JerryBeeds
07-11-2005, 04:40 PM
Spring Recap: Defensive Line
07/11/05
Heading into spring practice, one of the biggest question marks on the South Carolina football team was the defensive line. Seniors George Gause, Preston Thorne, and Darrell Shropshire departed after the 2004 season, but little did anyone know that talented defensive ends Moe Thompson and Kevin Mainord would be kicked off the team for a run-in with the law only a few months later. Many thought these losses would devastate the defensive line, but several new faces came to the forefront and stepped up throughout the spring. In fact, what was thought to be a weakness on this Gamecock football team turned out to be a strength.
The defensive line physically dominated their offensive counterparts throughout spring camp, much to the chagrin of new offensive line coach, John Hunt. Young talents Stanley Doughty and Marque Hall proved to be impact players at the interior positions, while seniors DeAdrian Coley and Charles Silas were effective at the end spots. Depth wasn’t even a problem as David Laggis, Josh Johnson, Jordin Lindsey, Chris Tucker, and Brook Antonio all looked solid in reserve roles. Gamecock Sports Plus was on site for every practice and scrimmage throughout the spring in order to provide fans with the information they crave. The following is a breakdown of the defensive line players during spring camp:
Probable Starters:
Stanley Doughty: By far, the most pleasant surprise on defense this spring was the play of sophomore Stanley Doughty. After playing a limited, reserve role in 2004, where his conditioning was thought to be a problem, Doughty came into spring camp mentally and physically prepared to dominate. He used his combination of size(6-1, 315 lbs.) and strength to clog up the middle on run plays, but he also used his quickness off the line to wreak havoc in the backfield on passing plays. On one occasion, Coach Steve Spurrier even referred to Doughty as “unblockable.” Despite being an underclassman, Doughty assumed a leadership role this spring. He was the most vocal player on the defense all throughout spring camp, and his enthusiasm and swagger rubbed off on the rest of the defensive unit. Doughty finished off a strong spring campaign with a 2 sack performance in the spring game, but he was only allowed to play limited snaps because Spurrier wanted the quarterbacks to have time to get the ball off. At halftime of the Garnet and Black game, Doughty was recognized as the Defensive MVP of the spring. The scary part is that he is still only a sophomore and has yet to scratch the surface of his potential. To become the best player he can be, Doughty could still improve his strength and conditioning, as well as his quickness off the line. Overall, if spring camp was any indication, then Gamecock fans can expect big things from #55 on defense this season.
Overall Grade: A-
Marque Hall: This Wingate, NC product was the jewel of the Gamecock’s 2004 recruiting class, and he showed flashes of his potential during his freshman season. Defensive line coach Tyrone Nix and the rest of the defensive coaching staff expected big things out of Hall in the spring, and he did not disappoint. Hall had a workman-like spring as he quickly adjusted to the new defensive scheme, along with his starting role. Hall, one of the strongest players on the team, uses his impressive combination of strength and quickness to terrorize opposing linemen. Not only is Hall a solid athlete, but he is also quietly becoming a leader on this defense. Although he is not as vocal as Doughty, Hall has earned the respect of his teammates through his work ethic, both on the field and in the weight room. Hall can continue to work on his technique, as well as learn that playing until the whistle blows pays dividends. After all, everyone loves a player whose “Motor never stops running.” Hall concluded the spring with an impressive showing in the Garnet and Black game. He recorded a sack along with two quarterback hurries, but like Doughty, only received limited playing time. The interior of the defensive line appears to be in good hands over the next three years as Marque Hall and Stanley Doughty form quite a tandem.
Overall Grade: B+
DeAdrian Coley: Once Gamecock fans get a glimpse of DeAdrian Coley, they will forget all about Moe Thompson. After an impressive spring showing, many believe that Coley would have beaten Thompson out for a starting job regardless. Coley, a former linebacker, has 4.5 speed to complement his 255 lb. frame of solid muscle. He even recorded the most impressive weight lifting numbers on the team during winter workouts, and it showed throughout spring camp. Coley demanded double teams the entire spring, due to the fact that he abused single coverage. He has incredible acceleration off the line, and uses his strength to shed blockers. Coley will likely face double teams all throughout the 2005 season, but when given the opportunity, he is one of the Gamecock’s best speed-rushers in recent memory. Due to the fact that Coley was an inside linebacker during his junior college days, he is still mastering the technique of playing defensive end. It’s a shame that Coley is a senior, because his best playing days are still ahead of him. The defensive coaching staff will likely move Coley around and use him in different sets to give him the best chance to succeed in 2005.
