SB Nation - John Larson

An Underrated Problem: Defensive End

rockchalk — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:29:24 -0000

Coming into this season, there seems to be two primary problems that preseason magazines are focusing on: interior line play and linebackers. This makes sense, of course, as we lost all 6 starters in those two positions. However, there are more than just two potential holes on this team. This week, we'll be documenting all of these "mini-issues", if you will, with closing out the series today by taking a look at the defensive end position.

Why It's a (Potential) Problem

This was a tough one. I had thoughts about doing the entire defensive line, but figured it would be too much to handle in one large spoonful. I thought about making a mini-mini-series out of this mini-series, focusing just on the defensive line, but that just seemed like it would be overkill. Then, I had to decide what to cover; defensive end or defensive tackle.

While our defensive tackles were underwhelming last year, we still have a bunch of talented bodies at the position. Darius Parish, Jamal Greene, Richard Johnson Jr., Caleb Blakesley, etc. etc. So, instead, I decided to focus on the defensive end position. Now, with our new 4-2-5 defense, run defense will be at a premium, making the defensive tackles more important in theory. But, after watching the Chiefs last season, I entirely understand the relationship between lack of a pass rush and sucky defense.

Even with 5 people out there in the secondary, pressure is absolutely necessary. And, people are kind of overlooking the problem. I mean, sure, I like Quintin Woods. He looks like he's going to be a good player. I hope he is. But, behind him and incumbent starter Jake Laptad, there isn't a whole lot. I've bought into Max Onyegbule too many times in the past to expect much out of him. Jake Wheeler has never fully developed his pass-rushing potential. And the other d-ends are young and, most likely, not ready to contribute immediately.

I'm worried. Pass rush is essential, and while we have all of the pieces to create one, it isn't a sure thing. Not by a long shot.

The Potential Solutions

Like I said, there are plenty of "solutions" here. All of them are really talented, too. While we survived in the past two years while playing always-in-the-right-place players, like Russell Brorsen and John Larson, they didn't provide enough pass rush. Mangino switched up the recruiting strategy, instead going after better athletes who, potentially, could consistently get to the quarterback. Most of that talent is still young, but two juniors (Laptad and the JUCO transfer Quintin Woods) will be depended on the most.

All specific players listed after the jump...

Jake Laptad

The best defensive end we had last year, easy. He got to the QB enough to be a primary pass rusher, but not when matched up across Russell Brorsen, or someone like that. Still, he should be improved; perhaps good enough to be all-Big 12. Maybe. He certainly has the potential. And, he isn't awful against the run, either; but he's clearly a pass rusher primarily.

With him, though, it's still mostly potential. He has to get better against the run, particularly with only 2 LBs. If he can be a bigger factor in the run game while maintaining similar production in rushing the QB, it should be OK. If not, then we'll be in trouble. He's good enough to blow my small expectations out of the water; it's just a matter of if he does it, or not.

And when the most proven commodity at the position has potential surrounding any potential production, it usually isn't a good thing. I mean, it can be; that's what potential means. But if he busts out, or just performs the same as last year, it won't end well.

Quintin Woods

Huge fan of his. Original Michigan commit, but then he didn't qualify out of high school and had to go the JUCO route. Still just as talented, has just as much potential, all of that wonderful stuff. Could be a real star. Of course, here we go again with that potential bug. And given our, um, not-so-hot record with the junior college transfers, I'm trying to keep my expectations at a reasonable level. Ideally, given the fact he's a pass rusher first-and-foremost, you would just throw him in there on obvious passing downs. Kind of like Jake Laptad's usage his freshman year. But, with Woods at least experiencing some form of playing time beyond high school, even if it was just in JUCO, he becomes the de facto starter. So, his progression is the absolute key to this entire position.

Either he picks it up, plays at a high level, provides Laptad ample production on the other side of the line and isn't completely destroyed in the running game, or he doesn't. If he does, we're all happy, and our defense is miles better. We can wean in the freshman-or-two that we don't redshirt along with D.J. Marshall, who both could pick up a couple sacks of their own. Our secondary can be more relaxed. Our linebackers can just focus on the running game. We're a much better team with two really good defensive ends. It's obvious.

Given last year, I think we can all be fairly certain Laptad can be depended upon. But Woods, or anybody else at the position? Nuh-uh. At the very least, they shouldn't be treated as guarantees. Someone, anyone, will have to step up, though. And Woods is the best option.

