[SamuelMcF]

14 linebackers on scholarship now, none of whom are true freshmen. Plus Keck and Caleb Phillips and a few other walk-ons. Not bad. Can any of these guys play on the defensive line in an emergency? Because, um, the defensive line is really looking like an emergency if Williams and Swann leave. A lot of them played d-line in high school (Umerah, Kaufusi, DiCosmo, Andres Fox), but none of their listed weights scream "lineman." Can any of the defensive ends play tackle at least? Could the Opening Day depth chart (if everyone is healthy) at defensive tackle be
DWP
true freshman Tobin Phillips
end of list
?

We are in nickel 80+% of the time, and "DT" and "DE" designations don't matter much in a 2-4-5. Ideally it's 2 monster 300 pounders who swallow up blocks (think Vita Vea and Greg Gaines on UW's crazy good D a couple years ago). However, Thomas Booker was one of the 2 A LOT this past year (usually him and Williams) and did just fine.

We need our OLBs to be on the heavier end (over 240/245) in order to contain the edge/work the tackle in run D in such a scheme. For example, Peter Kalambayi and Casey Toohill both weighed 247, Chase Thomas weighed 248, and Trent Murphy weighed 260. (Tobe Umerah weighs 244 and I'm excited about what he can do if he stays healthy.) I believe that was the original reasoning for Andres Fox to move to OLB, as he was basically already the ideal size for the position at 6'4" 250+. My theory is that he redshirted the season to put on weight and move back to DL, but am not sure.

[SamuelMcF]

14 linebackers on scholarship now, none of whom are true freshmen. Plus Keck and Caleb Phillips and a few other walk-ons. Not bad. Can any of these guys play on the defensive line in an emergency? Because, um, the defensive line is really looking like an emergency if Williams and Swann leave. A lot of them played d-line in high school (Umerah, Kaufusi, DiCosmo, Andres Fox), but none of their listed weights scream "lineman." Can any of the defensive ends play tackle at least? Could the Opening Day depth chart (if everyone is healthy) at defensive tackle be
DWP
true freshman Tobin Phillips
end of list
?

We are in nickel 80+% of the time, and "DT" and "DE" designations don't matter much in a 2-4-5. Ideally it's 2 monster 300 pounders who swallow up blocks (think Vita Vea and Greg Gaines on UW's crazy good D a couple years ago). However, Thomas Booker was one of the 2 A LOT this past year (usually him and Williams) and did just fine.

We need our OLBs to be on the heavier end (over 240/245) in order to contain the edge/work the tackle in run D in such a scheme. For example, Peter Kalambayi and Casey Toohill both weighed 247, Chase Thomas weighed 248, and Trent Murphy weighed 260. (Tobe Umerah weighs 244 and I'm excited about what he can do if he stays healthy.) I believe that was the original reasoning for Andres Fox to move to OLB, as he was basically already the ideal size for the position at 6'4" 250+. My theory is that he redshirted the season to put on weight and move back to DL, but am not sure.