04/26/2008

SPRING DEFENSIVE STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES AND ANALYSIS Click on these links to view the separate pages for strengths and weaknesses analysis
STRENGTHS	WEAKNESSES

See what others are saying on this article: HERE

WEAKNESSES
Defensive Line
	Scooter…..Although he was not as prolific as Dingle or Dykes in '07 Scooter Berry was a monster in his own right. He was constantly clogging lanes, stripping balls and asserting pressure. Many would never expected that he not his brother Jason Gwaltney would be of such huge importance to the WVU football program when they came in together, but as it stands he looks to serve as the leader of the defensive front for the next few years. Now the only issue is how strongly those who join him at the NT and DE positions can provide a similar level of performance. The Replacements…..With Johnny Dingle and Keilen Dykes leading the way in '08 WVU most likely had quite possibly it's best defensive line of the past decade if not longer. Now eyes turn to a few hugely important names in regards to WVU's football sucess in '08: Zac Cooper, a transformed linebacker who is no doubt a savvy playmaker, the question is will he be physical enough to cause a disruption and create pressure down on the line. Chris Neild & Doug Slavonic, two players who have seen a decent share of playing time in 2007 rotation, however don't assume this will translate directly into more reliable performance in '08. Jullian Miller, A very athletic yet developing prospect who appeared as a skronny player roaming the sidelines last fall. Since then he has added somewhere around 40 lbs. and is ready to show he has the size and athleticism to become a factor on the line. He has already impressed in Spring practice.

Cornerbacks
	New look…..When it comes to the cornerback position in 2008 I truely feel that one does not really know what to expect. Yes we lose the experience and familiarity of Antonio Lewis, Vaugn Rivers, and Larry Williams, but what all is WVU losing with those players. Some might say that in 2007 this core performed at least adequately but likely none would say that they were exceptional. In fact, they made up the core aspect of what many considered WVU's biggest weakness, its coverage (note: many also would say WVU's lack of a vertical passing game was its biggest weakness). In Ellis Lankster, Kent Richardson, Guesly Dervil, Branton Bowser and Eddie Davis we possess an almost completely new cast (Ellis & Guesly saw some action in '07). While I am reluctant to say that they will perform worse than our corners did in '07, I definitly do not expect them to start off at the same caliber as that experienced group.
Addition by subtraction…..I have long percieved the largest weakness in WVU's coverage as the coaching. That being the scheme and mentality that is instilled in the players. It was appearent to me that the players lack the aggressiveness to be in position to make the plays in coverage that were necessary. They would arrive in time to make the tackle, but almost never in time to prevent the reception. With Gibson gone and the expertise of new DB's coach David Lockwood I fully expect to see disciplined players who are either in position or able to get into position to prevent those numerous frustrating completions that we are so used to seeing. If this is true than stealing Lockwood from Kentucky (or atleast getting rid of Gibson) could become one of the most noticable causes of our success in 2008.