Maxwell Onyegbule and Jeff Wheeler

For the rest of the ends, I'll just break them into two camps. One is the veteran reserve role, consisting of Max O and Jeff Wheeler. Both were the third-down pass rushers that were brought in obvious passing situations in the past, with mediocre results at best. Now, less will be expected of them, but they are probably the second and third "surest" things, respectively, left at d-end. If everyone flops, they'll have to step up. Even if not, and someone like Quintin Woods emerges, they'll be depended upon to be a steady, veteran presence.

It's likely too late in their careers for either of them to take a huge leap, which is needed if either becomes the consistent presence opposite Laptad. But, both of them should be good enough to be decent off of the bench, particularly in getting to the QB. Depending on how things go with Woods and the freshmen, that may get them considerable PT or it may not. As long as they provide some baseline for the newcomers to reach, I'm happy.

That's really the key with Onyegbule and Wheeler. Provide some baseline of production for the Marshalls and Youngs and Sellers of the world to reach, or they don't see the field. That way, we at least have decent players go out there, plus it creates competition, bladdy bladdy blah.

D.J. Marshall, Kevin Young, Tyrone Sellers

I listed them in order of likely appearance in games, based mostly off of time-in-the-program. Even though Kevin Young tried his best to be Xavier and C.J. before it even happened, he was here for the spring semester. Sellers wasn't, while Marshall spent a year last year redshirting, getting bigger, learning techniques, all of that fantastic stuff. So, while Marshall is often overlooked, I think he's the most likely to see the field. Most likely in some kind of third-downs-only, pass rushing type. Or something.

All of them have, you guessed it, potential. Loads of it. A bunch. It's just a matter of when it comes out. I'm pumped beyond belief for all three. Particularly Kevin Young, who I think could be just as good against the run as against the pass.

So, The Solution Is...

Well, as scary as it may be, we pretty much have to depend on Jake Laptad providing production. Given the immense uncertainties of every other defensive end on the roster, his half-sure-thing is going to have to do as if he was Julius Peppers or something. And, someone else is going to have to step up.

Quintin Woods is the favorite, but really it doesn't much matter. As long as someone steps up opposite Laptad, it's a success. Combine that with the two veterans, Onyegbule and Wheeler, and you can survive the season with an average pass rush. Or whatever. If any of the freshmen can step up and provide much of anything, it's just an added bonus.

Really, I'm actually not that worried about the pass rush. Of all of these "underrated problems", I'm least worried about any potential pass rush. I think we're going to be fine. Laptad can be awesome, Woods is going to provide something, and the seniors will be good enough to get 5-10 snaps a game. Or whatever.

So, don't freak out entirely.

Planning on doing an Underrated Strength mini-series, probably starting next Tuesday. Hopefully all of the negative will I've built up in this year's team will go away when we go over the strengths beyond just the passing game.

Hawk Talk...The Morning After Edition

Denverjhawk — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:40:53 -0000

A look at news and notes about Jayhawks and upcoming opponents...

KU athletics game recap
Game Notes
Press Conference Quotes
Kansas Senior Linebacker Corps wraps up a home career
KUSports recap
KC Star recap
Whitlock Column talks about keeping things in perspective.
KC Star Game Report
Great Article on some of the Seniors

My Thoughts...The unthinkable happened yesterday, Kansas lost a football game because its offense was inept. Todd Reesing appeared flustered and incapable of making the plays that we all know him for. The pass protection was more than acceptable in many cases and there has been a clear improvement over the year with Jeremiah Hatch and Jeff Spikes, yet Reesing couldn’t seem to pull the trigger and couldn’t seem to keep the ball out of the dirt. I say it again, the Kansas offense lost this game and it’s been awhile since I’ve had to say that.

A Senior day inspired defense came out and did everything they could in the first half forcing several punts by the potent offense of the Texas longhorns. The unit forced a turnover, the defensive backs seemed to continue to get more comfortable in their new positions, and even the defensive line put some token pressure on Colt McCoy. The problem this week was we couldn’t capitalize from an offensive standpoint. The longer the game went without us turning the stops into our momentum the more hopeless the cause and eventually it all broke down.

