Comparing Auburn's and USF's Defensive Rosters

[Malcolm_FleX48 1,885]

Considering the hype of us possibly having Tom Allen as our DC, I decided to go on over to the rosters at USF and Auburn and take a look and compare the players simply to see what we might end up seeing as trend in recruiting should the coaching change be made, as well as looking at what players will fit into what roles in the new defense. This should give people a good picture of exactly the prototype at each position that Coach Tom Allen wants in order to run these specific roles.

Auburn's Defensive Backfield:

12 Jamel Dean DB 6-2 205 FR

31 Javaris Davis DB 5-10 180 FR

28 Tray Matthews DB 6-1 213 SO

41 Jordan Colbert DB 6-1 226 FR

25 Austin Dupper DB 5-9 179 JR

3 Jonathan Jones DB 5-10 181 SR

24 Blake Countess DB 5-10 185 SR

23 Johnathan Ford DB 6-0 203 JR

22 Tim Irvin DB 5-9 194 FR

11 Markell Boston DB 6-0 200 RS FR

36 Michael Sherwood DB 5-9 168 SO

44 Raymond Lester DB 5-11 156 FR

13 T.J. Davis DB 6-0 200 JR

20 Jeremiah Dinson DB 5-11 172 FR

14 Stephen Roberts DB 5-11 187 SO

15 Joshua Holsey DB 5-11 198 SR

19 Nick Ruffin DB 6-0 191 SO

46 Ben Hood DB 5-8 174 FR

18 Carlton Davis DB 6-1 190 FR

University of South Florida's Defensive Backfield:

37 Nate Ferguson DB 5-9 180 Fr.

13 Tajee Fullwood DB 6-2 203 So.

19 Ronnie Hoggins DB 5-8 167 Fr.

3 Deatrick Nichols DB 5-10 189 So.

23 Mazzi Wilkins DB 6-0 170 RFr.

2 Jamie Byrd DB 5-11 185 Sr.

22 Hassan Childs DB 6-0 188 Jr.

26 Christian Coffelletto DB 5-10 185 Fr.

25 Cameron Gergley DB 6-0 180 RFr.

38 Bruce Gillis DB 5-10 202 RFr.

36 Nate Godwin DB 5-10 204 Jr.

45 Andrew Hill DB 5-8 179 RFr.

39 Trent Shaw DB 6-2 200 Fr.

46 Shannon Smith DB 6-1 175 Jr.

30 Jalen Spencer DB 6-0 186 Jr.

24 Johnny Ward DB 6-0 178 Jr.

20 Devin Abraham DB 5-9 186 So.

28 Tucker Bennett DB 6-2 195 Fr.

34 Malik Dixon DB 6-3 207 Fr.

27 Austin Hudson DB 6-2 207 So.

21 Khalid McGee DB 5-10 201 Fr.

18 Jaymon Thomas DB 6-3 185 Fr.

Analysis:

Aside from the obvious point, which would be the numbers advantage that USF wields over Auburn's defensive backfield, which we know is due in part to the number of DBs that we lost last year in that exodus of secondary players during Muschamp's entrance to the plains. The defensive backfield of USF is SIGNIFICANTLY larger in height, most notably the safeties averaging around 6'1-6'2, though this isn't taking into account which safeties might play that hybrid backer position. While this isn't most of the times a good indicator of ability at the position, it does give insight into the type of athlete that Coach Allen might like at that position, opting to go much longer at safety, which can have advantages when contesting for balls over the top and when helping doubling a receiver in coverage with an underneath DB. Although it isn't constant, taller athletes typically possess a much greater frame to put on more weight, and with the youth of USF's backfield, that appears to be the overall goal. So we can obviously assume that Coach Allen likes bigger safeties and DBs, which Auburn has for the most part done an adequate job of getting, though there might be a greater emphasis on recruiting these type of players in the future should he get the nod at DC.

