Looking ahead to 2009: Defense

by pantsfucious on Nov 16, 2008 9:02 PM CST Comment 5 comments

There's a good chance that next year's defense will be the best we've had since 1992. The only guys we're losing are Rashad (big loss) and Bobby Greenwood (decent sized loss). That's it and I'm talking 3-deep on the depth chart. Going by this year's roster ... and assuming Cody doesn't jump to the NFL ... we could be starting 8 seniors on defense and barring injuries, transfers, or other forms of attrition, we may have 5 other seniors getting significant playing time. That doesn't even include high-impact underclassmen like McClain, Jackson, and Hightower, all of whom figure to improve. Plus, you have to think that 1-2 of this year's other freshmen (Barron, Lawrence, Harris, e.g.) will have a breakout season.

That's why I think we can overcome even a big loss like Rashad. The only place where I see us deficient ... and this could be addressed between now and then ... is a game-changing pass rusher. Assuming even modest improvement across the board, as well as a bit of roster shuffling, and "x factor" contributions from true freshmen, I see an unholy combination of the 2002 D line and the 2005 back seven, with depth all over the field. In fact, I don't think it's far-fetched to think that all 3 of next year's units end up being better than their predecessors. While the QB and O line situation will be suspect until proven otherwise, I cannot wait to see our D lay the wood.

Roll Tide.

FanPosts are just that; posts created by the fans. They are in no way indicative of the opinions of SBN and the authors of Roll Bama Roll.

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A few thoughts...

I think you are generally right. We really don’t lose anyone, for the most part, and essentially everyone returns. I do think Cody will return, and if so then that will mean we lose all of two players in the defensive two-deep.

The loss of Rashad Johnson will be a big one, but we won’t be a slouch at safety. Mark Barron should be able to step in and play very well, and we’ll have some other guys giving us quality depth. Bobby Greenwood is one gutsy player, no doubt about it, but honestly a guy like Dareus will give us a better player and certainly a better edge rush. We’ll gain as much, if not more, with the continued development of guys like Davis, Dareus, Upshaw, and others as we’ll lose with Greenwood.

Moreover, you also have to consider that we’ll get an influx of talent from this recruiting class as well, and a few of those guys will have an impact. Dre Kirkpatrick will play right away, and the same thing will go for Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick. Beyond that, we’ll also get development from the guys from the 2008 class, like Jerrell Harris and Alonzo Lawrence. As a whole, the entire defense will be bigger, faster, stronger, and more mature.

As long as we can stay healthy next year on the defensive side of the ball, our defense should be — at worst — as good as it was this year, and quite frankly should be better.

by outsidethesidelines on Nov 17, 2008 10:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

that's good to hear.

Can’t wait to see Harris and Barron play.

by brandonh on Nov 17, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Safety

I think you are much more likely to see Ali Sharieff take over for Rashad. I think Barron is more a strong safety type. Sharieff has been very impressive in his playing time, and is often the first defensive back on the field in nickel situations. I really think Sharieff will be able to step in, and replicate somewhat Rashad’s awesome prodution.

by Kenny483 on Nov 17, 2008 10:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We are developing

the kind of D that can shut down Florida. Don’ t know if we are there yet, we will find out Dec. 6. But starting next year our D will be the stuff of legends. If our O can do anything next year we will again be very good- like 10-2 good or better. As we go forward we will continue to sign more speed on D.

Raise Saban’s salary right now and make his buy out impossible.

by 5026 on Nov 17, 2008 1:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs