Backups on D have looked strong and in some cases stronger than starters. Loghan Thamos looks big and like he may be a good one.
D-backs, we finally are playing at a high level as a unit. Mickey leaving made way for Moore to make a big play in his first extended action.
Next man in on OL and DL has happened without a lot of dropoff.
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Love could be one of the best RBs in the country and would be if he played on a team with an actual balanced offense. Other than him not a single thing about the offense is impressive and I think RL is responsible for that.
The kicker is top notch as well. Great portal find.
The lack of a balance and productive offense is what could hold this team back and only the soft schedule is allowing it to be masked somewhat.
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Team speed is much better.
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It's a nice thing to have when your young talent is really stepping it up and threatening to seize the starting spots from the polished veterans. This is occurring at all levels of the defense, too.
From the linebackers:
Seeing guys like Bowen, and KVA literally flying to the ball, instead of a delayed read and react is refreshing.
From the defensive backs:
It's also nice to see that Leonard Moore and Karson Hobbs can step in seamlessly, even after Jaden Mickey shut it down for the rest of the year. With some very strong CB prospects coming in 2025, and the emergence of Kennedy Urlacher, I don't see any huge dropoff coming when Watts and Morrison leave for the draft after this year.
On the defensive line, it's great to see Traore emerge. I just hope that his injury report tomorrow is good news, since he didn't come back in the game at all after injuring that knee.
Also, seeing Bryce Young seizing playing time makes me think that he's very much like his old man.
Keep in mind, Bryant Young came to campus as a 235 lb linebacker as a true freshman, and was starting at the nose tackle position as a true sophomore, generously listed at 255 lbs.
Bryce Young is already well over 260 lbs and has plenty of room on that frame to pack on more quality pounds. Even though he came in as a DE prospect who could play either weak side or strong side, after another year of strength and conditioning, he could very well be a wrecking force as a DT or NT.
They still struggle to recruit DL. OL long term is OK and so is TE. Hoping the QB recruiting is better - seems it, but WR needs work. Long term if they could recruit DL and WR - they might be good
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