06-05-2022, 09:04 PM
Yeah, DL performance has declined markedly since then.
@Matt, you point out just how hard it is to have a top-20 defense, at least in the West Coast. The fact that it has been done, of course, presages that it could be done. And, we should aspire for not just a competent defense, but an excellent one. That being said, things have gotten so bad that even a below average defense would be an improvement, and aspiring to mediocrity, at least in the mid term, would represent a substantial improvement over what we have now.
Like you, I was happy to see that the 2022 recruiting class brought with it quality and depth at defense. It could be the start of the improvement we seek. However, in order to see that, we need to have sustained recruiting results. Not just “have a good year and take a year off mentality”. If we can have two back-to-back good recruiting classes, it would predict improvement in three or so years. I think we would need three solid classes in a row, plus a couple difference makers, plus retention on the back end in order to get a top-20 type season. And, as you point out, we need a better coordinator and assistants.
BC
@Matt, you point out just how hard it is to have a top-20 defense, at least in the West Coast. The fact that it has been done, of course, presages that it could be done. And, we should aspire for not just a competent defense, but an excellent one. That being said, things have gotten so bad that even a below average defense would be an improvement, and aspiring to mediocrity, at least in the mid term, would represent a substantial improvement over what we have now.
Like you, I was happy to see that the 2022 recruiting class brought with it quality and depth at defense. It could be the start of the improvement we seek. However, in order to see that, we need to have sustained recruiting results. Not just “have a good year and take a year off mentality”. If we can have two back-to-back good recruiting classes, it would predict improvement in three or so years. I think we would need three solid classes in a row, plus a couple difference makers, plus retention on the back end in order to get a top-20 type season. And, as you point out, we need a better coordinator and assistants.
BC