Auburn's Linebacking Corps:

48 Montavious Atkinson LB (Position Changed) 6-1 183 FR

51 Richard McBryde LB 6-1 227 FR

50 Chase Ritter LB 5-10 189 SO

58 Josh Shockley LB 5-10 215 RS FR

49 Darrell Williams LB 6-2 234 FR

33 Kenny Flowers LB 6-1 234 SR

16 JaViere Mitchell LB 6-2 215 JR

40 Daniel Pond LB 6-1 202 SR

30 Tre' Williams LB 6-2 238 SO

47 Cameron Toney LB 6-1 243 SO

26 Justin Garrett LB 6-1 228 SR

57 Deshaun Davis LB 5-11 236 RS FR

17 Kris Frost LB 6-2 240 SR

8 Cassanova McKinzy LB 6-3 253 SR

University of South Florida Linebacking Corps:

4 Jimmy Bayes LB 6-3 228 RFr.

55 Josh Black LB 6-2 247 So.

56 Juwuan Brown LB 6-2 248 RFr.

52 Zack Bullock LB 6-3 245 Sr.

33 Cecil Cherry LB 6-0 240 Fr.

29 C.J. Garye LB 6-3 231 Sr.

57 Nigel Harris LB 6-0 231 Jr.

44 Nick Holman LB 6-2 229 RFr.

50 Devon Jones-Stewart LB 6-1 194 Jr.

41 Greg Reaves LB 6-2 225 Fr.

43 Auggie Sanchez LB 6-2 244 So.

54 Nico Sawtelle LB 6-2 215 Fr.

53 Danny Thomas LB 6-1 225 Fr.

51 Tashon Whitehurst LB 6-3 220 Sr.

Analysis:

Again, disregard the obvious difference in numbers, being a 4-2-5 in nature, Coach Allen prefers to roll with more defensive backs on the roster than linebackers, which can often be cited simply as less need for numbers in the linebacking corps. Still, the size difference is apparent, even in looking at the senior players, size was still a trend. Moreso length than weight really, but it speaks to what this team likes to do. Taller LBs are typically harder for QBs to throw on in coverage, forcing balls to have be a perfect mix in trajectory as well as a greater distance away from them because of reach. It takes away from the ability of QBs to be able to hit a receiver underneath in a multitude of locations in zone coverage and can give LBs advantages in man should they be matched up on RBs or lanky TEs. The other benefit comes from allowing LBs to have a greater amount of control when taking on down blocks from Linemen as well as when they pull. Greater length aids the ability to separate and keep a lineman from getting inside of you so to speak. Taller linebackers also excel in pass rush when having to blitz as they can fight length with length of offensive linemen who use precise technique and hand-fighting to fend off rushers. We can infer that, even though LB recruiting is downright sparse at the moment, Coach Allen wont need TOO many studs, but will still be looking for bigger athletes at that position so that he can plant some trees in the intermediate passing game and limit a QB's control of the middle of the field.

Auburn's Defensive Line:

9 Byron Cowart DE 6-3 277 FR

98 Prince Tega Wanogho DE 6-8 250 FR

93 Tyler Carter DL 6-1 243 RS FR

45 Keymiya Harrell DL 6-4 270 SR

59 Raashed Kennion DL 6-6 235 SO

62 Jaunta'vius Johnson DL 6-2 322 FR

79 Andrew Williams DL 6-4 270 RS FR

90 Maurice Swain DL 6-5 295 JR

92 Justin Thomas-Thornton DL 6-5 228 RS FR

97 Gary Walker DL 5-11 247 FR

6 DaVonte Lambert DL 6-2 282 SR

42 Gimel President DL 6-4 263 JR

94 Devaroe Lawrence DL 6-2 281 JR

95 Dontavius Russell DL 6-3 295 RS FR

96 Aaron Garrison DL 6-2 278 SO

32 Alec Brown DL 6-2 210 SO

55 Carl Lawson* DL 6-2 257 SO

1 Montravius Adams* DT 6-4 296 JR

* indicates possible draft candidates

University of South Florida's Defensive Line:

93 Daniel Awoleke DE 6-5 283 Sr.

99 Kevin Bronson DE 6-4 271 RFr.

9 Demetrius Hill DE 6-3 270 Sr.

15 Vincent Jackson DE 6-2 246 RFr.

91 Eric Lee DE 6-3 260 Sr.

94 Kirk Livingstone DE 6-4 258 Fr.

98 Mike Love DE 6-4 266 So.

96 Eric Mayes DE 6-4 240 Fr.

97 Nicholas Munera DE 6-5 232 RFr.

65 Clavion Nelson DL 6-3 308 Sr.

95 Marlon Gonzalez DT 6-4 280 Fr.

90 James Hamilton DT 6-2 308 Sr.

60 Bruce Hector DT 6-2 295 So.

10 Deadrin Senat DT 6-1 305 So.

Analysis:

This is an area where Auburn has a clear definitive leg up on the USF team, as a member of the SEC should. Height and weight wise, what both teams try to accomplish is the same and much should not change there as defensive line has one goal, and one goal only, disruption of the offensive line, penetration, gap control, and tenacity to get to the ball. Long defensive linemen have ALWAYS been a theme and both coaching units clearly understand as well as go for this. Weight-wise, Auburn holds some disadvantage at the interior positions and on the edges, though at the ends, this isn't always a clear indicator at what is trying to be done as Defensive linemen can be terrific athletes as well as powerful regardless of size. Still, there isn't much to be seen here, the obvious advantage that the SEC holds in being able to recruit larger athletes. We can assume that a lower weight is not a necessary requisite to play the Hybrid Rush End position in Allen's Defense.