This was a frustrating game yet again for Kansas fans and it’s clear we still have work to do in the talent department before we take the next step and beat these big time opponents at home. I talked about it a little yesterday but it’s worth mentioning again, Kansas needs some more time to improve recruiting and development based on the recent success. This senior class committed to Mangino on the heels of a 4-7 year so while one of the greatest senior classes in terms of on field success ever at the University they probably weren’t the most talented to ever walk through the door. Hopefully that class is yet to come and when they do on a more consistent basis we’ll begin to turn the next corner. Nonetheless, we will see a 2^nd straight bowl, we are bowl eligible for the fourth straight year and I believe we’ve got a good shot at Missouri in Arrowhead.

A couple of guys on this team do deserve special mention after yesterday. Kerry Meier, this guy is a warrior and all hear, we need a few more healthy versions of him on the field. Dez Briscoe, amazing catch, another great game, and he continues to develop into a star. Jeremiah Hatch and Jeff Spikes, no they aren’t there yet and no they didn’t have the greatest game, but they have shown marked improvement and if we could play South Florida with this current version of these two I think we win the game. The defensive line, the unit that has been frustrating all year got some pressure and didn’t get pushed around against a usually dominate Texas O-line. Thornton and Patterson both seem to be developing and getting more comfortable at their new spots and while I hope we get Patterson back on offense, he looks like a serviceable corner.

Those are a few of my thoughts for positives looking ahead now it’s an extended Missouri week and maybe this team can put together their first full complete game in this one and make us all feel a little better.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk

Press Conference Quotes...11.11.08

Denverjhawk — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:51:59 -0000

Highlights from today's press conference w/Coach Mangino and KU Players...

Head Coach Mark Mangino

Opening remarks:

“Looking back on last week, Nebraska made more plays than we did to win the game. We had opportunities and didn’t always capitalize. We didn’t make stops when we needed to make stops. We have got to improve our tackling. We have got to play a lot more sound in our inside run game. There were a few bright spots. Dezmon Briscoe had a big day and looked really good. Todd Reesing had a good day, although his numbers didn’t show that he did. James Holt is really playing good defense for us right now.”

“This week we have Texas, who is a very good, ranked, top-five program. They have a lot of weapons on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Defensively they are very stout. They are only allowing 86 yards per game rushing. They have a very athletic defensive line with very quick, athletic guys who can move around. Their linebackers seem to be the heart of their defense. They are an outstanding group of linebackers. Their secondary is very athletic as always.”

“On the offensive side of the ball they run the ball with a number of different tailbacks. Their big playmaker is obviously Colt McCoy at quarterback, both running and throwing the football. He has a bunch of excellent receivers to throw to, led by Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby. Shipley is also a very dangerous player on special teams.”

“It is a very good Texas team that is coming here and we are planning on having a good week of preparation and getting ready to play them. It is an opportunity for us to play a top-five team here at home and we want to play well.”

More Coach and Player Quotes after the Jump...

Coach Mangino Cont.

On this year’s senior class:

“This is a senior class that has several fifth-year players and some kids that have played a lot of snaps. They have been through some really good times and have had to fight through some times. We see them as a group of kids who have been here and weathered some storms and have had some really big highs. We expect that they will continue to compete and fight here until the end.”

On Dezmon Briscoe:

“Dez is playing good football. Each and every week he seems to get better. He does a good job of understanding the defense. He knows where the holes are, he understands the coverages and we are really getting the ball to him quite a bit. He is finding holes in zones and leveraging man coverage pretty well. This is only his second year with us, but he is really getting better all the time.”

Junior Quarterback Todd Reesing

On playing Texas:

“I grew up in Austin, obviously watching the Horns. My dad went to UT. So I would be lying if I told you it wasn’t a little bit bigger for me. You got to try to not make it as big to yourself, but it is going to be fun. I grew up watching Texas and cheering for them, so now that I am playing against them it will be a lot of fun.”

On the Big 12 North Race:

“At this point things haven’t gone the way we would have liked them to. Last week obviously was a big game for us in terms of stepping up and playing for the Big 12 North, but that is obviously out of our hands at this point. This week we just have to go out there and play our best. We are playing a very good Texas team that is ranked real high and it one of the best teams in the nation. They are coming to our place on senior day and it is the last time for our seniors to go out there and play in front of our home crowd. We are going to lay it all out on the line and see if we can get a win and the upset.”

