CAN I get an Amen!And how much is think/react speed VS just pure movement. Because when Christian Harris sees it -- he's like missle. The speed issue (to me) is more of a reaction deficit, vs movement....
Shane Lee on the other hand? He's a thumper - not someone designed to guard TEs or RBs with speed
Not sure I agree with all of this, but I hope I'm wrong and you're right.CAN I get an Amen!
It's not that we recruited slow players. Quite the contrary, they're unusually fast / quick for their size and position. The issue is the game is still too fast, and assignments still too complex, for them to just play instinctively. Too many are having to think, and while the split-seconds of hesitation look like slow footspeed, the fact of the matter is entirely different.
We are getting better, and next year I expect a quantum leap. But this year....we're just going through growing pains. A lot of people say, "They're not freshmen any more." There is some truth to the statement, and that's the source of the improvement. Trouble is, that simplistic view ignores the fact that everybody is growing physically and mentally. So improvement vs. the opposition is a moving target.
Just as a freshman is almost a sophomore at this point in the season, a junior is almost a senior, with all the attendant physical and mental maturity and experience.
And the split second it takes most younger players to make a decision/react can make a huge difference, i.e.. they are fast, but not playing fast.You have, but injuries and defections have seen a lot of that talent and speed made unavailable this year.
You said in one sentence fragment what it took me almost 20 lines to say.:blush:And the split second it takes most younger players to make a decision/react can make a huge difference, i.e.. they are fast, but not playing fast.
When you have a potential All-American LB in crutches and two of your last crown jewel recruits in Anoma and Alfano high tailing it out of T-town it is hard to look like Alabama.You have, but injuries and defections have seen a lot of that talent and speed made unavailable this year.
And there are times I wonder about what caused them to leaveWhen you have a potential All-American LB in crutches and two of your last crown jewel recruits in Anoma and Alfano high tailing it out of T-town it is hard to look like Alabama.
Think that to myself too. What’s that all about?And there are times I wonder about what caused them to leave
You do realize that we are starting most of these freshmen because of the slew of injuries that has hit us this year, right? :conf3:I find it difficult to judge our defensive coaching staff. Alabama's front 7 is the youngest I think I've ever seen, not just at Alabama, I don't ever recall a power 5 program starting this many freshman. Clearly our defensive recruiting during the years of 2016-2018 were of, how do we say... Questionable quality. Additionally some of the better players during that span only effectively started a single season (Williams, Wilson, Moses -so Far). We seemed to recruit quite well on the offensive side, I'm not sure if I've seen a disparity quite like this. I hope this has been resolved with more recent classes but can I get some opinions on the question of: "Has the defense improved during the year?"
Who knows....... maybe they couldnt Handle the process....... or maybe other “external” factors....... shame because both were talented and would be on the field right nowThink that to myself too. What’s that all about?
And there are times I wonder about what caused them to leave
I think, when you start true freshmen on defense, the biggest issue is getting them to read/react and trust their instincts.And how much is think/react speed VS just pure movement. Because when Christian Harris sees it -- he's like missle. The speed issue (to me) is more of a reaction deficit, vs movement....
Shane Lee on the other hand? He's a thumper - not someone designed to guard TEs or RBs with speed
I agree 100%.......Gotta go to class and follow the rules...NO EXCEPTIONS!!! :cool2:
If you want to know what I really think, I think that Nick thinks he can straighten out any head, no matter how mixed up. He succeeds just often enough to keep him trying...And there are times I wonder about what caused them to leave
I could be wrong, of course, but I have a feeling that some of the four and five star guys aren't accustomed to being told no or having to work as hard. There are times when I think that every great defense that I can remember had some great players, but they also had some of those three and even two star guys who paid attention to every little detail and worked their tails off. Defense isn't easy, but I also think it is natural to let up a bit when we are ahead by 30 points and the offense is making things look easy. We'll find out in a few weeks if we are strong enough to control the line of scrimmage. If we are, and we finish 11-1, I say let the chips fall where they may as far as playoff implications. The SEC may not be as strong this year as in past years, but 11-1 in this league is very solid. If we can go 11-1 with the injuries we have incurred, it will be unbelievable.And there are times I wonder about what caused them to leave
Interesting point! They certainly seem to give up on themselves before Coach Saban ever gives up on them. I think some players appreciate that, while some just want to do things their own way.If you want to know what I really think, I think that Nick thinks he can straighten out any head, no matter how mixed up. He succeeds just often enough to keep him trying...
It is why he came back to the college game - to help young men.If you want to know what I really think, I think that Nick thinks he can straighten out any head, no matter how mixed up. He succeeds just often enough to keep him trying...
And this, I believe, is the crux of the injury problem which puts some of these young players on the field.Quite the contrary, they're unusually fast / quick for their size and position.