Ask and you shall receive, Derrick Smith to LB???

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I don't see why he can't play LB in the ACC; on a somewhat unrelated note, can Steed also push McCloud for that spot? Or is he in contention for a different LB position?
 
Derrick Smith is exactly what Manny Diaz wants at the SAM LB position. The SAM, SS, and nickel corner are the keys to the defense for Diaz. He needs versatile athletes that can cover, tackle, run in space, and move around at those positions.

Of course he needs a front four that can pressure the QB, but the keys to his defensive scheme are those three positions.
 
already reported here. if you just really took a look at the top half of the 1st page before posting you'd have seen it...
 
Smith Is what 6’2 215? We need a linebacker who can bring his cover skills down to the second level of the defense
 
I called this move back when he was at Trinity. He's LB. Period. Great instinctand cover ability, but not quick and fast. And with Safeties that we have now... this move is perfect.
 
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215 is plenty big. all our lbers used to always be in the 210-220 range.

Maybe not all, but I remember guys like Grace and Spence excelling as lighter LBs. Ramon Buchanan too, but his production never matched his measurables.
 
armstead, smith, barrow, Webster, Vilma, lewis...
few of these guys were over 225. maybe when they left as seniors. but, we rarely, if ever, had 240 lb lbers.
 
I'm happy to see this move. I didn't see any way that our defence could take a step forward if McCloud was going to be asked to drop into coverage regularly.

McCloud has had unrealistic expectations around here. His high school tape showed pass rusher yet we haven't given him enough opportunity to do so.

It's up to the staff to find certain formations that work to his skill set. But It's great to see Manny is finding a player who may better suit Miamis base scheme.
 
McCloud wasn't just a liability in coverage, his tackling also stunk.

This is the year that Diaz puts his players on the field.

SLB DSmith // Wilder // McCloud

MLB Shaq // Jennings// MSmith

WLB Pinckney // Steed // Perry

Try Joyner at DE while he redshirts, perhaps even McCloud at DE too.
 
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Maybe not all, but I remember guys like Grace and Spence excelling as lighter LBs. Ramon Buchanan too, but his production never matched his measurables.
I like that attacking speed. Most RB's weigh a little less so I don't think weighing over 220 is an distinct advantage.
 
I know you guys have been asking for this and now I am hearing that Derrick Smith has been moved to SLB. He is now running with the 1st team but its due to Mccloud being out for medical. If this is indeed whats going on, I like the move.
How are you running with the first team when there is no practice. Just asking.
 
McCloud wasn't just a liability in coverage, his tackling also stunk.

This is the year that Diaz puts his players on the field.

SLB DSmith // Wilder // McCloud

MLB Shaq // Jennings// MSmith

WLB Pinckney // Steed // Perry

Try Joyner at DE while he redshirts, perhaps even McCloud at DE too.
I bet mcloud still starts.
 
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