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- Oct 21, 2011
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As we've discussed, the top 3 DTs will now, at least initially, likely be Kendrick Norton, RJ Mcintosh and Anthony Moten.
From what's been mentioned about Spring practice and what I am projecting based on some ongoing review, I think Pat Bethel can actually make himself a legitimate 3rd guy and, at the least, a solid rotational 4th DT for us. The question, of course, is strength. We will see where he is and how he's grown. If he's anywhere near 275-280 during the season, via an actual play from a meaningful game, here are some reasons there is minimal concern with Pat Bethel as your 4th DT:
1. Bethel was actually inserted into our games for some meaningful snaps last year. Sure, at DE, and yes, not a great deal of snaps. But, he's been on the stage. Here he is in Q1 of the FSU game last year. Critical 2nd and 5 as FSU is driving on our side of the field. Bethel is inserted at LDE, FSU runs a fake toss rollout for Francois. Bethel leans inside.
2. Bethel is sufficiently athletic and has shown solid feet. In this image, he actually recovers well from the far hash to nearly catch up from leaning inside against a decently mobile QB.
3. Although he doesn't completely close, the most impressive portion of the play is the finish. Bethel has a really solid tenacity/motor to keep chasing the play and ensuring a stop for a minimal game. This actually made a difference in the game. How it relates to the DT position in Manny Diaz's system is easy. A lot of his responsibilities are going to revolve around shooting gaps and slanting hard. His motor is half the battle. The rest is a combination of feet (majority) and strength (we shall see).
You don't agree or think he'll particularly struggle because of a reason, please tell us why.
From what's been mentioned about Spring practice and what I am projecting based on some ongoing review, I think Pat Bethel can actually make himself a legitimate 3rd guy and, at the least, a solid rotational 4th DT for us. The question, of course, is strength. We will see where he is and how he's grown. If he's anywhere near 275-280 during the season, via an actual play from a meaningful game, here are some reasons there is minimal concern with Pat Bethel as your 4th DT:
1. Bethel was actually inserted into our games for some meaningful snaps last year. Sure, at DE, and yes, not a great deal of snaps. But, he's been on the stage. Here he is in Q1 of the FSU game last year. Critical 2nd and 5 as FSU is driving on our side of the field. Bethel is inserted at LDE, FSU runs a fake toss rollout for Francois. Bethel leans inside.
2. Bethel is sufficiently athletic and has shown solid feet. In this image, he actually recovers well from the far hash to nearly catch up from leaning inside against a decently mobile QB.
3. Although he doesn't completely close, the most impressive portion of the play is the finish. Bethel has a really solid tenacity/motor to keep chasing the play and ensuring a stop for a minimal game. This actually made a difference in the game. How it relates to the DT position in Manny Diaz's system is easy. A lot of his responsibilities are going to revolve around shooting gaps and slanting hard. His motor is half the battle. The rest is a combination of feet (majority) and strength (we shall see).
You don't agree or think he'll particularly struggle because of a reason, please tell us why.