2014 Spring Practice Thread

[PANDFAN]

Your entitled to that opinion and its no skin of my back. I'll just point out they have had positive things to say about 3 of the 4 starting Dlineman and not Okwara. Also, Okwara's game experience means something but he is our starting WDE now, he needs to be more than a body on the field. His production needs to drastically increase and right now they're just saying they don't see indication of that. They have by no means said that Trumbetti is taking his spot nor did my post insinuate that. I'm on board with Lax that its just giving reps to guys that may need to be called on at some point.

i believe he was talking about my post of what mike frank had stated on power hour regarding trumbetti taking reps instead of romeo

 

[mriguy]

It looked to me that BVG was attempting to teach his new D to a lot of new kids. At one time he had Austin Larkin in at a LB position for a short period of time.
I did like the way Trumbetti looked at times in practice though. He has a long way to go but I was impressed for a kid that should still be in high school!

 

[woolybug25]

Your entitled to that opinion and its no skin of my back. I'll just point out they have had positive things to say about 3 of the 4 starting Dlineman and not Okwara. Also, Okwara's game experience means something but he is our starting WDE now, he needs to be more than a body on the field. His production needs to drastically increase and right now they're just saying they don't see indication of that. They have by no means said that Trumbetti is taking his spot nor did my post insinuate that. I'm on board with Lax that its just giving reps to guys that may need to be called on at some point.

I'm not saying that they haven't said positive things as well. What I am saying is that year in and year out they will make these broad generalizations about the status of players without any real knowledge of the coache's intent. They instead base it off of a few hours of watching spring practice, probably the stage of practice that means the very least about what product will be on the field game 1.

But being subjective and waiting to see how things play out doesn't get clicks or subscriptions.

 

[PANDFAN]

FYI, II updated their depth chart yesterday:

http://notredame.rivals.com/cdepthtext.asp

except for the fact that the place holder isn't on the team

 

[koonja]

Whether you're putting in a new scheme or not, there are live reps and scouting out the DL isn't rocket science, it's about being physical.

If they say he's not skilled enough, it means he's not big enough/strong enough, or fast enough to make up for not having the strength.

Maybe they're not conspiring for views, and he just hasn't been very impressive?

 

[PANDFAN]

Notre Dame has three handfuls of sophomores that will contribute heavily to the team's offensive and defensive rotations next fall. Few are as important as 6'4" 287-pound defensive end, Isaac Rochell.

There are the givens to start: senior Ishaq Williams, junior Sheldon Day and redshirt-sophomore Jarron Jones.
There's the X-factor athlete, junior Romeo Okwara.

And then there are two of Notre Dame's most important players for the 2014 season, injured senior defensive tackle Tony Springmann and his sophomore line mate, Isaac Rochell.

Both must contribute heavily to defensive line coach Mike Elston's young rotation, and Rochell's quest to go from spot player to invaluable backup has begun in earnest this spring.

"The main goal is developing as a D-End and as a D-Linemen," said Rochell as he was peppered with questions regarding scheme changes and new coordinator Brian VanGorder. "You have issues learning the defense but the goal is pretty much the same, to develop as a D-Lineman, to use your hands, getting off the ball, stuff like that.

"Obviously developing in the weight room is something we’re always working on,” he added.

Added bulk without a loss of quickness is the goal for most collegiate sophomore linemen. Rochell's development to that end will result in increased opportunity, both from his defensive end spot behind Ishaq Williams and as a potential rotation player inside, where only Day and Jones seem set.

“You face the same challenges no matter what, so the main thing is just developing as a player and not necessarily focusing on a scheme because all of that will fall into place in time,” Rochell said.

Early indications show a defensive front that attacks off the snap, a stark change to the read and react approach employed by former defensive coordinator Bob Diaco. In turn, Notre Dame's inside linebackers will be asked to read more rather than merely attack an interior gap.

“It’s definitely more of a coming off the ball type defense,” Rochell said. “That’s been the main thing, just working on get-offs

"I think we're more aggressive this year. It's something we're all excited about and I'm excited about personally."

Rochell has worked behind Williams this spring though the line will doubtless be able to flip side-to-side (there won't be set right defensive ends/left defensive ends or tackles). The sophomore's work volume has noticeably increased since he was forced to take the field as a not-yet-ready freshman last fall.

