[CardinalSagehen]

As for the switch to the 4-3 defense, it feels like a crazy time to announce that because the dline tank has never been so empty in terms of returning production, but hopefilly the youngsters can surprise us. To me the switch to a 4-3 feels overdue — teams have been tearing up our front 7 for years (forever) and it felt like we just didn’t have the bulk up front to face an Alabama, not that I aee that happening anytime soon. But I like the new direction and to some degree it may be a multiyear journey where our 4-3 helps us recruit more of the right kinds of d linemen.

I agree. Our run defense was so incredibly poor last season. I don't lament the lack of returning production or experience on the D-line, and I welcome any change of scheme. We were at the stage of needing a complete rebuild. No one is denying that Booker was great, but as a unit, we were horrible in the front 7.

I'm glad that guys like Tobin Phillips and our many young Edges will have the opportunity to show everyone what they can do in a new scheme. It would have been more depressing if we had all the same personnel returning under exactly the same scheme.

[CardinalSagehen]

As for the switch to the 4-3 defense, it feels like a crazy time to announce that because the dline tank has never been so empty in terms of returning production, but hopefilly the youngsters can surprise us. To me the switch to a 4-3 feels overdue — teams have been tearing up our front 7 for years (forever) and it felt like we just didn’t have the bulk up front to face an Alabama, not that I aee that happening anytime soon. But I like the new direction and to some degree it may be a multiyear journey where our 4-3 helps us recruit more of the right kinds of d linemen.

I agree. Our run defense was so incredibly poor last season. I don't lament the lack of returning production or experience on the D-line, and I welcome any change of scheme. We were at the stage of needing a complete rebuild. No one is denying that Booker was great, but as a unit, we were horrible in the front 7.

I'm glad that guys like Tobin Phillips and our many young Edges will have the opportunity to show everyone what they can do in a new scheme. It would have been more depressing if we had all the same personnel returning under exactly the same scheme.