Regarding Z WR and DOLB

[Emcee77]

Jaylon would be a big upgrade in coverage over our current ROLBs, and a big upgrade in pass rushing over our current DOLBs. Since our ROLBs also happen to be among our best pass rushers, they're not getting subbed out on passing downs, though I do expect Spond/ Councell to make way for Jaylon as a situational pass rusher.

Regardless of Rush or Drop, all of our OLBs must have the strength and endurance to set the edge and stop the run. That's always the front 7s first priority. For all his freak athleticism, it's almost inconceivable that Jaylon could develop the strength, endurance and technique necessary to challenge for starter's minutes.

If anyone is going to unseat Spond, it's Councell. Though, as others have mentioned, he was a first year starter last year. If he continues to improve, he's a safe bet to remain the starter.

This, all of this.

 

[irishfan]

Spond pretty much won us the OU game with his coverage. I think we would have been burned if we played nickel the whole time against their spread. Amazing how we barely had to play any nickel all year (we really couldn't) cause of how good he was in coverage.

That being said, I think he has a low ceiling, and I think he may have hit it already. I am happy with him being the starter because he wont make mistakes, but I think he is arguably our least talented starter right now. He's solid, but I think Jaylon can be out there 25% of the time minimum.

 

[EuropeanDomer]

It's like Jordan Jenkins stealing the starting spot to Cornelius Washington (a better player than Spond) in Georgia. If Jaylon Smith can be better than Spond immediately, he will be the starter.