“The first thing that’s pretty clear is he’s starting to physically develop,” said head coach Brian Kelly of Rochell. “He’s a different kid than he was in the fall in the sense that he is stronger. He has made gains in the weight room. You could just see it in our two-spot drill today. Physically, last year, his legs would crumble underneath him. Today, you could see he’s got some bite to him.

“Is he a dynamic pass-rusher off the edge right now? No, he’s not. "But can he be? I think in time. He’s a lot stronger as a football player. So immediately he’s going to help us more, especially in the early downs. He’s a lot more physical as a football player.”

Rochell's remaining spring and summer development are as important as any current "reserve" on the Irish squad. College football programs are only as good as three aspects of their respective rosters: the quarterback, the offensive line, and the defensive line.

Two out of three appear in place for Kelly's Irish. The third is a work in progress, as is the unit's promising sophomore.

 

[Luckylucci]

I'm not saying that they haven't said positive things as well. What I am saying is that year in and year out they will make these broad generalizations about the status of players without any real knowledge of the coachese intent. They instead base it off of a few hours of watching spring practice, probably the stage of practice that means the very least about what product will be on the field game 1.

But being subjective and waiting to see how things play out doesn't get clicks or subscriptions.

Well, they get paid to give their opinions of what is transpiring. You don't have to like their opinion but its their job. I for one enjoy reading the opinions of these guys because its an extra piece of data that over time when you combine it with other information, I as a fan can build a pretty good understanding of whats going on. Do I always agree, no. But its not for me to agree with, its for me to process along with other information so again I can become a more informed fan. IMO, Okwara is not making as big of an impact as I would have liked. I have seen very little with his name on it whether that be BGI, II, or anywhere else on this site. Thats a little disappointing. You don't have to share that opinion but what are basing your opinion on if you haven't seen the practices and your not going to follow people that have. Blind faith that he's going to be just fine? I expect that he'll be improving I just wish there was more improvement already. I can be patient as well as overly optimistic as well, haha.

 

[woolybug25]

Whether you're putting in a new scheme or not, there are live reps and scouting out the DL isn't rocket science, it's about being physical.

If they say he's not skilled enough, it means he's not big enough/strong enough, or fast enough to make up for not having the strength.

Maybe they're not conspiring for views, and he just hasn't been very impressive?

Weird... I thought defensive ends had to maintain gap responsibility, understand scheme and be able to play the run.

I guess all of those defensive coordinators that demand this from their starting DE's are dummies. All they really need is to be physical in spring drills.

 

[Luckylucci]

Whether you're putting in a new scheme or not, there are live reps and scouting out the DL isn't rocket science, it's about being physical.

If they say he's not skilled enough, it means he's not big enough/strong enough, or fast enough to make up for not having the strength.

Maybe they're not conspiring for views, and he just hasn't been very impressive?

Playing Dline is just as much about technique as anything else. He's plenty long, athletic, and strong but when your going up against BCS Olineman, they are strong too. He's still very raw was the term they used.

 

[woolybug25]

Well, they get paid to give their opinions of what is transpiring. You don't have to like their opinion but its their job. I for one enjoy reading the opinions of these guys because its an extra piece of data that over time when you combine it with other information, I as a fan can build a pretty good understanding of whats going on. Do I always agree, no. But its not for me to agree with, its for me to process along with other information so again I can become a more informed fan. IMO, Okwara is not making as big of an impact as I would have liked. I have seen very little with his name on it whether that be BGI, II, or anywhere else on this site. Thats a little disappointing. You don't have to share that opinion but what are basing your opinion on if you haven't seen the practices and your not going to follow people that have. Blind faith that he's going to be just fine? I expect that he'll be improving I just wish there was more improvement already. I can be patient as well as overly optimistic as well, haha.

And I think you are overthinking it. No offense to you, we all want more info and as quickly as possible. That being said, why do you think the generalizations of a couple guys that have seen a few hours of drills in spring practice means squat? Why does that make you "A more informed fan"?

I'm not going on "blind faith", i'm simply not trying to form an opinion of a player based off of insefficient information and generalizations made off of how a kid looks in 11 on 11 in March. I would rather not jump to conclusions and just enjoy what I have been seeing in practice as just that... practice. The twelve minutes of video that we've seen doesn't over ride the fact that Romeo has actually played real game minutes and has looked good. I'll let that fact keep me from making wild speculation off of a few reps of spring practice video.

 

[koonja]

Playing Dline is just as much about technique as anything else. He's plenty long, athletic, and strong but when your going up against BCS Olineman, they are strong too. He's still very raw was the term they used.

