A-State 2017 Defense: Some Talent but Some Questions

[Seminole Indian]

They have to replace some key 2016 contributors, and while many of the expected starters were  already on the roster, several players that are expected to be key contributors in 2017 have yet to enroll, so summer workouts and fall camp will go a long way in determining if there will be a drop-off in 2017.

Blake Anderson has made it clear that stopping the run is job #1 for their defense every year, and  they have come a long way since the first year when Defensive Coordinator Joe Cauthen said they could not stop a " hard charging marching band ".

The reason for the turnaround was simple, they got bigger, stronger and better players on the inside. There is enough talent to hope that remains the case in 2017, but there are real concerns about depth at both inside positions, so a drop-off here is not out of the question, especially if there are any injuries.   

A-State lost both 2016 starters on the inside, but talented Sr Dee Liner ( 6-2, 325) had a solid spring at the tackle spot, and JC transfer Tony Adams (6, 344), and last years #2 Jr Dovonon Ransom (6-1, 304)  were locked in a battle for the starting position at nose guard These three look to be solid players, and it is hoped that talented JC transfer Josh Curry (6-2, 305), who will not join the program until June, will provide quality depth behind Liner. Sr Clifford Thomas (6-2, 291), has playing experience, with additional, but unproven depth from So Javier Carbonell (6-2, 297), and true freshman Hunter Morton (6-1, 275).

At defensive end they must replace an All-SBC starter but return another All-SBC player and all their back-ups, so little if any drop-off is expected.

All-SBC Ja'Von Rolland‐Jones( 6-2, 244) returns for his senior year, with veteran Sr Caleb Caston(6-2, 240) exiting spring as the other #1. Experienced depth is provided by off and on starter Jr Griffin Riggs (6-3, 253), and Jr Jarrod Chandler (6-2, 225), plus explosive JC transfer Ronheen Bingham (6-2, 225) , redshirt Jr DaJon Emory (6-3, 255), Fr William Bradley-King (6-4, 240), and So TJ Harris (6-2, 235). Their coaches are very high on Bingham who has 4.5 speed in the forty.

At Linebacker they must replace All-SBC Xavier Woodson (6-1, 210), and back-up Quanterio Heath (6-2, 220), who was actually lost during the season, but again return most
of their 2016 contributors so again expect little if any drop-off, and they are expected to be a more physical group.

Productive Sr Kyle Wilson (5-11, 228) returns as a starter, with former nickel-back Trenton Ellis-Brown (6-2, 212) apparently the other #1. There is experienced depth behind them in former starters Sr Khari Lain (5-10, 195), and So Tajhea Chambers (6-2, 246), along with So Kirk Louis (6-1, 230), Jr Antwan Turnage (6-2, 210) and Sr Ben Gallagher(6, 225).

At corner they lose one starter, but again everyone else returns, so little if any drop-off is expected in 2017.

Small but athletic starter Blaise Taylor (5-9, 165) returns for his last season, with talented Sr Nehemiah Wagner (6, 170) set to join him as the other starter. Experienced depth comes from Sr Brandon Byner (5-11, 175), Sr Kyle Martin (5-9, 175), and speedy So Jermey Smith (5-11, 165). True freshmen A.J. Cayetano (5-10, 180), Chad Gooden (6-1, 175), along with Arkansas Tech transfer Colby Sigears (5-8, 155), and Redshirt JC transfer Kavin Alexander(5-10, 190), could factor in if needed.

At Nickel-Back aggressive Jr Justin Clifton (6, 207) returns as the starter, and is considered one of their best players. Depth is an unknown with expected #2, and prized recruit Ben Sukut(6, 209) having some off the field issues to resolve.

Safety is the biggest unknown going into 2017, with only talented So BJ Edmonds (6, 203), son of the former Razorback with same name, having any real game experience.

It is expected the other starter, and main backups will come from the trio of Clemson bounce-back Jr Jeff Gibson (6-4, 195), Utah bounce-back Jr Michael Johnson (6, 180), or Boise St bounce-back So Darreon Jackson(6, 200), who arrive in June. Senior Mark Johnson (6-2, 180), and true freshmen Caleb Bonner (6-1, 190) , Larry Wooden (6, 180) and Zac Thomas (6-1, 181) could also be in the mix if necessary. If all the bounce-backs show up, experience, not talent is the only issue, because they, and Edmonds are even more talented, than the talented players that departed.

[holeinthewall]

They better get it together quick or they are going to give 100 points in the first 2 games. Secondary is short also.

[Seminole Indian]

They better get it together quick or they are going to give 100 points in the first 2 games. Secondary is short also.

They are actually shorter than the heights listed, but tend to be heaver. Other than the interior DL, they tend to be smaller than most FBS programs on defense, but compensate by being above average in speed and athleticism. Their philosophy is run fast, hit hard.

As far as Nebraska, and Miami, their HC said in Little Rock this week that if they (A-State) do get their act together early, both those teams are beatable, but most teams are early in the year.

The 2017 teams has more talent than any of the recent run of decent teams, and the schedule is not that bad, so that should make for another successful season.

[holeinthewall]

As far as Nebraska, and Miami, their HC said in Little Rock this week that if they (A-State) do get their act together early, both those teams are beatable, but most teams are early in the year.

ASU will be lucky to score 14 points on Miami. Miami front 7 will dominate the line and completely shut down the run game.

[Seminole Indian]

 I would not give the Razorbacks much of a chance against them so I'm certainly not going to disagree with your prediction.

I am confident that they have the talent to win every game against the G5's and the FCS teams on their schedule, and enough talent that I cannot disagree with their HC when he said that  IF they show up prepared, they can compete with the two P5's on their schedule , but being prepared at the start of the season is an area where their staff has struggled mightily.