Didnt see this posted anywhere. Luke may be getting the redshirt pulled and start tomorrow. Click Here Either Saban's disappointment with LBs was bigger than we thought or Luke is too good to keep off the field. I for one am jacked up to see him play. Tear 'em up big man :geaux: Wonder if the Kuale suspension had anything to do with this? This will be the 4th True Frosh to get a start this year (Highsmith, dorsey, Hester)
Saw it on Dandy Don this morning. In his radio show the other night Saban said he was concerned that he was maybe making a mistake in redshirting a linebacker (everyone obviously assumed Sanders).
No, he just said he was concerned about redshirting a LB that he felt may be able to contribute this year. Ali Highsmith isn't eligible to get a redshirt anymore so it is pretty obvious that he was refering to Sanders.
Well, I can tell you one thing...Kuale cost this defense consistently early on in the year...I and those who sit around me in the SEZ consistently called out "Number 2's Confused" anytime he was in the game. He did not know the system when I saw him play in person. He could not execute the defense correctly, and I know for a fact that he cost us at least a touchdown against Oregon State. I understand Saban's philosophy of putting him on the field because of his athleticism and the fact that he is willing to learn...But at some point, the detriment of the defense has to be addressed...and putting him out there took PT away from others who could have been learning and getting live game reps in the defense. Kuale needs to ride the pine until he can utilize his athleticism inside the confines and defintions of his position on defense.
I am excited....Luke was a monster in high school and I hope he gets a chance and does well....could be a future leader of the defense.
Agree on Kuale. But I think that Speed and Athleticism needs to be on the field one way or another. Put him at DE on passing downs. Let that monster loose on the outside :thumb: LBs need to play smart and be in the right place for this defense to work. I think that is why LS is getting an opportunity, he is known for being smart and a hardworker.
Well...We can see that the linebacker position is the most important seemingly in this defense... We have played much more Cover 2 than at any time since I believe the 2000 season this year, but that's because we've been hurt at corner. Our defensive line can still generate push and at times throttle the run with excellent efficiency. We are in dire need of developing an outstanding linebacker with speed and athleticism who also possesses the evidently hard to find trait of being able to use that natural God-given talent within the confines and definitions of their position on the field. If you are quick and athletic in getting to the wrong spot...If you use your athleticism to turn a play inside when your help was coming from the outside...If you down and pinch the offensive lineman, only to realize that you made a mistake and you're supposed to be back in coverage...Well, you're going to cost yourself and your team. We had Eric Alexander there last year who used speed and athleticism and a "play your role" mentality. He excelled. He is sorely missed. This year, we have newbies...at one safety spot, and there at linebacker. We also have a bit of a soft D-line, as I think Melvin Oliver has honestly underachieved. Our defense has suffered a tad bit... Again, just like the new wideouts and JaMarcus and their early trials and tribulations, who are laying the foundation for a ballistic offense next year, the defense next year will benefit from Chevis Jackson, Prude (Prop 48'er who will be back for a granted 5th year next year), Daniels, Keron Gordon, and others have gotten some PT this year early on...Just as Hollis & Kuale will be better players for having gotten the PT this year... We are baptizing youth by fire this year...Next year, we will be loaded for SERIOUS bear...and I'm talking the 2003 variety, if you ask me...We're just getting them their first pieces of action this year...
This didnt happen but Luke had an assist. I wonder if the redshirt comment was meant to be about Matt Stoltz.