Overall Grade: A-
Charles Silas: Despite being a highly recruited junior college prospect, Charles Silas learned how difficult it was to earn playing time in the SEC last season. After playing a limited role in 2004, Silas came into spring camp with the starting defensive end job in his sights. He started off the spring well, unfortunately he fractured his left ankle on April 5 and never returned. During the period that he was healthy, Silas showed that he was one of the more consistent players on the defensive line. He is not the most athletically gifted player, but he uses good technique and persistence to apply pressure from the corner. Since DeAdrian Coley will likely see double teams throughout the 2005 season, it is essential that Silas be able to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Overall Grade: Incomplete
Top Reserves:
David Laggis: After Charles Silas went down with injury, nobody knew what to expect from the reserves. Enter David Laggis. The unsung, sophomore defensive end took full advantage of the opportunity at hand by displaying above average quickness off the line, solid technique, and a surprising mean streak when scrimmaging against the offense. The defensive coaching staff took notice, and he will likely be rewarded with some quality playing time in 2005.
Overall Grade: B
Josh Johnson: After taking a one year hiatus from the game of football, Josh Johnson rejoined the Gamecocks this spring. He was impressive in a reserve role as a freshman in 2003, but decided to leave the team for personal reasons before the 2004 season. Johnson showed during the spring that he is a tall, quick, athletic player who can be used as both a linebacker and defensive end. Johnson has a lot of raw talent, but he will need to add muscle to his frame if he wants to challenge for a starting end spot in the future.
Overall Grade: C+
Jordin Lindsey: At 6-4, 227 lbs, Jordin Lindsey is somewhat undersized for a defensive end, but the coaching staff likes his athleticism and quickness off the line. He had a solid spring after making the transition from linebacker to end, but likely won’t see serious playing time until his junior year.
Overall Grade: C+
Chris Tucker: Rising senior, Chris Tucker has played musical chairs the past couple of seasons when it comes to finding a position. The Holtz coaching staff initially had him at defensive tackle, then moved him to offensive line in 2004, but now he finds himself back at his natural position, defensive tackle. Toward the end of the 2003 season, Tucker began to make a name for himself on the defensive line and even earned a starting job at one point. Tucker is more of a run-stopper than a pass rusher, but he provides much needed depth up the middle. He had an impressive spring camp working behind the two young stars and will likely be a valuable player off the bench in 2005.
Overall Grade: B
Brook Antonio: This little-known, senior defensive tackle from Sierra Vista, AZ made a big impression on the new coaching staff. Brook Antonio uses all of his 6-1, 280 lb. frame to clog the middle and has surprising quickness off the line. He even beat out the young, talented Matt Raysor for a spot on the two-deep during the spring. Expect to see Antonio make a solid contribution off the bench in 2005.
Overall Grade: B-
http://www.gamecocksportsplus.com/articles/SpringRecapDefensiveLine05.htm
07/11/05
Heading into spring practice, one of the biggest question marks on the South Carolina football team was the defensive line. Seniors George Gause, Preston Thorne, and Darrell Shropshire departed after the 2004 season, but little did anyone know that talented defensive ends Moe Thompson and Kevin Mainord would be kicked off the team for a run-in with the law only a few months later. Many thought these losses would devastate the defensive line, but several new faces came to the forefront and stepped up throughout the spring. In fact, what was thought to be a weakness on this Gamecock football team turned out to be a strength.
The defensive line physically dominated their offensive counterparts throughout spring camp, much to the chagrin of new offensive line coach, John Hunt. Young talents Stanley Doughty and Marque Hall proved to be impact players at the interior positions, while seniors DeAdrian Coley and Charles Silas were effective at the end spots. Depth wasn’t even a problem as David Laggis, Josh Johnson, Jordin Lindsey, Chris Tucker, and Brook Antonio all looked solid in reserve roles. Gamecock Sports Plus was on site for every practice and scrimmage throughout the spring in order to provide fans with the information they crave. The following is a breakdown of the defensive line players during spring camp:
Probable Starters:
Stanley Doughty: By far, the most pleasant surprise on defense this spring was the play of sophomore Stanley Doughty. After playing a limited, reserve role in 2004, where his conditioning was thought to be a problem, Doughty came into spring camp mentally and physically prepared to dominate. He used his combination of size(6-1, 315 lbs.) and strength to clog up the middle on run plays, but he also used his quickness off the line to wreak havoc in the backfield on passing plays. On one occasion, Coach Steve Spurrier even referred to Doughty as “unblockable.” Despite being an underclassman, Doughty assumed a leadership role this spring. He was the most vocal player on the defense all throughout spring camp, and his enthusiasm and swagger rubbed off on the rest of the defensive unit. Doughty finished off a strong spring campaign with a 2 sack performance in the spring game, but he was only allowed to play limited snaps because Spurrier wanted the quarterbacks to have time to get the ball off. At halftime of the Garnet and Black game, Doughty was recognized as the Defensive MVP of the spring. The scary part is that he is still only a sophomore and has yet to scratch the surface of his potential. To become the best player he can be, Doughty could still improve his strength and conditioning, as well as his quickness off the line. Overall, if spring camp was any indication, then Gamecock fans can expect big things from #55 on defense this season.
