiting. The culture, nastiness, and strength and conditioning standard don't seem to be what they once were.
For 2022, there is a plausible case for optimism for the offensive line and none (even that's mild) for the defensive line. For 2023, if our "seniors" depart then offensive line is in for a rebuild and just how much we have with DL remains to be seen based on what players show this year and how much they can mature year-on-year. More fundamentally/long-term, both positions have deteriorated in recruiting compared to what Shaw built in the 2012-2017 recruiting classes and there is scant evidence the 2023 recruiting class will return to the 2012-2017 standards at OL or DL recruiting. The culture, nastiness, and strength and conditioning standard don't seem to be what they once were.