There is always this great debate when it comes to linemen. Are you better off turning them into outstanding offensive linemen or trying to make them into defensive linemen?We had this discussion with Slocum, who showed very well on both sides of the ball, and we have it now with William Campbell.
Most high school linemen who have any talent
play both ways at least part of the time. What college scouts and recruiters must decide is what side of the ball he has the most talent and on what side of the ball.Our experience that big athletes who have the skill set to be defensive linemen are much harder to find than offensive line. The athletes/players who have skill set to be potential elite, or difference maker defenders are even more difficult to find. Many jumbo athletes just do not have that explosive first step that is necessary to be exceptional defensive linemen. Not saying that explosion is not important to play offensive line because it is a huge help, but it is a necessity to be an elite defensive linemen.
You can be an exceptional offensive tackle with good quick and ability to play with bent knees. Defensive linemen need to get off the ball in a flash. They have to be able to get their hands on the defender before the offensive linemen can set up, or they are beat before they start. This type of skill, quick hands, and explosion is truly hard to find in jumbo athletes.
Final thing is what we call a defensive mentality. You need the nasty edge mentality that it takes to be elite level defender. You can be an excellent offensive lineman with a slightly mild temperament. In fact, some offensive line coaches prefer those even tempered focused athletes at offensive linemen.
To play defensive line you need a giant chip on your shoulder. You need to be the type of player that makes opponents play with their head on swivel, always wanting to know where that nasty “SOB” is so he does not rip my head off. That is what separates defensive linemen from offensive linemen most, ATTITUDE.
When you get a jumbo athlete with skill set and attitude, you do not give up on them early. In fact have talked to many college coaches who have said if player has ability to good defensive linemen, they will switch, even if he has ability to excellent offensive linemen. Defensive linemen are that difficult to find. When you find one you, want to use him to make your defense better. That one position can make a good defense into a great defense especially if the offensive line has to double-team him every play and that will free up your other players such as a blitzing linebacker or another defensive lineman.
Our hope is that William Campbell stays at defensive tackle because he can be a game changer and something Michigan has been lacking for along time. Probably since Mike Hammerstein from Wapakoneta, Ohio in the mid 80's. A great defensive tackle can make a good defense into a great defense.
written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine
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7 comments:
Rob Renes was one of the best dt's michigan has ever had. Wrestlers make great dlmen, Alan Branch wasnt too shabby either
Oh i want him at DT, with him and Mike Martin i feel good about our D Line, now just add a few more D.E's
Gsimmons85:
Renes was a pretty good player and a good DT, but not a great (Glen Dorsey/Warren Sapp) type of player who I think Campbell can be that type of player where the defense has to worry every play where he is along with having to double team him on every play.
Don't get me wrong I am not putting him in that category yet, but he has the "potential" to be a great one. One thing that seperates the great ones from the good ones a lot of times is the desire and what they do in the off-season. If he contiues to work hard he has a bright future.
Gsimmons85:
Forgot about your comment about Branch. I agree Branch was another really good defensive linemen, but he also could have been so much better if he would have dedicated himself in the off-season. He went from a top 5 pick to way down just because of being out of shape. His work ethic has been a question mark as well and he always seemed to wear down as the games went on just like Gabe Watson who seemed could only play several plays in a row before taking himself out of the game.
Cash:
I agree with you that Martin and Campbell could be a great package on the defensive line. Those type of guys can make a good defense great and will make the other players around them better. Will make LB's better because they will be able to blitz untouched because the offensive line is worried about the two big guys in the middle along with making the defensive ends better as well (if we ever find any) and YES that is my huge concern for recruiting right now is getting several great/elite defensive ends.
renes was a nt, so of course he was not a pass rushing force like dorsey or sapp was, they played the outside of a 3-4's (iirc) and were more like de's. Renes was a force int he middle, and most experts would agree.. they fact that they had to double him eveyr play, opened up the lanes for we would not those lb's. if not for renes we do not win the nc.
sorry that comment was so unreadable, but you get the idea...
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