D- Line Preview

What an important unit this is and one that has been underwhelming for the last couple of years.
Well that's about to change.

The first reason for optimism up front is Tom Sims.
Better coaching from Sims will allow this unit to maximize what is believed their immense potential.

So that's a start.

Secondly the talent level has gone up a lot since last year, especially from a pass rushing standpoint.
Russell Bronsen and John Larson we're smart players and solid against the run but rarely did they get to the QB and ultimately Larson was replaced by Jake Laptad.

Let's look at the characters-
Jake Laptad (DE)- has a chance to be one of the all time sack leaders if not the all time by the time his 2 remaining years are up.
Laptad finished last year with 7 sacks including 2 safeties.
I'm expecting 10 sacks out of him this year and very solid production.

Quinton Woods (DE)-
One of the biggest gets in last years recruiting class.
He fills an immediate need as a pass rushing specialist.
He was cited by Richard Johnson Jr just this week in the LJW as showing skills so far.
A JUCO transfer that committed to Michigan out of HS before playing in California.
He's a big guy that will take a little bit of time adjusting to Div 1 ball, and the quicker that happens the better for all involved.
I expect this 4 star guy to help KU win many Big 12 games.

Eric Wheeler (DE)-
He's fast off the edge but misses tackles like Christian Moody misses FT's. He'll add some pressure at some point and hopefully not fubar it up.

DJ Marshall (DE)-
This RS FR is still a bit small but he is quick. I think his current size will prohibit him from being an every down end but he should be able to help in obvious passing downs (see every down against Tech).
He's still got 4 years to play and that should be exciting for KU fans.
Look for him to make a contribution that is noticeable but not outstanding.

Kevin Young (DE)
True frosh that's been on campus since January has put on some good weight and COULD contribute this year.
If he is unable to contribute this year that means that someone else has stepped up so that wouldn't be a bad thing.
Depth this year is key because I think Bowen will have the ends pinning their ears back and looking to knock a fool out so we'll throw a lot of bodies at people and one of them could be Young.

Maxwell Oneybule (DE)
A major contributor last year that seems to have had the light turn on.
He improved throughout the year and him and Laptad we're a very solid duo at the end of the season.
Some natural progression from him will be good if he can have a breakout year KU will be staring a special season dead in the eye.
Look for him to at least improve on last years numbers, maybe 6 sacks and good pressure can be expected.

While the DE depth is as good as its ever been the DT depth is out of this world.
Caleb Blakesly and Darius Parish will be the cloggers that take on blockers and allow the everyone else to make plays.
But don't let that fool you, Blakesly is very solid but you won't hear his name get called a lot on tackles.
Parish will make some plays this year, he's too big and too quick not to.
The thing is, there is so much depth at the DT position, that it'll be hard for any one guy to put up crazy numbers or receive post season accolades.
Football is a game that is won in the trenches so the importance of this group is paramount.
Onto the other guys at DT---

Jamal Greene-
Played a lot and started a few games last year, a local kid from KCK.
To me he's neither a clogger or a quick guy he's a combo of both and should continue to be solid.

Richard Johnson Jr (Real to his buddies)-
He's a quick DT, and something the coaches are clearly looking for more and more to combat against the pass happy Big 12 offenses.
There's probably more pressure on him than any other DT just because they'll need him to play a lot and be successful. When he went down with a knee injury last season the play of the line was less than stellar so he needs to play big and stay healthy.

Travis Stephens-
Another quick DT who is transferring from Blinn CC college (same school as probable LB starter Vernon Brooks) who will be counted on to get to the QB and knock his ass out.
With the D-Line being as weak as it was last year, I'm really hoping that Stephens and Woods are as advertised and they make a big impact.

Last but not least, Duane Zlatnik-
He's a big boy with one of the craziest HS films ever.
He was a SDE in HS and also caught bubble screens on offense and did it well.
As a State Champion wrestler his skills at shedding blocks should be pretty good. A RS FR he'll be looked at to contribute by adding depth.

That's your 2009 D-Line.

Rock Chalk

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