Wiley & Smith and Toure & Pruitt

Toure and Smith were by far our biggest liabilities on the entire defense last year, especially in coverage, and they are deciding to run it back - worse not give any reps to Wiley and Pruitt. Insanity.

I think you all are making the LBer position this big issue when the defensive numbers don’t validate it. LBer is always going to be a liability in pass coverage. And Toure was one of the main reasons our defense was as dominant as it was last year.
 
I think you all are making the LBer position this big issue when the defensive numbers don’t validate it. LBer is always going to be a liability in pass coverage. And Toure was one of the main reasons our defense was as dominant as it was last year.
You’re in zero way was one of the reasons our defense was dominant last season, that’s one of biggest lies I have ever heard. Quite literally our worst or 2nd worst player on the entire defense. Maybe 3rd or 4th if you include Damari or O’Conners playoff ending, or when Chase Smith was on field. I’m not being sarcastic whatsoever.

It’s a big issue because it was predictable and exactly what I said was going to play out has so far. That’s why I’m so annoyed about this. LB was the clear worst part of our defense last yr and we got worse going from Wes to Smith. Pair that with our DLine obviously being worse without Bain and Mesidor and now our DBs suffering major injuries…
 
Really really really dont understand this narrative that Mario plays upperclassmen just because.

What other coach on a top 10 program starts and heavily plays as many underclassmen as we do?

Anez Cooper
Wesley Bissainthe
Colbie Young
Francis Mauigoa
Ruben Bain
OJ Frederique
Bryce Fitzgerald
JJ Dunnigan
SJ Alofaituli
Max Buchanon
Josh Moore
Gerard Pringle (multiple games last yr)
Javion Mallory

This is one of the dumbest narratives I have seen on the board. All fo these guys were starting or had a major role by their sophomore seasons.
 
Really really really dont understand this narrative that Mario plays upperclassmen just because.

What other coach on a top 10 program starts and heavily plays as many underclassmen as we do?

Anez Cooper
Wesley Bissainthe
Colbie Young
Francis Mauigoa
Ruben Bain
OJ Frederique
Bryce Fitzgerald
JJ Dunnigan
SJ Alofaituli
Max Buchanon
Josh Moore
Gerard Pringle (multiple games last yr)
Javion Mallory

This is one of the dumbest narratives I have seen on the board. All fo these guys were starting or had a major role by their sophomore seasons.
Dunnigen nukes narratives quickly for 2026

Played every snap
 
If you listen to the DC, it’s pretty clear why he’s on the field. He trusts him & isn’t as prone to costly mental mistakes as less experienced LBs. Not directly tied to seniority- though soon to apply for AARP card - and obviously isn’t a South Florida product.
 
In the Monday coaches presser this afternoon, Coach Hetherman was asked specifically about Wiley. He had high praise for him and said he’s learning to communicate better and where he’s supposed to be and he’s excited to see how he progresses going forward.

TIFWIW.
 
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