CFN.scout.com Predicts the starting lineups of all ACC teams

ElTechelero said:
I am particularly concerned about pass defense and youth at the LB position

Morgan Burnette and Derrick Morgan will play like upper classmen, so I'm not worried about them. The strength of our DL will help our young LBs play the run game, but young LBs often struggle in defending the pass.

In the secondary, Jahi & Burnette will be solid. Tarrant is talented, but there's always a big learning curve at corner, and Reese is relatively unknown. I'm not sure who our nickel/dime guys will be, but they won't have a ton of experience.
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Our linebackers might be SCARY BAD. AT BARNES has to play smarter.
 
I'm not too worried about Brad Jefferson. Something about that kid exudes confidence and football instinct.
 
Our defense is very young, however we are MUCH more athletic than in '99. We may have a lot busted assignments in the beginning of the season but I dont think we will be physically outmatched like we were back then. Hopefully the D-line will "wreck" havoc in the backfield and protect our youthful back 7.
 
Look at FSU's starting OL. They are all So and Fr. I think we may have an advantage against them.
 
No question our backers are young, but there is this to consider:

(1) Barnes & Jefferson are absolute physical specimens
(2) All were highly regarded prosepects (Remember Jackson played in the Army All-American game)
(3) We don't know yet whether Wommack's schemes are as complex as Tenuta's, or whether these guys will be called upon to play more reaction football
(4) They will be protected by two very good defensive tackles, and our ends command a lot of respect as well

As an ex-backer myself, I just know it helps to have one guy in the linebacking corps who really knows whats going on, recognizes formations, and helps the other guys get to their alignments & assignments. I am not sure who this guy is for us this year. Jackson appears to have some leadership qualities and seemed to rise to the depth chart quickly after injury, so maybe it's him.
 
I think we're forgetting about Shane Bowen. He was out with his shoulder injury/surgery all spring, which is what gave Kyle Jackson the opportunity to run with the first team. Kyle did well and I have confidence in him, but Bowen should get the opportunity again in the fall and would be our most experienced LB. He was a very solid player (tried to play through the injury) especially when he was completely healthy.
 
Excellent point regarding Bowen! You are correct. I completely forgot about him! Tenuta liked Bowen because he played very smart, so here's hoping he recovers well, and is healthy for a new season!
 
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