On the current senior class’s home success:

“You always want to send your seniors out with a win and that is why senior day is such a big deal. It is the last time you get to play at Memorial Stadium. It is going to be a crowded house and I know that everyone is going to be excited and have a positive attitude this week. We are just going to practice hard, get ready, and try to bounce back.

Senior Linebacker James Holt

On what senior day means:

“There is a lot of history in that stadium. I will always remember the first game that I played in it. It will mean a lot to all of the seniors and hopefully we can play a good game and just leave it all out there and give the people a good show.”

On getting a signature win for the year:

“Definitely with it being senior day and getting to go against No. 4 ranked Texas, a real powerhouse team, would be great to go out and pull an upset that would be a tremendous statement for the senior class.”

Junior Cornerback Justin Thornton

On helping the younger cornerbacks believe in themselves:

“A lot of guys came in knowing that they could compete and play. After being at practice with them all year we know that they can play and we are taking it upon ourselves to keep beating it into their heads that they can play at this level and they are here for a reason.”

On James Holt:

“Moving him around has been a great thing for us. He gives us the chance to blitz from different angles and play different coverages from different spots. He is great around the ball and he just gets the job done. He is a great athlete. If you get him matched up against bigger, slower guys he will beat them with speed. He isn’t the biggest or heaviest guy, but he plays hard and has a nose for the ball.”

Junior Safety Darrell Stuckey

On his thoughts of playing Texas this week:

“It’s one of those games that you go into where you have to do everything right. You have to execute every play and can’t have a lot of mental mistakes, because they will exploit them and take advantage of them. Texas is one of those teams that builds on what they can do to put themselves in a position to move forward. Our best opportunity is to do the same thing and go out there and focus on what we are doing right, focus on making our plays and executing on our side of the ball.”

Senior Defensive End John Larson

On playing in his last home game as a Jayhawk:

“You walk around and everything’s starting to look a little different, knowing that you aren’t going to get on that field again. I think the whole senior class is really looking forward to this weekend.”

Sophomore Wide Receiver Dezmon Briscoe

On his record-breaking year at receiver for Kansas:

“It’s a blessing, I haven’t really paid much attention to it though. I usually find out from the media.”

On the key to his improvement over last year:

“My work ethic has always been good, but I came into this season with a little more of a chip on my shoulder, knowing that we need to build on what we did last season. Film time and coming in and watching the opponents by myself or with some of the veterans on the team. They have helped me how to read a zone and how to beat man coverage.”

Senior Defensive End Russell Brorsen

On why he chose to play at Kansas:

“Coming out of high school I didn’t really have a lot of options. This was my best option by far, because it gave me a chance to play in the Big 12 and that’s why I came here.”

On what being named to the Lott Trophy watch list means to him:

“I feel that it was an achievement, I think there were 40 players on it. I think being named to a watch list shows that you have done a little bit in the college football world.”

NOTES...

FINAL HOME GAME FOR 18 SENIORS -- The Texas game will be the final home contest for 18 Kansas seniors, including DE Richard Alspaugh, S Tang Bacheyie, DE Russell Brorsen, WR Micah Brown, WR Raymond Brown, OC Ryan Cantrell, OT Matt Darton, WR Dexton Fields, WR Gary Green, CB Kendrick Harper, OG Chet Hartley, WR Marcus Herford, LB James Holt, DE John Larson, OG Adrian Mayes, LB Joe Mortensen, S Patrick Resby, and LB Mike Rivera.

THE LAST FOUR YEARS -- In the last four years, this senior group has been a part of some special things in Kansas football history. Among the numerous highlights are:

• Combined 31-16 record with two games left.

• 31 wins are the second-most in a four-year period in KU history behind the 32-6 record from 1896-99

• Produced at least six wins in four straight seasons for the first time since 1903-06.

• Saw home attendance average records set in each of the last four years.

• Posted two undefeated home seasons (2005 and 2007).

• Recorded a 23-3 home record in their four years.

• Played in first January bowl game since 1969 with last year's FedEx Orange Bowl victory.

• Could reach bowl game for the second straight year, the first bowl games in consecutive seasons in school history.

• Returned to the national polls in 2007, the Jayhawks' first ranking since 1996.

• Were part of a school-record 19 straight weeks in the Associated Press poll.