Still, you look at the roster and you make your own analysis as to how fit or unfit we would be to run a Tom Allen Scheme.

[cole256 17,085]

Don't even have to look at size right now, our db's does not have the skill set to stop the run out of a 4-2-5 base right now. Now if he can teach them....that would be awesome.

[doc4aday 1,887]

excellent comparison. You have a lot of insight with what is needed to run a certain type of defense and be successful in the SEC. I think we have a lot of pieces in place to get off of the ground in the Spring and aim for full implementation in the Fall in order to get out of the gate running.

Dang Cole! you beat me out of the gate with the first post in this blog.

[ertrader 219]

Also keep in mind he was only at USF a year so it may not be a complete picture of the type/composition of players he wants.

[wareagleguy 1,431]

Great post Flex, been enjoying your contributions to the site. I'm praying for you that you can once again get on the field! Either way, War Eagle!

[shabby 2,183]

I applaud the time and effort of this post but it seems kind of irrelevant. Were any of these players at south florida even recruited by him?

[leglessdan 1,934]

Also keep in mind he was only at USF a year so it may not be a complete picture of the type/composition of players he wants.

My thoughts exactly. Great analysis though. He may get here and think he can run more of a 4-3 type base with what we have on the roster.

[AUApostle 8,184]

Great and all, but I want to see a side by side comparison of star rankings!

[auburnphan 6,050]

Holland FR 6-2 240 LB Auburn

[TIGGR82 4]

I think a better thought would be to definitely look at Ole Miss' LBers in particular. That is what Allen coached while there for multiple seasons.

[auburn4ever 1,266]

South Florida ended the season at 8-5. As it stands now, Auburn is 6-6 with the chance of closing out this season at 7-6 or 6-7 Either way, it was a down right crappy year.

[Malcolm_FleX48 1,885]

I think a better thought would be to definitely look at Ole Miss' LBers in particular. That is what Allen coached while there for multiple seasons.

I'll address everything in this one post.

True, very true. That would be more telling... And the freshmen on that roster would be who to look at as to who Coach Allen recruited (though some might have been remnants of the old defensive regime). Stars matter very little because they only indicate the level at which recruits arrive, and even those measurements can be arbitrary. The scheme will be the same though, because Auburn is built more to run a 4-2-5 than anything. Also, the Ole miss defense has traditionally been a 4-2-5 base as well, the rover, being their hybrid position. That's the hallmark of the "Land Shark defense". Also, thanks for reminding me that I forgot Jeff on that list, he is always considered an OLB, which is what muschamp wanted to move the roster to listing players as, by making that distinction.

[cole256 17,085]

How are we built more for a 4-2-5? Disagree completely with that

[TIGGR82 4]

How are we built more for a 4-2-5? Disagree completely with that

Multiple seasons of it under Ellis vs 1 season of it with Muschamp would be my guess.

[cole256 17,085]

One player isn't always specified for a particular defense. Tre Williams for example. We don't have depth in the secondary. We are not physical in the secondary. We're not good open field tacklers I the secondary.

[DAG 36,511]

I think a better thought would be to definitely look at Ole Miss' LBers in particular. That is what Allen coached while there for multiple seasons.

I'll address everything in this one post.

True, very true. That would be more telling... And the freshmen on that roster would be who to look at as to who Coach Allen recruited (though some might have been remnants of the old defensive regime). Stars matter very little because they only indicate the level at which recruits arrive, and even those measurements can be arbitrary. The scheme will be the same though, because Auburn is built more to run a 4-2-5 than anything. Also, the Ole miss defense has traditionally been a 4-2-5 base as well, the rover, being their hybrid position. That's the hallmark of the "Land Shark defense". Also, thanks for reminding me that I forgot Jeff on that list, he is always considered an OLB, which is what muschamp wanted to move the roster to listing players as, by making that distinction.

I vote flex to be our DC. I hope your recruiting game is strong.

[auburn4ever 1,266]

I can only whoever our DC is gonna be, I hope he runs something other than that 4-2-5 who can't a bad cold.

