Sounds like your starting DL

[57stratdawg]

Will be:

DE - AJ Jefferson
DE - Cory Thomas
NG - Nick James

I say that assuming Nick James isn't suspended. I'm shocked at Cory Thomas. No knock on the guy, but Calvin looked damn good to me and I haven't heard much Cory Thomas buzz this fall.

I think it's a good thing, honestly. The future our DL seems to be in decent shape.

 

[MSUDC11]

The Media Relations depth chart had Calvin starting at Viper. Basically the chief pass rusher role in a 3-4.

 

[121Josey]

That is correct. Viper is loaded with talent.

C.Thomas could also play NG, if necessary.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

With Calvin at the Viper, it sounds like our regular 4-3 system and has me underwhelmed. If you'd have told me Jefferson, Thomas, and Calvin on the line and Green at the Viper I'd be more excited. I want the most talented guys out there and a lineup where Green and Lewis aren't both on the field doesn't do that

 

[RiverCityDawg]

Some State fans have to change their thought process on the D Line. The end spots, and especially the one opposite of AJ, is going to be more of a Tackle in order to defend the run. A 4-4i tech DE lines up head on against the OT or shades inside. So unless it's a third and long situation, get use to seeing Thomas, Dale and Simmons at that spot. Bigger bodies. True pass rushers like Calvin, Spencer Coleman, etc will need to be the Viper in the 3 man front to get the edge pass rush. With that said I'm sure we'll see some Calvin at DE and Green at Viper on obvious passing downs.

 

[patdog]

I think it's going to be a more multiple defense. Could be 4-3 on some plays, or a 3-4, or even a 3-3-5. Just depending on the matchups and situation.

 

[crabnuts]

Does the DC wear socks????

that's all I care about.

 

[aTotal360]

Agreed. Most people are trying to define what the "viper" is. At the risk of oversimplifying it, its probably no more than 6'4'', 250 lb DE/LB type lined up on LOS (maybe with their hand in the dirt, maybe not). In situations, they will be asked to zone cover, in others they will play a more traditional DE role.

As a fan, we probably won't be able to tell who is the viper and who isn't. It'll probably look like a normal 4 man front with the DE on the wide or short side of the field having a "wild card" responsibility.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

Some State fans have to change their thought process on the D Line. The end spots, and especially the one opposite of AJ, is going to be more of a Tackle in order to defend the run. A 4-4i tech DE lines up head on against the OT or shades inside. So unless it's a third and long situation, get use to seeing Thomas, Dale and Simmons at that spot. Bigger bodies. True pass rushers like Calvin, Spencer Coleman, etc will need to be the Viper in the 3 man front to get the edge pass rush. With that said I'm sure we'll see some Calvin at DE and Green at Viper on obvious passing downs.

You misunderstood me. I understand how a 3-4 works and what the alignments and responsibilities are. I'm just disappointed that we are using 4 'linebackers' and 2 of them are Lewis and Green. Green is born to play outside in a 3-4 and by all accounts Lewis has been living up to his billing. Green, Lewis, and Brown on the field at the same time is a top SEC LB corp

 

[KeyserSoze1999]

I think you will see your Thomas, Calvin, & Green lineup on 3rd & long passing situations or against teams that are pass heavy on Offense, to get a good pass rush. This current Depth Chart looks like our Defensive set vs. a balanced Offense---or at least that is what I am hoping for.

 

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

We're getting into Joe Lee Dunn territory. If we see two down lineman to start the game we're 17ed for the year.

 

[GloryDawg]

Some State fans have to change their thought process on the D Line. The end spots, and especially the one opposite of AJ, is going to be more of a Tackle in order to defend the run. A 4-4i tech DE lines up head on against the OT or shades inside. So unless it's a third and long situation, get use to seeing Thomas, Dale and Simmons at that spot. Bigger bodies. True pass rushers like Calvin, Spencer Coleman, etc will need to be the Viper in the 3 man front to get the edge pass rush. With that said I'm sure we'll see some Calvin at DE and Green at Viper on obvious passing downs.

Need to change their mid set about a lot of things.

 

[patdog]

Best JLD play ever. 1st play of the Kentucky game, he lined up with no defensive linemen. QB went up the middle for 50 yards and suddenly you saw four 300-lb DL sprinting onto the field to line up for the 2nd play.

 

[kired]

Thomas physically looks similar to Chris Jones. I've been predicting he would eventually be an impact player. Guess we'll finally see how he looks on the field.