Of course USC is not going to be able to replace Leonard Williams. But . . . how much will really matter? He basically saved the Arizona game last season when he stuffed the Wildcats at the goal line.
But think back to USC’s defensive lines the past 10-12 years. Some were really good (Wild Bunch II) and some were adequate. But when the defensive line was adequate, the defense was fine. This year’s defensive line should be fine if not special. So the defense should not be hurt by the line. Right?
Do you know anything at all about how a defense works, Scott?… a lot the success of the defense will depend on the play of the secondary… their pass rush….. stuffing the run….how much more aggressive they will be this year…..they don’t need to replace Leonard… just play up to their potential and be placed in the best position to succeed, like Cravens….this is wear the coaching, defensive schemes and play calling play a big part in the outcome of the game…. more than just one player…
Well said. Leonard Williams was awesome, but we’ll be just fine.
That much confidence in Justin Wilcox?
Let’s see what he can do with a full compliment of players, most of who are in their second year of running his system…. I’ll reserve judgement until the end of this year… or sooner, if the wheels come off…..
You can say Sark and Nelson Agholar were to blame for the loss at Utah, but our DLine was out of gas and we had no depth. I remember Leonard Williams needing a big rest down the stretch and we just couldn’t afford for him to come out. I don’t see that as the case. I think two true freshman will be in the rotation and our upperclassman will pick it up this season.
I’ll give Wilcox another 6 games before I judge his performance. But out Line should be fine. Our safeties need improvement.
“But . . . how much will really matter?” ..English, please?…. and feel free to throw in a fews commas, as well, Scott….
southern cal will be fine… sua’ cravens could play de…
I don’t think any one of the current D linemen have the talent Leo does. But as a group they can be as good or better than last year. They have some very talented, while not experienced, players returning from injury, and a great group of recruits.
The unit will be very good. How good ? We should know @ASU 9/26
The lack of depth vis a vis the sanctions hurt us on the D-Line – Williams really bailed us out. With growing depth over the next 2 – 3 years, that position group will benefit greatly. Will SC miss Leonard? Dumb question. He’s a beast.
Look for a healthy Kenny Bigalow, and one true freshman to step up and add some depth. Antuan Woods will be consistent and be a vocal leader. I expect Delvon Simmons, and Claude Pelon to have good seasons as they will now be starters full time and should make plays in full time action. Cody Temple will add experience. And I hope Greg Townesend can stay a healthy and add some quality playing time.
I’m also interested to see how former OL Jordan Simmons does on the other side of the ball….. he is supposedly one our more athletic linemen…..
Right on. I totally forgot about him.
Will USC miss Williams? Not as much as Houston would miss Watt.
Another year, another #6 draft pick. They grow on trees.
Do you ever wonder how Scott thinks of these questions?
Of course we’ll miss the Big Cat. But he didn’t make or break us. Woods, Pelon, Temple, and Townesend are all seniors, and along with the underclassmen they should push each other and make each other better. Bigalow and Malik Dorton will be added depth along with Jordan Simmons. The freshman are highly touted and should again add depth. And I’ll say the freshman are of course wait and see. But losing a player like LW is never an easy task to overlook, but I strongly believe our line will be a strong point this season. A lot of big bodies and depth being the main factor.
It may well be a better D. No one player can make a D.
But Scott’s framing of the issue: will USC miss Williams?
Hypothetical: Williams had decided to come back. How would the media be describing USC’s defensive prospects in 2015?
And how do you think Williams would play if he could rotate out for a series a couple times a game?
My guess: it would make a world of difference all around.
But that’s show biz.
I agree. We were fortunate to have had Williams for 3 years and the show must go on. I think it’s exciting to see who will be our next impact player or players. I think we have a some future stars. Should be a fun season.
Go USC Trojans!
Nobody on the DL has excelled in the past, so for them to be “fine” we need some of them to live up to their potential this year. Most are seniors so it is important for next year that some of the younger players get game experience this year.
Far and away this is the biggest question mark on the team. I agree that the safety position is also a question mark but I have a hunch with the depth we have in the secondary we will be just fine there. My confidence in the DL is just not there yet. I hope I’m wrong.