Hokies defensive line coach Charley Wiles answered questions about his group at BeamerBall.com. It's an insightful interview. Foremost, Wiles is well aware of Tech's lack of depth at d-end.
"Make no mistake, we need depth at end," Wiles told BeamerBall.com. "I held my breath all season that Dadi Nicolas and Ken Ekanem wouldn't get hurt. There was just too big of a drop-off after those first two."
That's very similar to a comment I made a month ago.
According to Wiles, Dadi Nicolas (18.5 TFL, 9.0 sacks in '14) and Ken Ekanem (14.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks in '14) will get just enough work this spring to remain sharp and the focus will be to identify other contributors. That's a prudent decision. There's no need to overwork, or allow for more injury opportunities to, two All-ACC performers.
"I have to get Seth Dooley better, I gotta crank up Yoshua and I have to see exactly where we are with Melvin Keihn. We moved Melvin over from linebacker and he's a great kid, did a great job on special teams, but I have to find out if he can be a consistent performer at defensive end. He'll get a lot of work this spring."
Seth Dooley looked the part prior to last season, but didn't take the next step on the field.
It's not a surprise Keihn will at least start spring at d-end. At this point, there's a basic need for bodies. If the 6-1 Gilman School product checks in at more than 210 pounds in March, then perhaps he has a future with his hand in the dirt.
Yoshua Nijman is a bit of an x-factor. Wiles echoed the Beamer Co. party line on the former Fork Union standout; he'll start out at end.
"He moves around great, he's long, he's not stiff, he can really run, and he's every bit of 6'6" 275 pounds. So, I'm very excited about working with him. He's a guy you want going full steam ahead. He's a guy who can be a disruptor. Turn him loose, tell him go get the quarterback, go get the ball carrier. I can't wait to see what Mike Gentry does to his big body. This guy has the tools," Wiles said.
If he has the bend, burst and twitch that Wiles looks for in a defensive end, Nijman's size won't be anything but a bonus.
Also, Wiles did not mention Dewayne Alford, who was in the two-deep last year, which could mean nothing or something.
The situation at defensive tackle is the exact opposite of end. Wiles has a bevy of experienced playmakers and just four spots on the depth chart.
"We're going to play the best guys. I'll throw 'em all in a big pile, let 'em battle it out, bloody their knuckles and see who comes out on top."
Luther Maddy, who had two knee surgeries last fall because of a torn meniscus, won't be part of the melee. He won't get the "green light" until June.
That leaves Ricky Walker, Woody Baron, Vinny Mihota and Steve Sobczak to earn a spot in the two-deep along with Corey Marshall and Nigel Williams. Both Walker and Baron contributed quality snaps, it will be fun to watch Mihota and Sobczak push them.
Comments
Great read, I too am excited about the prospectus of our defensive front. The rotation we have at tackle is incredible, even when you look back at a few of our recruiting misses. Given Mihota's height, I'd be surprised if he stayed on the interior. He was a high 4-star, heavily pursued by Saban's bunch. Recognizing the need at DE, one would think that his big frame would bode well at strong-side DE. Add Settle and Whitehead into the fray come August, and now you've got a blood bath for minutes. Which brings up an interesting point...when asked about his reasoning for choosing VT (Settle), he mentioned early playing time as a key factor. Either he's a confident kid, or we put on quite the horse and pony show for him. Either way, great problems to have. But I say move Keihn to Whip, slide Vinny out, and make room for the big uglies down under.
You should see our horse and pony show. Its spectacular. They're all on treadmills.
^ I can vouch for this.
I thought Wiles said that Mihota was not quick enough for DE?
No mention of Mr. Settle? I guess this was focused on spring and he won't enroll until summer? Is he even allowed to talk about verbal commits? Would have been nice to get Coach Wiles take on the incoming players.
Also I am far too paranoid, my initial reaction upon seeing the first few letters in title was that Wiles was leaving or retiring.
No, coaches are not allowed to talk about verbal commits.
Against NCAA rules to talk about players until they sign their LOI or enroll. We'll get his take on Settle on or around signing day.
It will also be fun hearing about him at Nova Recruit night with Stiney Feb 5th.
I thought the same thing on my initial glance at the head line. Had to do a double take and then calm down.
I think it's safe to say Wiles is to Foster as Foster is to Beamer.
The more I read about Yoshua Nijman the more I forget about that FSU early enroll from the 757 Josh something... Anyway I'm very excited to see what Nijman brings to the table at the end spot come Spring/Summer.
Funny, the more I hear about the fact that we're trying to duct-tape together some depth at DE by having a 210lb LB put his hand in the dirt, the more I'm reminded about that early enrollee... and others like him.
Nijman sticking at DE is a longshot... hope it pays off.
Edit: The more I read about Nijman, the more convinced I am that he ends up at OT. In fact it seems likely that's where the coaches (specifically Searels) envisioned him from the get-go.
He'll likely be heavier after a winter in the weight room. So on the flip-side, if he's quick enough to play DE at VT weighing 275 - 300lbs he'll be a day one starter and probably the first pick taken in the 2018 draft.
Hey welll, Keihn and Nijman average 242lb, which is just about ideal for our system.
+1 for positive maths
Yeah....that kid would have been a game-changer here. Nijman probs doesn't even stay at the position.
Apparently you missed the sarcastica in my statement obviously Josh Sweat would have been an instant game changer on the other hand I'm optimistic to see if Nijman can have a good showing this spring at the position and Wiles excitement to work with him fuels my optimism.
Agreed.
Despite what we saw on his highlight reel, if Wiles says "This guy has the tools" I believe him. He did fantastic with Drager, who I thought would be a disaster. And you can't teach size, which Nijman has.
I also agree with Tim Settle who I think will be an early contributer (but what do I know!?)
If there's one thing I've learned over the years, its to trust in the Hokie defense.
Obviously, everyone can agree that Corey Marshall is better as a DT but if Dadi or Ken were to get injured, would it not make sense to move Marshall out to DE with the depth we have at tackle? I'm just wondering if they're going to give Marshall any reps at DE this spring as a "just in case" backup plan.
Also, if we had an unfortunate DE injury, I wouldn't be opposed to the idea of using 3 DT and a DE, with the OLB on the weak side walking up to the line.
I agree with you overall point, but I think we can't say Marshall is better at DT can we? He was always just needed there and so he played there. Maybe he could have been the next great DE. We'll never know now. He has a DE frame for NFL though.
I don' think they will move him outside now though. They need him to start at DT especially if Maddy is still recovering in the fall.
You don't think Wiles has more wiggle room to try to replace a DT? I imagine the need is greater at end, which would prompt a move. Even if he's a better DT than DE, if the dropoff in his play isn't precipitous, we need him more on the end.
Sure Wiles does but is that fair to Marshall? He came to play DE and was asked to move out of need, against what he stated he wanted while being recruited. Now he has one year left, he has been at DT this whole time, I doubt he gets moved back out. Especially after having a really good year at DT and Dadi and Kenjamin entrenched.
Oops, let me clarify because I just realized it sounded like I was advocating a permanent switch. What I mean to say is, should Dadi or Ken go down, I think moving Marshall makes the most sense. It would probably help his draft stock, too, playing both positions.
Well, yeah, there is that.
I'm so excited to watch this defense fire it up next year. I want us to get back to the good ole days where we dominated teams by hitting hard, blocking kicks and just overall demoralizing their offenses with our speed, power, and tenacity. I think this defense will epitomize that next year! Bring on the Bucks!
You're in trouble, Georgia Tech.