#8 defense according to Bleacher Report

[Apple@chin1]

Next year is going to be special if all the cards fall into place and we can avoid the injury bug to our key players.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/283 ... 019#slide4

[GregPercussion]

They didn't mention anything about our staff turnover but I'm optimistic with how many we have returning.

[Saint3333]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

[sixtoes9134]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

True about Stout, but Markell Clark should be ready for that role.

[Rick83]

I always LOVE to see us ranked in categories among the reigning football powers and legendary programs. We've come a long damn way since I started following App football as a mere kid of 18 years in 1979...can't wait to see how far we take this program.

[ericsaid]

Next year is going to be special if all the cards fall into place and we can avoid the injury bug to our key players.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/283 ... 019#slide4

Are there any running backs or receivers on the schedule this season that would rival Miles Sanders and KJ Hamler? If not for those two players, App would've walked out of Happy Valley with a win last season.

[ericsaid]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

True about Stout, but Markell Clark should be ready for that role.

One thing that has been amazing the past two seasons is that the guys stepping into starting roles due to graduation have not only maintained the level of excellence that vacated the position but often succeeded it. Fehr and Davis-Gaither as well as Thomas are great examples of this.

I think, at this point, the replenishment level for talent on App's roster is often at the same level as the previous starter. It's mostly offseason banter to pass the time, of course, but the team is in a good position to replace everyone who left last season.

[Boroneer10]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

True about Stout, but Markell Clark should be ready for that role.

One thing that has been amazing the past two seasons is that the guys stepping into starting roles due to graduation have not only maintained the level of excellence that vacated the position but often succeeded it. Fehr and Davis-Gaither as well as Thomas are great examples of this.

I think, at this point, the replenishment level for talent on App's roster is often at the same level as the previous starter. It's mostly offseason banter to pass the time, of course, but the team is in a good position to replace everyone who left last season.

Excited to see EJ Scott and Clark inside, but also really hyped to see Jordan Earle play this year. I heard he was a monster on scout team last year as a true freshman.

[BeauFoster]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

This is my main concern/point when I see people saying that if the defense isn't as good or better than 2018 that Roof should be fired/take blame/strung up from his toes. Stout was a BIG reason our defense was so strong last year. I have no doubt his replacement will be game ready, but he's got some shoes to fill. It could take a couple games, or he could step right in and be 1st team all Belt. People need to temper their expectations a bit, I think.

[appstate24]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

This is my main concern/point when I see people saying that if the defense isn't as good or better than 2018 that Roof should be fired/take blame/strung up from his toes. Stout was a BIG reason our defense was so strong last year. I have no doubt his replacement will be game ready, but he's got some shoes to fill. It could take a couple games, or he could step right in and be 1st team all Belt. People need to temper their expectations a bit, I think.

Agreed, Stout was an animal up front. Honestly probably the most important defensive player we had last year. The others guys are gonna be studs but Myquon was a beast for us. GO APPS!!

[AppSt94]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

True about Stout, but Markell Clark should be ready for that role.

One thing that has been amazing the past two seasons is that the guys stepping into starting roles due to graduation have not only maintained the level of excellence that vacated the position but often succeeded it. Fehr and Davis-Gaither as well as Thomas are great examples of this.

I think, at this point, the replenishment level for talent on App's roster is often at the same level as the previous starter. It's mostly offseason banter to pass the time, of course, but the team is in a good position to replace everyone who left last season.

Excited to see EJ Scott and Clark inside, but also really hyped to see Jordan Earle play this year. I heard he was a monster on scout team last year as a true freshman.

Don't devalue the diminutive Caleb Spurlin.

[GoBoone]

Caleb should be back at DE where he is very aggressive and gets a good push.

[AppSt94]

Caleb should be back at DE where he is very aggressive and gets a good push.

Has he played outside before?

[AppGrad78]

That is high praise. Not sure losing Stout isn't going to hurt a little bit as well.

True about Stout, but Markell Clark should be ready for that role.

One thing that has been amazing the past two seasons is that the guys stepping into starting roles due to graduation have not only maintained the level of excellence that vacated the position but often succeeded it. Fehr and Davis-Gaither as well as Thomas are great examples of this.

I think, at this point, the replenishment level for talent on App's roster is often at the same level as the previous starter. It's mostly offseason banter to pass the time, of course, but the team is in a good position to replace everyone who left last season.

Excited to see EJ Scott and Clark inside, but also really hyped to see Jordan Earle play this year. I heard he was a monster on scout team last year as a true freshman.

I hate to be the spelling Nazi because I’ve butchered a lot of names, but it’s “Jordon.” He’ll be next up on GAS’s list.

[appstatealum]

Davis Gaither was huge last season and I only expect him to be better this year. I think that LB crew will see the biggest impact from Roof's presence.

[GoBoone]

Caleb should be back at DE where he is very aggressive and gets a good push.

Has he played outside before?

He’s always been outside.

[Appstate88]

Offensive stats like fumbles lost, rushing yards, 3rd down conversion, number of punts and TOP are important and set conditions for defensive success. If we can maintain our advantage on the offensive side we can be lights out on defense.

[AppNC]

Caleb Spurlin has taken game reps at nose depending on package but his primary position has been DE.

[AppSt94]

Thanks. I only seem to remember him inside. He plays with great leverage.

[Rick83]

Hypothetically speaking, if Drink's offense is more of a quick strike philosophy as opposed to Satt's ball control philosophy. Then conceivably the defense will be on the field longer and their numbers could theoretically worsen as a result. On the flip side, if the offense is clicking then the defense can pin their ears back and wreak havoc in the backfield.
It'll be interesting to see how the differing philosophies pan out. All I care about are W's and I think we're going to have an exciting season.