Increased Depth and Competition Are Keys for This Defense Early in Spring

Author:
Joseph Griffin
Apr 04, 2024

Sterling Lucas and other coaches spoke to the media today, and Coach Lucas opened up by stating there's a lot of increased depth in the edge room, talking about the experience they have brought in this off-season and how there is competition going on in the room, which is a core value with this year's team. He was asked to share the dynamic of the edge room right now with a guy like Kyle Kennard and a freshman like Dylan Stewart:

"The dynamic is great. Kyle Kennard, were encouraging him to bring his experience, sharing that knowledge and that wisdom with some of the young guys having played a lot of years at Georgia Tech. Dylan, he's as advertised, the pace is a little different for him in terms of college football, which is expected, but were really pleased where he is."

Coach Lucus was able to elaborate on the increased depth and want to treat it like "hockey shifts". Being able to have fresh legs especially going into the fourth quarter, it will be a huge benefit for this defense. He also spoke on the flexed nickel defense and they're expecting this defense to carry on where they left off last year as well with the multiple front defenses.

Another topic of conversation was Bryan Thomas, who is currently up to 247 pounds:

For Bryan, three things in pass rush we talk about: The Approach, The Move Area and The Finish. Bryan has a great approach, has one of the best get offs on the team. For him it really is the move are and the finish, he had some quarterback pressures and quarterback hits and were trying to turn those things into sacks... That increased weight is only going to help him even more, he's able to add more power to his game.

Coach Lucas spoke on the additions in other positions as well. Not only will guys like TJ Sanders and Tonka Hemingway, including Debo Williams, be back, but the freshman and transfers will also allow this front to rush in unison, for all to be on the same page, and hopefully create more havoc on the defense side of the ball.

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