Right, but IMO DL technique doesn't take 2 years to learn. Not for ND students at least!

My point is, I doubt it's technique holding him back as much as he's simply not big/strong/fast enough to make an impact that they expect out of a starter at this point.

Not his fault at all, he's still, what, 19? It will come with time, but this year there is going to be on the job training for a couple of DL that would probably benefit from another year.

 

[woolybug25]

Right, but IMO DL technique doesn't take 2 years to learn. Not for ND students at least!

My point is, I doubt it's technique holding him back as much as he's simply not big/strong/fast enough to make an impact that they expect out of a starter at this point.

Not his fault at all, he's still, what, 19? It will come with time, but this year there is going to be on the job training for a couple of DL that would probably benefit from another year.

This is absolutely not true. Some DE's don't even get good at technique until they reach the NFL. Athleticism and motor gets a lot of guys through without technique. Some don't have the same athleticism/motor and get by with advanced technique. There are a lot of ways to crack that nut... but it's even better when a player has both!

 

[Luckylucci]

And I think you are overthinking it. No offense to you, we all want more info and as quickly as possible. That being said, why do you think the generalizations of a couple guys that have seen a few hours of drills in spring practice means squat? Why does that make you "A more informed fan"?

I'm not going on "blind faith", i'm simply not trying to form an opinion of a player based off of insefficient information and generalizations made off of how a kid looks in 11 on 11 in March. I would rather not jump to conclusions and just enjoy what I have been seeing in practice as just that... practice. The twelve minutes of video that we've seen doesn't over ride the fact that Romeo has actually played real game minutes and has looked good. I'll let that fact keep me from making wild speculation off of a few reps of spring practice video.

Nobody is jumping to conclusions here. Also, its more than just one outlet. We now have info from 3 outlets that are seeing the same thing. I haven't seen one person comment on the opposite. I'm not writing off Romeo here I'm just stating what is out there. He's not there yet. He isn't showing what others are. Not an insult about the kid, in fact I would expect him to get better. Lastly, practice is exactly where you make conclusions about expected play. More practice than a few hours, of course, but once again nobody said anything about Okwara not playing. However, if we're going to enjoy how good Jaylon and KR look we have to realize that there are going to be others that don't or maybe just not yet.

 

[NDWorld247]

Right, but IMO DL technique doesn't take 2 years to learn. Not for ND students at least!

My point is, I doubt it's technique holding him back as much as he's simply not big/strong/fast enough to make an impact that they expect out of a starter at this point.

Not his fault at all, he's still, what, 19? It will come with time, but this year there is going to be on the job training for a couple of DL that would probably benefit from another year.

Romeo's 18, turning 19 over the summer. He's only about 6-7 months older than Trumbetti (recently turned 18) and probably younger than a few 2014 signees (all of CFB, not just ND) and all of the 2013 class.

It's always bothered me that we didn't redshirt him his freshman year (2012). I thought I remembered grumblings of a possible redshirt this upcoming season, but barring injury I don't see that happening. It's a shame we won't get that 5th year out of him when he's more physically mature.

I'm hopeful he'll be a big contributor in the fall though. He's shown flashes of it in the past and was able to get on the field as a 17 and 18 year old the past two seasons. I'm confident BVG will effectively use his talent to make an impact the next two seasons.

 

[T Town Tommy]

this was the general jist
mike just saying he didn't see the line get one pressure w/ out the use of a blitz which was very disappointing....he said he was kind of surprised to see trumbetti getting 1st team reps but it showed that romeo isn't there yet and bvg is going to play whoever is ready

But I think that will be the core of BVG's defensive strategy. Let the ends hold their ground and containment while the ILB and/or unknown blitzer cleans up. I still believe he will use a lot of man press coverage, coupled with zone blitz from the opposite side, and whatever pressure he gets from the D Line is gravy. Expecting a lot of DL sacks may be disappointing for some and may not happen under BVG. I would expect the ILB and/or corner/safety to be the ones that create the havoc in the backfield. Of course, who really knows at this point. But at least it appears early on that he will keep the opposing team's offense guessing.... and that can only lead to good things for the Irish defense.

 

[Cackalacky]

But I think that will be the core of BVG's defensive strategy. Let the ends hold their ground and containment while the ILB and/or unknown blitzer cleans up. I still believe he will use a lot of man press coverage, coupled with zone blitz from the opposite side, and whatever pressure he gets from the D Line is gravy. Expecting a lot of DL sacks may be disappointing for some and may not happen under BVG. I would expect the ILB and/or corner/safety to be the ones that create the havoc in the backfield. Of course, who really knows at this point. But at least it appears early on that he will keep the opposing team's offense guessing.... and that can only lead to good things for the Irish defense.

