If Xavier is indeed suspended for the year (or booted from the program) we are losing arguably our best pass rusher. Where do the Cats go to replace his production? Does Earnest Brown get moved into a 3rd down pass rushing role?
Who replaces Washington?
- Thread starter BigNUFan51
- Start date
Carnifax, Miller and Brown. This makes it much more likely that 1-2 of our prized freshmen DL will burn their shirts.
Ugh.... Not sure how we are going to generate pressure next year with that trio opposite of Gaziano (also a young player)
Xavier is a good and crafty player with a motor, but he was hardly a difference-maker as an edge pass-rusher.
As is often the case, his highlight reel sacks (ala Penn State 2014) were usually when the opponent completely busted an assignment and he was unblocked...
As terrible as Odenibo was on 1st and 2nd down, he was a legit great 3rd down edge rusher. I don't think XW was going to replace that production.
I like what I saw out of the youngsters (Gaziano and Goens) at DE last year, and I suspect XW may have been rotating out (or perhaps moving inside) on 3rd down situations anyway.
As is often the case, his highlight reel sacks (ala Penn State 2014) were usually when the opponent completely busted an assignment and he was unblocked...
As terrible as Odenibo was on 1st and 2nd down, he was a legit great 3rd down edge rusher. I don't think XW was going to replace that production.
I like what I saw out of the youngsters (Gaziano and Goens) at DE last year, and I suspect XW may have been rotating out (or perhaps moving inside) on 3rd down situations anyway.
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