Much discussion has taken place about our strengths: the stable of A and B-backs, Nesbitt, the TO, etc.
I am a little worried about the secondary, however. UGA torched us for 400+ yds. with a good passing QB last year. Burnett is definitely a player, but he can't be everywhere. I felt the CB's were a little below par last year.
Any thougths on this unit?
I'm less worried about the secondary than the LB corp. Burnett is obviously a stud, but if you look at the experience we got last year for the young guys it's going to be a pretty experienced group. Reese is totally underrated - I think he's going to have a breakout year. With Tarrant back, we've got a guy that can replace Jahi. The second corner position may be our weakest, but we've got good depth with Butler, Peterson, and Rashad Reid. The guy who is playing the best will get the most time. Throw in Cooper Taylor, and I believe we've got 7 guys that can play the four positions, all with good game experience.
I wouldn't sell Cooper short - he played great for being a true freshman, and it seems that his measurables are off the chart. It wouldn't surprise me to see Burnett play some corner with Cooper at the Safety position. Burnett was our best safety
and our best corner last year.
I've about given up on Frierson, but Jon Lockhart, Brandon Leslie, and Kam Riley are all waiting in the wings as well. In my opinion, we've got several great players (Burnett, Cooper, and Reese) and 7 guys that are good and can play.
LB is a different story,
especially in the ACC. LB play, IMO, is more important because there are more QB's that can beat you with their feet. Our DB's did get picked apart last year by Stafford, but there is no Stafford in the ACC. One of our biggest issues last year in conference was LB play - they were a step behind alot. Other than Brad Jefferson (stud) and Sedric Griffin (stud), we're pretty thin. When we go with the Wolf position we're fine, but when we go with 3 LB's its tougher. I thought AT Barnes played good last year, and I think Kyle Jackson looked a step too slow. If one of Sylvester, Machen, and Monroe can step up we'll be just OK. If two of them can step up I think we'll be fine. But, if we still have trouble containing the QB on designed spread QB option plays, we may lose a few that we shouldn't.