This.

 

[IrishLion]

But I think that will be the core of BVG's defensive strategy. Let the ends hold their ground and containment while the ILB and/or unknown blitzer cleans up. I still believe he will use a lot of man press coverage, coupled with zone blitz from the opposite side, and whatever pressure he gets from the D Line is gravy. Expecting a lot of DL sacks may be disappointing for some and may not happen under BVG. I would expect the ILB and/or corner/safety to be the ones that create the havoc in the backfield. Of course, who really knows at this point. But at least it appears early on that he will keep the opposing team's offense guessing.... and that can only lead to good things for the Irish defense.

Sounds like watching the Bengals under Mike Zimmer. It was great when Atkins, Dunlap or Johnson got to the opposing QB... but in crunch time, it was blitzing DBs that caused the true havoc most often.

 

[woolybug25]

Nobody is jumping to conclusions here. Also, its more than just one outlet. We now have info from 3 outlets that are seeing the same thing. I haven't seen one person comment on the opposite. I'm not writing off Romeo here I'm just stating what is out there. He's not there yet. He isn't showing what others are. Not an insult about the kid, in fact I would expect him to get better. Lastly, practice is exactly where you make conclusions about expected play. More practice than a few hours, of course, but once again nobody said anything about Okwara not playing. However, if we're going to enjoy how good Jaylon and KR look we have to realize that there are going to be others that don't or maybe just not yet.

You cannot make conclusions on something that is yet to happen. You make speculation.

That's my whole point. These guys are making speculation based off of how he looks in practice drills. This kid has seen the field. That means more than practice. They can say, "he's not there yet"... ok... he has played in the damn games. Trumbetti isn't there yet. Trumbetti hasn't stepped foot on a college fooball field yet. He hasn't seen anything but practice facilities and drills. So to make speculation of a few (yes.. they have only seen a few hours of practice and have no first hand knowledge of what has happened in the closed sessions) drills is silly. But they will continue to do so since people will wait on every word so they can rush to IE and post the same speculation as their own "informed" opinion.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Sounds like watching the Bengals under Mike Zimmer. It was great when Atkins, Dunlap or Johnson got to the opposing QB... but in crunch time, it was blitzing DBs that caused the true havoc most often.

Agree. And from some of the reports coming out of the practice sessions, it appears BVG is going the same route. Excited to read that the offense doesn't know where the defense is coming from. That split second confusion on who to block, what side the pressure may come from, are they playing zone, man, combination, etc., should allow the Irish defense to make some plays on the QB... or at least have him make the wrong read, pass, or poor throw. I can't wait to see the defense in the fall. Should be fun.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Romeo's 18, turning 19 over the summer. He's only about 6-7 months older than Trumbetti (recently turned 18) and probably younger than a few 2014 signees (all of CFB, not just ND) and all of the 2013 class.

It's always bothered me that we didn't redshirt him his freshman year (2012). I thought I remembered grumblings of a possible redshirt this upcoming season, but barring injury I don't see that happening. It's a shame we won't get that 5th year out of him when he's more physically mature.

I'm hopeful he'll be a big contributor in the fall though. He's shown flashes of it in the past and was able to get on the field as a 17 and 18 year old the past two seasons. I'm confident BVG will effectively use his talent to make an impact the next two seasons.

Romeo and Jaylon Smith are the same age. (Smith is three days older.)

 

[ScooterIrish]

He's shown flashes of it in the past

Has he though? Honestly he's never really shown anything to me on the field, but maybe I missed something.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

But I think that will be the core of BVG's defensive strategy. Let the ends hold their ground and containment while the ILB and/or unknown blitzer cleans up. I still believe he will use a lot of man press coverage, coupled with zone blitz from the opposite side, and whatever pressure he gets from the D Line is gravy. Expecting a lot of DL sacks may be disappointing for some and may not happen under BVG. I would expect the ILB and/or corner/safety to be the ones that create the havoc in the backfield. Of course, who really knows at this point. But at least it appears early on that he will keep the opposing team's offense guessing.... and that can only lead to good things for the Irish defense.

Checking out the Jets from last year?

