Regardless who we hire at DC, they’ll look like a genius

If Freeman comes down to LSU, I think we’re immediately back in the playoff conversation

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If Freeman comes down to LSU, I think we’re immediately back in the playoff conversation

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We are still really talented. Entire DL coming back on top of great recruiting at that position, Stingley and Ricks at CB, etc.

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How good the defense can become next season will depend on a few things. First, do we lose any guys to the portal. It’s possible, but a great hire like Freeman may keep everyone on board. But there have been rumors of guys like Toles and Webb considering it. Hopefully anyone thinking about it at least waits through the Spring.

Second will be how many of the incoming freshmen and recruits can come in and have a positive impact in year one. Smith, Strong and the Safeties are huge keys. If they can all step in and contribute day 1, it goes a long way toward fixing weaknesses and shoring up depth.

Along the same lines, the new DC needs to fix LB and Safety right out of the gate. Those positions were a HUGE problem last year. Can Toles, White, Sampah and Webb step up with the right guy in charge? Will some of the incoming class fill those roles, or maybe all of the above? If the new guy can fix LB and Safety, then the 2021 defense will be good at worst.

Last is developing depth without a full roster. We need guys like Clark and Flott who struggled last year to be effective again. Can guys like McG and Evans get on the field without becoming instant targets? Can Baskerville be more than average? We need as many guys contributing as possible so the depth can absorb injuries that are sure to happen.

The talent is definitely there if some of these questions get the right answers.

But usually the guys you lose are the ones who aren’t getting an opportunity for playing time. The one-time waiver opens the door for anyone higher on next season’s depth chart to test the waters. It’s key to keep them in the fold. Our reduced scholarship numbers also mean it’s key to keep as many people on the roaster as possible for 2021.

Getting the safeties/cbacks in the same room with Corey will solve much of the def backfield issues.
Oh and Corey to Texas is such a scam! Sark's way of thanking little nicky. CR is DBU... Him leaving would look like a new opportunity---but it benefit's Saban by undermining the strenght of a rival. They're playing CR and while Texas gets the best DB Coach/Recruiter there is, Gumpy benefits even more.

Agreed. It’s not if they’ll be better. It’s how much.

Which is why Freeman would be foolish not to come here

Well put. I would also add regardless of who would’ve been DC last year it would have had growing pains due to the transition from 3-4 to 4-3.
Pelini was so bad they were just magnified labor pains!