Kamalu is the only guy I like among the defensive tackles. He's got enough movement and tenacity, a good frame, and should be able to add 5-10 pounds without sacrificing anything. The problem is alongside him. Heurtelou is too limited athletically. A guy like that can look admirably tough early in the season but then the problems are glaring later. Jenkins has played less but I see some of the same issues. I'm willing to accept that he might be more than we've seen so far. Moten was highly regarded. I'm not going to comment on someone who basically hasn't played.
Cliches are based on truth. When the theme is that we've been awful at recruiting defensive tackle for several consecutive seasons, you can't set that aside and pretend everything is dandy. That position is regulating the defense.
I love the talent on the edge and especially Chad Thomas. I think he's the real deal and that McCord and AQM are a significant notch below that.
The defensive backs are too soft. Watch the rocket toss play for Georgia Tech's third touchdown. Two defensive backs were knocked on their ***. They weren't 10 yards deep. They were right there and knocked backward into the end zone onto their ***. Deon Bush suffered the same fate on a different goal line play. IMO, Dallas Crawford has been the most disappointing player on the team, based on the promise coming out of spring. I don't trust South Florida defensive backs in general based on the comically soft high school football I witness.
Granted, a defensive coordinator can make more difference in a year than any other hire. Soft one season can be ferocious the next. I've seen example after example. As a USC alum I read and sometimes post on their boards. There is quite a bit of frustration this season that Clancy Pendergast was dumped after one season in favor of Justin Wilcox. Obviously Sarkisian wanted to bring in his own guy.
It's a long process to get to 4 yards per play and stay there. Keep in mind that even if a new guy takes over and the defense looks phenomenal early, it's likely smoke and mirrors. Stay away from garbage like, "we're top 5," and "we'll dominate Florida State." That's happy adjuster stupidity.