I did have a post on this. There are about four or five good articles about how the Ryan Defense improved from '12 to '13, particularly against the run. Read about how the linemen (DE) set the edge, and how other linemen have specific jobs, with the linebackers flowing to the play.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Has he though? Honestly he's never really shown anything to me on the field, but maybe I missed something.

We have all missed something. In this case Kelly has lauded him in practice numerous times. And Okwara had some real highlights last year based upon his limited play time.

 

[Wild Bill]

Romeo's former position almost always required that he avoid contact and create havoc. That's not a luxury he'll have playing on the defensive line. Sure, on passing downs, he'll be able to use a speed rush and avoid contact. But most other downs, he'll have to engage someone that is bigger and stronger. He has the physical tools (shembo did it and he was smaller), he has the staff to teach him technique and I assume he has the strength (staff obviously believes he does). IMO, it's on him. You have to be a special kind of nuts to stare down a 6'6'' 330lb pig lined up across from you and want to fight him for 60 minutes. He's going to have to want contact. Instead of running around the tackle, he needs to blow up his outside shoulder, pin him, drive him and seal the edge. When he blitzes inside gap, he has to rip hard knowing he's going to get smacked by the guard. When he's fighting to keep contain he has to launch those long arms into the tight end's pads, get the crown of his helmet into his chin strap and whip his ass. It's easier said than done.

 

[dublinirish]

i wouldn't like to use shembo as an example of an ND player who had great pass rushing technique..to me his was below average and never really developed it during his time at ND

 

[NDWorld247]

Has he though? Honestly he's never really shown anything to me on the field, but maybe I missed something.

I think he's shown flashes. Nothing consistent or real game-impacting, but considering how young he's been (17 in 2012 and 18 in 2013), he's shown the potential. Now obviously I'd rather hear better reports coming out of the spring practices (I haven't followed the reports recently, just going off the discussion in this thread), but I'm not giving up on him being an impactful player for us the next two seasons. The clock is ticking though. Before we know it he'll be a 20-yr old walking across the stage with his ND diploma and no more eligibility.

 

[PANDFAN]

There isn’t a more fortified unit on Notre Dame’s 2014 roster than safety — and that includes the coaches aiding its instruction.

Austin Collinsworth
Austin Collinsworth has the most experience at safety for the Irish with 11 starts last year.

First there is Kerry Cooks, who oversees the entire secondary after working exclusively with the cornerbacks the past two years.

Then there is graduate assistant Kyle McCarthy, a starting safety for the Irish in 2008-09 before latching on in the NFL. He exclusively monitors and mentors the safeties in practice while assisting Cooks.

“It helped a lot having a guy fresh out of the game, fresh out of the NFL, and an NFL system here,” fifth-year senior Austin Collinsworth, the graybeard among the safeties, said of McCarthy. “He’s been an unbelievable help.”

Finally, there is Bob Elliott, who is in his fourth decade of instructing college football players, including safeties the past two seasons with the Irish. His role has been to assist new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder with the sub packages that were heavily emphasized the first third of spring practice.

“It’s like being in final exams for three weeks straight,” Collinsworth said of processing all the information. “I’ve met with Kyle McCarthy. We meet every night. As long as you stay on top of the stuff, it’s not too bad. If you fall behind, then you’re in trouble. … It’s new terminology, new hand signals, new this, new that.

“Coverages are pretty universal. Everyone kind of runs the same stuff. As far as techniques, that’s all different, subtly different, kind of hard to explain.”

No position group at Notre Dame this season appears to be more replete with options than safety. Even the safety with the most career starts (19) and tackles (98), Matthias Farley, is now working at cornerback and nickel to open up opportunities for others, most notably current freshman Max Redfield.

The highly rated recruit Redfield wasn’t inserted into the starting lineup until the Pinstripe Bowl against Rutgers. He has continued to work with the top unit this spring while teaming with Collinsworth, who had 11 starts, 43 tackles and a team-high three interceptions last season. They complement each other in that Collinsworth doesn’t possess Redfield’s “crazy” athletic skills, while Redfield does not yet have the savvy of Collinsworth.

“He’s got a ways to go there, there’s no question,” Kelly said of Redfield’s grasp of his position. “But crazy, crazy, crazy ability. He can make a mistake and get himself out of it. He’s a guy that we just have to keep working with. He’s getting better. His knowledge base was zero with what we’re trying to do with him.

“We feel like we can make the progress necessary that when we line up against Rice [Aug. 30] he’ll be there.”

