And to add to that, his job wasn't to rack up stats, so it's meaningless for him. His job was to force double teams, and he was incredible at that in 2012. He absolutely was dominant...I'm surprised at how many ND forget that just a few short years later.
And speaking of Jarron Jones, he takes just as many if not more plays off that Nix did. That's been his Achilles his entire career so far. His lack of focus has hurt him at times.
The first problem we have is Nix was 3-4 nose tackle, who was great or outstanding at two-gapping. So you all are right when you talk about him keeping linemen off of Te'o, etc. If anyone specified that the "All BK Team" featured a 3-4, I might even put Nix on that list myself!
But BK has clearly chosen to move away from the Diaco, bend-but don't break defense, and toward the 4-3 under/4-2-5 pro scheme as witnessed by all of his post-Alabama press conferences, and bringing BVG, Gilmore, and Lyght in (and with moving Elston to the linebackers, where he obviously belongs,
totally restructuring the defensive staff.)
So, the change to the "next level" is more than just coach speak because the actions take place behind it, to insure the changes, and that it is more than just empty words. Also, we all have had many discussions about the "type" of player needed for positions in each of these defenses.
So, particularly since the "Weis holdover Kelly players," speed and athleticism has greatly improved! I don't know, but how many linebackers are on the depth chart that are better "athletes" than Manti Te'o? I would imagine more than one if I could or had to guess. Before anyone gets their feathers ruffled, I will maintain that Manti had many other qualities, (like no one has ever seen before) that made him a better player (college specifically) than almost anyone. No one can equal Manti for the overall package, starting with the mental and spiritual end, or especially the instinct for the game!
So all of these things, change in the scheme, athleticism, and legendary status all effect our conversation.
As far as Jones taking as many plays off, I saw that early on in his first season, but I am not sure I saw it so much, if at all, last year. Obviously from me stating I wouldn't pick anyone at quarterback (except Zaire) I should be signaling that I am weighing players who play even (best reps), with limited reps and future eligibility over players that have come and gone.
Echo, echo, echo, echo......
Hahahahahaha
Sorry, I was quite busy yesterday, as I am for the whole weekend. I have only had a brief shot to make posts early in the morning. Right now I am waiting to fire up my diesel engine and get going on the back 40, but the neighbors have this thing about noise, ground heaving, and grinding on Sunday mornings!
PS. I really enjoyed your posts! (And the graphic presentation on your later was excellent!)
