I couldn't help but notice and think during the LSU game about the Tiger Middle Linebacker. He was rolled to MLB from a Defensive End position. He was large and could run, hit, and tackle. We usually spin players down. I wonder when, if, that stops.
I wasn't impressed with Pete Robertson this year. He got some pub last year for his sacks. Was he unproductive this year because he loafed or was he unproductive this year, because people were prepared for him and he was woefully undersized for his position. We talk 3-4 and 4-3, but if your playing a 4-3 with one of your 4 the size of a LB, your playing a 3-4. Did we do Pete a disservice? Were we playing him at DE because we had to? I know the answer is probably yes, but how would Pete have looked at MLB or a true outside LB? We have the RS frosh last year that was a safety but we are spinning him down to LB. Demetrius Alston was a DE forced into playing DT. To me, at sometime, we need to play the player where the player fits physically.
There are always exceptions, but more often than not, guys fit they eye test in ability and position. I remember back when we got the big Tongan RB, cannot remember his name. He made a name breaking helmets as a big RB in the spring, only to end up playing Nose Tackle in passing situations, SERIOUSLY. He was man strong and we put him one place on the field where everyone around him was bigger and stronger.
Mike Mitchell, not football smart to play LB so he is a DE. I don't want to open that can of worms, everyone has an opinion. I just know we have to reduce the attrition we face on defense. Just this season Andre Ross, Josh Outlaw, Jalen Barnes, and Derrick Dixon. What I'm reading about Gary Moore isn't sounding good.
I just think we have to put these players in positions where success can be achieved, where they are not out-matched physically. I know some kids grow naturally, Damon Wickware came here as a safety and left here as a defensive tackle, it happens. I just would have liked to see what Pete could have done at a more natural position, fitted to his size and speed. He would've been a pretty fast, 240lb MLB.
I'll bet on draft day, he wishes there was more film on him like that as well.
Hearing Kholin Hill is going to be a DE. I think the frustrating thing to me about Mitchell, (here I go) is we have a body that looks like other teams LBs and we spin him down to DE. Happy players stick around, did that have a lot to do with his motor and give a shit?
I wasn't impressed with Pete Robertson this year. He got some pub last year for his sacks. Was he unproductive this year because he loafed or was he unproductive this year, because people were prepared for him and he was woefully undersized for his position. We talk 3-4 and 4-3, but if your playing a 4-3 with one of your 4 the size of a LB, your playing a 3-4. Did we do Pete a disservice? Were we playing him at DE because we had to? I know the answer is probably yes, but how would Pete have looked at MLB or a true outside LB? We have the RS frosh last year that was a safety but we are spinning him down to LB. Demetrius Alston was a DE forced into playing DT. To me, at sometime, we need to play the player where the player fits physically.
There are always exceptions, but more often than not, guys fit they eye test in ability and position. I remember back when we got the big Tongan RB, cannot remember his name. He made a name breaking helmets as a big RB in the spring, only to end up playing Nose Tackle in passing situations, SERIOUSLY. He was man strong and we put him one place on the field where everyone around him was bigger and stronger.
Mike Mitchell, not football smart to play LB so he is a DE. I don't want to open that can of worms, everyone has an opinion. I just know we have to reduce the attrition we face on defense. Just this season Andre Ross, Josh Outlaw, Jalen Barnes, and Derrick Dixon. What I'm reading about Gary Moore isn't sounding good.
I just think we have to put these players in positions where success can be achieved, where they are not out-matched physically. I know some kids grow naturally, Damon Wickware came here as a safety and left here as a defensive tackle, it happens. I just would have liked to see what Pete could have done at a more natural position, fitted to his size and speed. He would've been a pretty fast, 240lb MLB.
I'll bet on draft day, he wishes there was more film on him like that as well.
Hearing Kholin Hill is going to be a DE. I think the frustrating thing to me about Mitchell, (here I go) is we have a body that looks like other teams LBs and we spin him down to DE. Happy players stick around, did that have a lot to do with his motor and give a shit?
