Who will be 2011's Defensive Denard Robinson?

Submitted by bluefrombirth on

Looking forward to the 2011 season, we know that the offense will be Ghengis Khan scorched earth level good. What the defense will be is another matter. The Offense took a huge leap forward because of the weaponization of the QB position. The 2010 defense is eerily similar to the 2009 offense. So who will make the jump that Drob made? I can think of 4 possibilities;

T- Wolf :Going into the season he was considered the most talented guy on the Defense before AMSHG smote him with fiery vengeance. He has the respect of the team, and shows the leadership that Denard possesses. With the added bonus of being a proven playmaker.

Kenny Demens: A guy that did not get onto the field until late in the season, and then showed instant impact. He is a solid playmaker that seems to be in the mold of wolverine LB's of yore.

Cam Gordon : Position switch extraordinaire, with boatloads of talent, yet is as raw as the day is long. Flashes of Brilliance ( Drob first snap against WMU) yet, lets a tightend get behind him ( Drob int against Iowa 2009).The guy is a playmaker that shows that he will be a beast....eventually. Added bonus, he made the all conference academic squad.

Courtnet Avery: Talented freshmen, pressed into duty to early ( wow eery resemblance). He has the requisite speed for the secondary. He made bad decisions at times, but that is to be expected from a freshman. He has gotten better with the more games he has played.

 

Who do you think it will be?

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DreadedBackfield

December 4th, 2010 at 12:12 PM ^

Well considering Mike Martin was the best player on the D this year, pretty sure he'll be the best player next year.

Joined: 10/04/2010

MGoPoints: 326

snowcrash

December 4th, 2010 at 12:29 PM ^

Guys usually improve the most between their first and second years in the program. My bet for the most improved player would be Avery, who seems to be a quick learner. Behind him I'd have Vinopal (will get much better if he bulks up), C Johnson, Black, Christian, CB Talbott, and M Robinson.  

Joined: 07/22/2008

MGoPoints: 6631

davidhm

December 4th, 2010 at 12:43 PM ^

I think TWolf has a great year - which wouldn't be a surprise, but I think he will show that he's better than anyone expected.  He'll shut one side of the field down.

Kenny Demens is the other.  I think he continues his ascension as a top notch player and will get lots of recognition by the press/media/coaches.

Joined: 07/21/2010

MGoPoints: 903

Trust the Process

December 4th, 2010 at 1:06 PM ^

Trick question:  the answer is Denard Robinson, who will be playing both ways next year.  Shutdown corner for the next two years for us.

But really, I am looking forward to seeing what Demens can do next year.

Joined: 01/10/2009

MGoPoints: 1134

JTGoBlue

December 4th, 2010 at 1:44 PM ^

Or Anthony Lalota...what happened to him, any word from practice? 

Also think Josh Furman will surprise,  and Christian will settle into a starting spot..

Joined: 08/31/2009

MGoPoints: 4536

CRex

December 4th, 2010 at 1:53 PM ^

I think Demens or Martin.  If we stick with the 3-3-5, there are lots of openings for Demens to step up as a big run stopper and blitzer.

If we go to a 4 man front, I'm betting on Martin being a beast (more of a beast really) as double teaming him because harder.  

Joined: 09/28/2009

MGoPoints: 9010

Caesar

December 4th, 2010 at 2:02 PM ^

It was awesome because it precisely conveyed the potential of the QB position 2 years ago with the revelation that is Denard. Perhaps it was even Brianesque.

Joined: 03/25/2009

MGoPoints: 7720

Ch125

December 4th, 2010 at 3:17 PM ^

And He is growin dreds for his junior and senior seasons.  Seriously though, the kid was playing QB in high school a year ago.  Showed flashes of great man coverage toward the end of the year.  My bet is he makes a huge leap in the weight room, as well as in coverage and tackling

Joined: 09/16/2010

MGoPoints: 410

champswest

December 4th, 2010 at 5:04 PM ^

It will be hard to select just one because most everyone will improve greatly (especially with the extra bowl practice and spring practice).  My best guess is between Roh, Vinopal and CJ.  If I can only have one, I will take Roh (with the additional 10-15 pounds).

Joined: 10/04/2009

MGoPoints: 25927