03-19-2014, 08:51 AM
...at outside linebacker if Anderson goes down or Vaughters' play doesn't match up to his physique.  Remember, we were setting the edge with 6'6"/260 lb. Trent Murphy who spent most of his career playing out of his skull. And, although designated a linebacker, he was more like a standup DE.
If Anderson goes down or Vaughters doesn't raise his game close to Trent M level we have:
Noor Davis: 6'4"Â 230Â 2 years exp.
Kalambayi:Â 6'3"Â 240Â 1 yr. exp redshirt
Kevin Palma 6'2" 240 1 yr. exp redshirt Move from ILB?
Mike Tyler  6'5" 225 1 yr. exp redshirt
Joey Alfieri  6'2" 210 0 experience
Bobby Okereki 6'3" 205 0 experience
Of course, short of a team bus crash or freakishly prodigious talent , Alfieri and Okereke aren't going to see the field in 2014. Tyler, recovering from a HS senior injury last year, got praise for his mental grasp of the position after the 1st session of Spring ball. This might indicate talent that separates him from the other contenders down the road, but it probably just an attaboy from the coach. Unless his weight is wrong, only playing speed would separate him from the others. Still too light. Noor Davis was highly rated as a recruit but hasn't truly broken out, yet. Reports of the light not coming on in the mental game, but who knows really? So the logical candidates left are Kalambayi and your theoretical move of Palma outside. Both about the same weight at roster posting time, Kalambayi an inch taller.
So it comes down to which of those two has something extra. Setting the edge on the run is going to be tough for either against good OL play and schemes. Trent combined size and strength with very good playing speed ( supposedly lost ground in the NFL combine 40 time, regained a lot of respect with a very quick 3-cone drill, which is more indicative of the skills and quickness for a pass rushing player.) If none of these two guys are really at an ideal playing weight for the position, then I think it comes down to quickness and playing speed. Does Palma have an edge on Kalambayi in that?  Maybe we'll find out.
If Anderson goes down or Vaughters doesn't raise his game close to Trent M level we have:
Noor Davis: 6'4"Â 230Â 2 years exp.
Kalambayi:Â 6'3"Â 240Â 1 yr. exp redshirt
Kevin Palma 6'2" 240 1 yr. exp redshirt Move from ILB?
Mike Tyler  6'5" 225 1 yr. exp redshirt
Joey Alfieri  6'2" 210 0 experience
Bobby Okereki 6'3" 205 0 experience
Of course, short of a team bus crash or freakishly prodigious talent , Alfieri and Okereke aren't going to see the field in 2014. Tyler, recovering from a HS senior injury last year, got praise for his mental grasp of the position after the 1st session of Spring ball. This might indicate talent that separates him from the other contenders down the road, but it probably just an attaboy from the coach. Unless his weight is wrong, only playing speed would separate him from the others. Still too light. Noor Davis was highly rated as a recruit but hasn't truly broken out, yet. Reports of the light not coming on in the mental game, but who knows really? So the logical candidates left are Kalambayi and your theoretical move of Palma outside. Both about the same weight at roster posting time, Kalambayi an inch taller.
So it comes down to which of those two has something extra. Setting the edge on the run is going to be tough for either against good OL play and schemes. Trent combined size and strength with very good playing speed ( supposedly lost ground in the NFL combine 40 time, regained a lot of respect with a very quick 3-cone drill, which is more indicative of the skills and quickness for a pass rushing player.) If none of these two guys are really at an ideal playing weight for the position, then I think it comes down to quickness and playing speed. Does Palma have an edge on Kalambayi in that?  Maybe we'll find out.