2010 Virginia Tech Depth Chart Debates: Defensive End
by furrer4heisman on Jan 19, 2010 7:00 AM EST
9 comments
We saved the most critical position for last in the depth chart debates. With the departure of Jason Worilds to the NFL and the graduation of Nekos Brown, both starting positions at defensive end are up for grabs for the first time since 2004. The Hokies have a lot of freshman with potential who will need to step up and provide depth or win starting jobs at defensive end.
Tech's success on defense in 2010 will depend on its ability to get pressure on the opposing quarterback. That starts with the defensive end, meaning there will be a good deal of pressure on guys with very little experience this upcoming season.
Defensive End
Starters: Steven Friday, Sr.; Chris Drager, Jr.
Possible Backups: Isaiah Hamlette, So.; James Gayle, Fr.; Tyrel Wilson, Fr.; Duan Perez-Means, Fr.
Outlook: Friday is the most experienced defensive end, which isn't saying much. He's played here and there the last two seasons, but hasn't been incredibly impressive. He will need to make big strides this offseason and become an anchor at end for the Hokies to be nearly as effective on defense as they have been in recent years.
Drager was converted to defensive end from tight end after spring 2009. However, he's had a short learning curve at the position, played in all 13 games and was in on 6.5 tackles for loss. I expect him to continue to improve at end and win the other starting job opposite Friday.
The Hokies won't be able to survive with only two defensive ends, meaning young players are going to have to step up this offseason. Hamlette played against Marshall and BC last year, but did not have any stats. He may get pushed to the back end of depth chart if the freshmen live up to their potential.
Gayle and Wilson spent the 2009 season as redshirts and are both highly-touted prospects from the 757. While Gayle probably has the higher ceiling, I think Wilson will be the first one ready for primetime. Perez-Means signed with Tech last year, but did not enroll after having shoulder surgery.
The Hokies have no margin for error at defensive end, which makes it the most critical position this offseason. Bud Foster has to find a pair of players who can get pressure on the quarterback and build depth between now and the first weekend in September. That's a pretty tall order.
Up for Debate
- Who should start at DE?
- Which young players will be the first to see the field?
- How worried are you about DE in 2010?
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What about McCray?
Zach McCray the high touted DE out of Brookville will be a Freshman he was highly ranked on all recruiters boards and # 7 in the country at the position is this a year Beamer and Co. decide to let a few True Freshman play on both sides of the ball to make a run at the NC?
until he's signed
and in blacksburg, he’s not part of the discussion.
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by furrer4heisman on Jan 19, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Gayle and Collins could very easily be the backups.
The coaches like them so far. As for McCray, it’s possible he could be that sick. Usually you can’t just waltz into Blacksburg and start your first fall on defense. You need to learn too much. Plus, McCray wants to redshirt.
I voted "other"
again
I guess the atmosphere that I've tried to create here is that I'm a friend first and a boss second, and probably an entertainer third.
McCray
I understand what you’re saying furrer4heisman, and I’m crossing my fingers to hope that happens, but for me it’s got to be Zach McCray starting opposite Friday. I know he’ll be a true freshman, but this guy’s ability and technique beyond his years, and has an incredibly high ceiling. On one of his prospect videos on rivals, the narrator hinted that he should be able to come in and contribute, and possibly even start right away. I know that Beamer doesn’t usually play freshman, but this is one of those guys. Especially given our depth issues there.
The 1 vote for Gayle is me
I almost gave it to Drager, but at this point I’m not 100% convinced he’s going to stay at DE with his opportunity at TE. And I think Gayle is going to be a superstar.
Missed the Official Vote but...
Never to late to add a comment. As I have only seen the 757 boys play, I can only comment on Gayle and Wilson. Gayle has some height to him. No real speed and is average. Didn’t stand out in high school and got walked over by offensive players that were skilled. Wilson has the heart and is a threat to a QB all day.This kid dominated the area and the kid is great on the pass rush. My vote goes to Wilson all day! Let that boy on the field and watch out! I watched this kid’s father play at UT..and this boy plays just like him if not better
Remember this post when this kid finally hits the field…
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