Haha, I wasn't even necessarily disagreeing with you, as I didn't think you were making that a prediction, as much as, a statement of future dialogue on this board. I was commenting on that I bet this offseason this could be a topic of conversation that I won't personally be concerned with much, if at all.
We'll I agree with you in saying I'm not worried about it as much with the way the D is structure and coached right now. I'm not worried that Coney can't be a great leader both on and off the field and as far as Bilal goes, he may be a great locker room guy and group leader even though his play might be lacking in our eyes.
As far as stepping up... or maybe stepping in is better wording... the Jones boys might do fine as Jr's. Bilal's switch might flip, who knows? JOK might be ready from Game 1 to be the Rover though I sure would like to have Bilal in that position and slowly let JOK take more reps as the season went on. JGH is a complete wild card, he carries that 220 easy, DNA and Balis haven't had the final word here yet. White could surprise, Adams contributing would really surprise (me). I say redshirt Lamb and Bauer for sure. Simon ST and Ovie available for ST, more for Simon if he's ready. If he jumps JOK or JGH at their positions next year, watch out.
Is there anything to worry about?
If they go from Morgan, Martini, Tranquil & Coney to Coney, Bilal, Jones & Jones... I will have concerns. That's less physical talent and less experience. How well the upperclassmen step into their increased snaps and how quickly the underclassmen rise will determine how much worrying need be applied... but like you, I am much more confident going into a corp makeover with Elko & Lea in charge than i would have been before they arrived.
IF Tranquil goes, next year is the only year I see a potential drop off. In '19, some pretty talented kids will have experience and then it's plug and play as the roster #'s are managed better going forward.
Speaking of LB talent in the future, just got a text asking about a local kid with ND interest... New Thread Coming