“Nothing can replace playing time, especially in college football and getting adjusted to the speed of the game,” Collinsworth said. “[Max is] really fast, really athletic guy, picks up on stuff quickly. We’ve been able to work together really well. It’s a very fluid situation.”

There are five other candidates at safety in the myriad defensive packages.

Elijah Shumate as a sophomore last year could never quite grasp the big-picture team defense or making all of its calls, but the fierce hitter did start three games after a strong freshman season in 2012 at nickel. He also battled a hamstring injury in 2013.

Eilar Hardy was off the radar his first two seasons (2011-12) while recovering from major knee surgery, but he started several games in 2013 and was one of the more improved players.

In his third game as a freshman in 2012, Nick Baratti intercepted a halfback pass against Michigan in a goal-line situation during the 13-6 Irish win, and was a regular in all 13 games. Shoulder surgery sidelined him in 2013, but he is back this spring.

A freshman wide receiver who started several games last year, James Onwualu’s 6-1, 215-pound frame is expected to bring more physicality at safety. He and current sophomore John Turner also have lined up as Will linebackers in different packages.

The 6-0½, 217-pound Turner has come out of nowhere to work with the first unit. He would qualify as the top surprise through the first one-third of spring, although the defense has worked primarily on third-down packages. First and second downs are different.

“We’re going to do a lot of different things,” Kelly said of the defense. “We’re focusing on some of our different packages right now that we need some work on. A lot of that is sub personnel. … These are just different segments. They’re not a whole offense or defense right now. They’re just what we’re going through right now. … It’s hard for me to give you any definitive statements one way or another.”

Kelly did note that he would be surprised if Turner doesn’t take advantage of his opportunity.

“We knew he had the ability do it,” Kelly said. “Now he’s been given the chance to do it. I don’t know that he ever really had the chance last year to be quite honest with you.”

Yet for all the numbers and options at safety, there isn’t a standout at this point, a la No. 1 tackler McCarthy in 2008-09 with 110 and 101 stops, respectively, first-round pick Harrison Smith in 2010-11 and Defensive MVP Zeke Motta in 2012.

A common link with all of them is they didn’t really come into their own until their fourth season at the position, which is where Collinsworth is after originally beginning his career at receiver.

“I take it personally,” Collinsworth said. “I want to be that guy. … There’s a lot of competition, a lot of depth at safety.”

After playing in the shadows of the front seven the past two seasons, Collinsworth and his secondary cohorts believe they should be ready to pick up the slack this year.

“We want to put the team on our back,” he said.

There are plenty of players, and coaches, available there to help carry the freight.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

“He’s got a ways to go there, there’s no question,” Kelly said of Redfield’s grasp of his position. “But crazy, crazy, crazy ability. He can make a mistake and get himself out of it. He’s a guy that we just have to keep working with. He’s getting better. His knowledge base was zero with what we’re trying to do with him.

Didn't he play FS in high school?

What are they trying to do with him?

 

[Wild Bill]

i wouldn't like to use shembo as an example of an ND player who had great pass rushing technique..to me his was below average and never really developed it during his time at ND

I wouldn't consider him great, but he wasn't below average either. I think he played at an "all-conference" level in most conferences. He's 6'1'' or something similar, so he's not going to use a swim move much. He had an above average up field rush - he used his burst off the snap and kept a low center of gravity even when he turned the corner. A defensive end's tendency is to elevate the pad level and get into a sprint, but they usually sprint past the pocket/qb. Shembo dipped his shoulder and made a quick turn to the QB. It's really tough to do it when a tackle is trying to ride you out of the pocket. Tackles over extended to stop this move and he would counter with a nice spin move to the inside. He had a nice rip move too.

 

[dublinirish]

I wouldn't consider him great, but he wasn't below average either. I think he played at an "all-conference" level in most conferences. He's 6'1'' or something similar, so he's not going to use a swim move much. He had an above average up field rush - he used his burst off the snap and kept a low center of gravity even when he turned the corner. A defensive end's tendency is to elevate the pad level and get into a sprint, but they usually sprint past the pocket/qb. Shembo dipped his shoulder and made a quick turn to the QB. It's really tough to do it when a tackle is trying to ride you out of the pocket. Tackles over extended to stop this move and he would counter with a nice spin move to the inside. He had a nice rip move too.

Too often than not when i watched him though he was engulfed by tackles and never really showed a counter/2nd move once his first move failed. I am not discounting his effort or desire its just he wasn't what i would call a "chess player" when it came to pass rushing.