Coach O and the defensive line

He and Steele will have us getting a lot more penetration at the LOS.

This is a great thing to hear. we need more pressure on opposing QBs.

Recruiting is his Biggest Strength, but he is known to be a great position Coach as well.

I think there will be a better pash rush & that Coach O will help the current defensive linemen improve their skills.

There have been a few underachievers at that position that haven't helped the depth situation. Last year, the two starting defensive tackles had to play too many snaps, so hopefully that isn't repeated.

And we hope Coach O can get some effective play from the young defensive ends as well, but it didn't seem like Rasco and Hunter put as much pressure on the QB as we expected.

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Will he make an immediate impact on the team with the current defensive line?

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I think so - I was never sold on him as a true HC (although he surprised as the interim at USC), and he's never coordinated a defense, even at a smaller school (unless he coordinated as the HC at Ole Miss) - but he has coached DL in the NFL (albeit for 1 season), and has successful stints at places like Miami (FL), Syracuse, USC and Tennessee. You don't get/keep jobs like that without ability to coach the position - although he is a recruiter first, that should be true of every college coach (*cough* Chavis *cough*) because without the players, all the scheming in the world can't produce a championship team.

I think the DL will be tremendous in 2015 and 2016 because of all the talent we have, AND a coach that will get those players ready.

I liked Brick Haley and John Chavis - but neither was particularly outstanding in recruiting - they got the occasional OOS stud (notably, Chavis was key in landing Clifton Garrett) - but the DL has not performed up to expectations since, frankly 2011. If Steele can hold serve on linebackers, Orgeron gets a couple of blips of improvement from the defense, I see us in 2011 range (maybe not quite that good), as long as we have no drop off in the secondary. The scheme will be less important if our players play up to their ability.

We have as much starting talent on defense as any team in the country, including Bama, period.