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| Chandler Jones is ready to do some damage this year Art via Mike Borkowski |
Defensive Line
Position Overview
The defensive line for the Orange is a lot like the beginning of a Tale of Two Cities - it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. On the best side, the defensive end position is absolutely stacked. Chandler Jones and Mikhail Mustachovich are two of the best, most experienced defensive ends on the conference. Both are poised for break-out seasons. Behind them are Brandon Sharpe and Torey Ball, both who have significant experience. In Sharpe's case, he's had some really nice moments in his two years wearing Orange and seems to have a knack for getting in the backfield.
On the inside, it's a different story. While it's not exactly the worst of times, the team lacks size and experience at the defensive tackle positions. There is a lot of promise, but until the games start, we won't really know what we've got inside.
Depth Chart
DE
- Mikhail Marinovich (sr)
- Brandon Sharpe (jr)
- Deon Goggins (jr)
- Eric Crume (fr)
- Ollie Haney (sr)
- Robert Welsh (soph)
- Jay Bromley (soph)
- Cory Boatman (jr)
- Chandler Jones (jr)
- Torrey Ball (sr)
Since this is now the depth chart for week one, I wouldn't expect any changes immediately. At DE, Jones and Marinovich are entrenched as starters, but youngsters Micah Robinson and Donnie Simmons could push for back up spots down the stretch.
Inside, true freshman Eric Crume is already looking at playing time, should things go horribly wrong, look for guys like Robert Welsh -- all 260 pounds of him -- to get a shot.
Synopsis
The team's success on defensive side of the ball may very well may rest with how well the inside guys play. Lacking any true 300 pound space eaters (except for true freshman Crume) they will have to be technically proficient to make up for their lack of size. If the unit plays poorly, opponents will be able to easily get get offensive lineman and fullbacks to the second level, where they can wipe out SU's equally undersized linebackers. Poor play will also allow teams to double the defensive ends and neutralize a position of strength.
And while the Orange are strong on the edges, Marinovich and Jones haven't put up great numbers as starters. That needs to change this year. With young inexperienced linebackers, SU will need to get more pressure with their front four, because Scott Shafer is going to bring to pressure come hell or high water. For that to happen, the defensive tackles need to hold their own. They don't have to be great, just good. Jason Bromley saw some action last year and did some good things, and while the jury is still out on Deon Goggins, most people seem to agree he has a ton of potential.
Best Case Scenario
Chandler Jones gets his 30 sacks, Mikhail Marinovich gets 15 more and as his mustache evolves into this. Jason Bromley and Deon Goggins become the masters of shooting gaps and become snowballs that catch fire and Eric Crume, while only a freshman, does indeed blot out the sun.
Worst Case Scenario
The small, light defensive tackles get manhandled, Jones and Marinovich get double teamed and the defense plays every game like Rutgers played against Cincinnati last year.
Prediction
Jones realizes his potential and wreaks havoc off the edge, Marinovich continues to be serviceable but doesn't put up huge numbers and the bevy of defensive tackles play juuuuuuust well enough to get the job done most of the time.
Position Grade
B minus
Bonus Video
Chandler Jones wiping himself off - sure.
Bonus Mustache Update
Mikhail's lip warmer gets more and more fantastic every day:
Via - Mustachavich54
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