we are stacked at linebacker....i dont think its a big loss either....we are a safty and shut
down corner away from really making some noise next year....
...and a power TB or FB.
...and a deep kick-off man.
...and a couple of DT's.
...maybe a DE (we could maybe use someone our abundance of undersized DT's).
...better defensive game-plans.
...a couple of our young o-linemen to mature physically (about 20-30 lbs).
Thanks for the mention on Smiley "power", he would be perfect for this style of defense we have now. Weaver and Greene as well, although Green was technically on the corners; like Dwight he had a fantastic nose for the ball. Weaver was such a team leader as well, and that is what this team needs, someone to step up and lead by example.
I remember I took my usual summer vacation and came to ytown during camp. I was watching Weaver and Kevin Brown working with the young players that whole week. I remember them getting in people's faces when they did not get it right, then showing them again. Like I have said in the past ...you can only coach so much, then it is time for the experienced players to take over and show younger players the finer points. I feel this is where the foundation is poured, and the consistency is developed. This is how you build teams that are not going to defeat an eventual national champ one week, and lose to a 1-8 team the next.
It is what has frustrated us (as fans) last season in football and right now in basketball ...consistency. There comes a time when you beat the teams that you are supposed to beat, so that a loss against a quality opponent does not ruin your season.
