I gave my thoughts on offese, now for the important side of the ball.
DL-Somebody HAS to step up inside and provide some depth. I really like Kuntz. He has been very active when he's been on the field. I hope with a full year of Mendoza that he can contribute. This article hints at raiding DE to strenghten DT, but it's not like we're stacked at DE, either. The two incoming guys seem like very athletic long term projects more than guys who could fill in right away. Especially Wade. I really hope for Tuck Jr., but I doubt that emerges in 06.
The DE's have got to improve the rush from the edge. Hopefully a returning Leitko helps, but he almost seems like a Frome twin. Brown and Talley showed flashes.
Some see Abiamiri's numbers and are dissapointed. I think he's a very good DE, but his ideal role as he's gotten bigger should not be the main pass rush threat, in my opinion. I don't see a true pass rusher on the roster. But I do see guys who won't get pushed around. It's always good to be solid up front.
LB-????? Who really knows. I think everybody is in love with the idea of Duke to Apache. Crum would add some athleticism to another LB position. If that sausage comes true, who fills the third spot? I see a Thomas/Brockington battle inside. I think moreso than any other position on the defese, a lot of guys will get a lot of snaps at LB with Vernaglia finally getting some Apache reps and Borsetti getting a few licks in as well, unless a true star or two emerges that can't be kept off the field.
I will not rule out the three returning freshmen(sophs to be) to contribute. Quinn and Smith have some game experience and Washington is supposed to be very athletic.
DB-I would not be too quick to pencil in Walls. But I think he's be a contributer by year's end in at least a nickle or dime package. Another year should really help the corners. Wooden took some great strides this year. Richardson's been a warrior, but Ferrine stole some reps down the stretch. There are guys with more athleticism than Richardson that with some seasoning may be better suited in that spot.
Zibby is a playmaker. He is a gambler, though, who needs to study up on his Kenny Rogers. Sometimes it's better to "hold em" and stay at home. Did anybody else notice what a mad man Bruton was on coverage teams this season? I think he will end up the diamond in the rough of the class and will be tough to keep off the field. He's faster than Duke and more suited to a FS role, allowing Zibby to concentrate on SS. In this day and age of throwing to backs and tight ends, and running multiple WR's safeties who can both tackle and cover are vastly underrated. I really like our future here.
Bottom line..this was a young defense. It has its holes and limitations, but there are some playmakers. If the Irish have any idea of making a title run in 06, this group will need to grow up quickly.