Overall Grade: A-
Marque Hall: This Wingate, NC product was the jewel of the Gamecock’s 2004 recruiting class, and he showed flashes of his potential during his freshman season. Defensive line coach Tyrone Nix and the rest of the defensive coaching staff expected big things out of Hall in the spring, and he did not disappoint. Hall had a workman-like spring as he quickly adjusted to the new defensive scheme, along with his starting role. Hall, one of the strongest players on the team, uses his impressive combination of strength and quickness to terrorize opposing linemen. Not only is Hall a solid athlete, but he is also quietly becoming a leader on this defense. Although he is not as vocal as Doughty, Hall has earned the respect of his teammates through his work ethic, both on the field and in the weight room. Hall can continue to work on his technique, as well as learn that playing until the whistle blows pays dividends. After all, everyone loves a player whose “Motor never stops running.” Hall concluded the spring with an impressive showing in the Garnet and Black game. He recorded a sack along with two quarterback hurries, but like Doughty, only received limited playing time. The interior of the defensive line appears to be in good hands over the next three years as Marque Hall and Stanley Doughty form quite a tandem.
Overall Grade: B+
DeAdrian Coley: Once Gamecock fans get a glimpse of DeAdrian Coley, they will forget all about Moe Thompson. After an impressive spring showing, many believe that Coley would have beaten Thompson out for a starting job regardless. Coley, a former linebacker, has 4.5 speed to complement his 255 lb. frame of solid muscle. He even recorded the most impressive weight lifting numbers on the team during winter workouts, and it showed throughout spring camp. Coley demanded double teams the entire spring, due to the fact that he abused single coverage. He has incredible acceleration off the line, and uses his strength to shed blockers. Coley will likely face double teams all throughout the 2005 season, but when given the opportunity, he is one of the Gamecock’s best speed-rushers in recent memory. Due to the fact that Coley was an inside linebacker during his junior college days, he is still mastering the technique of playing defensive end. It’s a shame that Coley is a senior, because his best playing days are still ahead of him. The defensive coaching staff will likely move Coley around and use him in different sets to give him the best chance to succeed in 2005.
Overall Grade: A-
Charles Silas: Despite being a highly recruited junior college prospect, Charles Silas learned how difficult it was to earn playing time in the SEC last season. After playing a limited role in 2004, Silas came into spring camp with the starting defensive end job in his sights. He started off the spring well, unfortunately he fractured his left ankle on April 5 and never returned. During the period that he was healthy, Silas showed that he was one of the more consistent players on the defensive line. He is not the most athletically gifted player, but he uses good technique and persistence to apply pressure from the corner. Since DeAdrian Coley will likely see double teams throughout the 2005 season, it is essential that Silas be able to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Overall Grade: Incomplete
Top Reserves:
David Laggis: After Charles Silas went down with injury, nobody knew what to expect from the reserves. Enter David Laggis. The unsung, sophomore defensive end took full advantage of the opportunity at hand by displaying above average quickness off the line, solid technique, and a surprising mean streak when scrimmaging against the offense. The defensive coaching staff took notice, and he will likely be rewarded with some quality playing time in 2005.
Overall Grade: B
Josh Johnson: After taking a one year hiatus from the game of football, Josh Johnson rejoined the Gamecocks this spring. He was impressive in a reserve role as a freshman in 2003, but decided to leave the team for personal reasons before the 2004 season. Johnson showed during the spring that he is a tall, quick, athletic player who can be used as both a linebacker and defensive end. Johnson has a lot of raw talent, but he will need to add muscle to his frame if he wants to challenge for a starting end spot in the future.
Overall Grade: C+
Jordin Lindsey: At 6-4, 227 lbs, Jordin Lindsey is somewhat undersized for a defensive end, but the coaching staff likes his athleticism and quickness off the line. He had a solid spring after making the transition from linebacker to end, but likely won’t see serious playing time until his junior year.
Overall Grade: C+
Chris Tucker: Rising senior, Chris Tucker has played musical chairs the past couple of seasons when it comes to finding a position. The Holtz coaching staff initially had him at defensive tackle, then moved him to offensive line in 2004, but now he finds himself back at his natural position, defensive tackle. Toward the end of the 2003 season, Tucker began to make a name for himself on the defensive line and even earned a starting job at one point. Tucker is more of a run-stopper than a pass rusher, but he provides much needed depth up the middle. He had an impressive spring camp working behind the two young stars and will likely be a valuable player off the bench in 2005.
Overall Grade: B
Brook Antonio: This little-known, senior defensive tackle from Sierra Vista, AZ made a big impression on the new coaching staff. Brook Antonio uses all of his 6-1, 280 lb. frame to clog the middle and has surprising quickness off the line. He even beat out the young, talented Matt Raysor for a spot on the two-deep during the spring. Expect to see Antonio make a solid contribution off the bench in 2005.
Overall Grade: B-
http://www.gamecocksportsplus.com/articles/SpringRecapDefensiveLine05.htm