RU Defense in 2025

[RU#1fan]

I think our Defense will be significantly stronger this season vs. last year despite the stronger schedule.
The DE's are a huge upgrade. New transfers Weaver and O'Neill will be B1G caliber starters. And Thompson and Walker add proven depth.
LB will see a drop in talent. Djabome is very solid however the loss our best D Player- LB Powell is huge { and Mo leaving}. Moses Walker needs to step it up big time. Wright, Robinson, and McClary are talented LBs.
The Secondary Unit will be much stronger. Yes we lose Longerbeam and Loyal.
However Elad at Safety is an upgrade from Dixon and Henderson at Nickel and Cam Miller at LCB are proven D1 Talent with no drop-off.
Add in returning experienced Secondary Starters in Bo Mascoe and Kaj Sanders and we are set.

 

[RUGuitarMan1]

I’m hopeful for a much better defense in 2025. Last year was very bad for a program that has kind of hung their hat on it. As for the LBs, I can’t imagine their play will be worse even with some new pieces. I would anticipate a much better coached unit.

 

[DJ Spanky]

Not sure about that, I think the D has to prove itself. LB we have Djabome, but after that it's a question mark. Walker has yet to show he's got the mental side of the game down. And the depth is very thin, don't forget Wright is coming back from a knee injury.

Dixon never seemed to be 100% last year which was a damn shame. If Elad lives up to his billing he'll be an upgrade.

I think we're really gonna miss Hamilton on the DL - last year was the first time he was at the proper weight and settled into the position.

DE's, yeah, what we had last year never lived up to expectations.

 

[WillieTheSilent]

I’m hopeful for a much better defense in 2025. Last year was very bad for a program that has kind of hung their hat on it. As for the LBs, I can’t imagine their play will be worse even with some new pieces. I would anticipate a much better coached unit.

The injuries were awful.. and tackling followed that. We need more depth. The big boys replace 5-stars with 4-stars. We replace 4-stars and over-achieving 3-stars with inexperienced players who need more development. Development we can give them.. but it takes time.