[auburnphan 6,050]

I can only whoever our DC is gonna be, I hope he runs something other than that 4-2-5 who can't a bad cold.

I got an amazing idea for you, start a boycott of Auburn Athletics until Jay Jacobs and Gus Malzahn are gone. Everyone will follow you to wherever you go and I am sure it will happen soon. My Christmas gift idea to you.

[Malcolm_FleX48 1,885]

One player isn't always specified for a particular defense. Tre Williams for example. We don't have depth in the secondary. We are not physical in the secondary. We're not good open field tacklers I the secondary.

Well it's not so much that we have individual players that are made for it, though looking at the roster, that would be the only suitable option. With such a thin rotation of LBs, we wouldn't have too many options running a 4-3 base, some of our LBs are more built to be hybrid rovers than true box LBs based on their size, playstyle, and year classification, and well you have me on the secondary issues. It's not preferred and definitely not my cup of tea for a base defense, but there is very little that our roster can do defensively. And then there are a lot of promising freshmen in the DB class as well as 2 recruits for that position versus the 1 LB recruit. D linemen also can be smaller and weaker in the 4-2-5 because of the emphasis on spilling to the outside men. I'm not saying it's the defense for us, but looking at the roster numbers, that's what we have to spare for.

With a secondary that isn't physical and can't tackle in space very well, you're not really built to run much of anything successfully.

[auburnphan 6,050]

^^^truth

[cole256 17,085]

Even more so with a 4-2-5 though. You need guys delivering blows at the point of contact. You need guys who can jam and misdirect. Guys that can play close to the line of scrimmage. You'll need a db (actually more than one) who can blitz. And I doubt if we hang on to one of our db's but the guy coming in early is a cover guy. Not built to be physical at all. You have more linebackers that might be able to produce than you have db's. Heck we MIGHT have one guy that can play a rover and that's Irvin

[Malcolm_FleX48 1,885]

Even more so with a 4-2-5 though. You need guys delivering blows at the point of contact. You need guys who can jam and misdirect. Guys that can play close to the line of scrimmage. You'll need a db (actually more than one) who can blitz. And I doubt if we hang on to one of our db's but the guy coming in early is a cover guy. Not built to be physical at all. You have more linebackers that might be able to produce than you have db's. Heck we MIGHT have one guy that can play a rover and that's Irvin

It's a stretch either way. By the numbers, a coach would definitely suggest the 4-2-5 for us, though at the same time he will probably find out that reality that we'd have a bit more trouble running that than anything. Press man isn't our strength I'll admit, especially with us playing off man and zone most of the time, but there really aren't too many options. If we base out of the 4-3 or 3-4, I'd hope that our depth at LB doesn't waiver otherwise there will definitely be a bit of an issue.

[bigbird 61,284]

You don't necessarily need to play press man in the 4-2-5.you can easily play catch man and maintain the same run\pass integrity

[cole256 17,085]

You won't need them pressing every play but if you're going to use this base to full potential and dial up exotic blitzes you will have to run some press plays, at least on one side of the field. When you do run that your corner will need to be able to execute. Or we can run the passive zone version we ran with Ellis...Which goes back to my initial I'd prefer not to play out of a 4-2-5

[cole256 17,085]

Even more so with a 4-2-5 though. You need guys delivering blows at the point of contact. You need guys who can jam and misdirect. Guys that can play close to the line of scrimmage. You'll need a db (actually more than one) who can blitz. And I doubt if we hang on to one of our db's but the guy coming in early is a cover guy. Not built to be physical at all. You have more linebackers that might be able to produce than you have db's. Heck we MIGHT have one guy that can play a rover and that's Irvin

It's a stretch either way. By the numbers, a coach would definitely suggest the 4-2-5 for us, though at the same time he will probably find out that reality that we'd have a bit more trouble running that than anything. Press man isn't our strength I'll admit, especially with us playing off man and zone most of the time, but there really aren't too many options. If we base out of the 4-3 or 3-4, I'd hope that our depth at LB doesn't waiver otherwise there will definitely be a bit of an issue.

Well that actually would depend on the coach....I don't think we have enough linebackers for a 3-4 either though that's what I prefer. But with that defense you have many situations you're relying on your corner to make plays on islands as well. I guess big decisions will be made such as Holland being able to play linebacker and Williams and mcbryde are going to have to be good quick. Maybe moving Colbert to linebacker as well....hell Idk we really have to hope for the best that guys really develop in the off season