re: Defensive line rotation?

A couple of keys:

1) remain relatively injury free

2) Godchaux and Locature take the appropriate steps to progress like 2nd and 3rd year players normally do. DG could be All-SEC caliber and Loc could be upper echelon as well, despite his lack of "sexy" stats. He kinda reminds me of Brockers, who was extremely underrated by our fan base while he was here. What most didn't realize was how much what he did he helped the other DLs, especially Logan. You could really feel his absence in '12 after he left.

3) can Bower step up and become a full-time starting DE. I had my doubts last year due mainly to his stature, but I'm buying in this year. Especially, if:

4) Neal is as impressively strong as he sounds and can lock down that other DE spot. He may not get a lot of sacks, but his strength should allow him to shed blocks and help tremendously in run support

5) can Teu and Clark progress enough to provide quality backup snaps and spot start we inevitably will need them?

6) can O get ANYTHING out of Herron or Gilmore. This may wind up being the biggest key of all, especially if we have injuries to the starters.

7) can Steele adapt to personnel and show multiple looks. I think we have the personnel to be versatile.

8) can you get anything out of Key or Washington? To me, I have lower expectations for these guys--especially Key relative to his hype--this year. Not because of talent, but just because it's so hard to contribute on the DL as a true freshman. Mingo and Montgomery both redshirted. To me, anything we get from the freshmen is pure lagniappe, but if just one of them can play, that could be huge for depth.


I'm getting kinda excited, boys.