How the D-Line is Adjusting without Regie Meant

It will not be easy to move on without Regie Meant at defensive tackle, but the defensive line has moved forward, looking to alternatives to fill the spot.

Adrian Middleton and Tymere Dubose are splitting reps at defensive tackle, alongside Matt Elam and Courtney Miggins.  The true freshmen have also shown early signs that they can withstand the pressure to play defensive tackle in the SEC.

“From an athletic standpoint, I’m very, very pleased with those guys,” Jimmy Brumbaugh said.  “They got speed.  They got power.  A couple of them have the ability to rush the passer.  They have an attention to detail.  They want to be good.”

Eliot also said they may move Miggins and other ends who have have enough size inside to tackle.  If the defensive ends are moved inside, it should not be too out of the ordinary.  In some alignments, they are required to play in that same 3-technique.

It won’t be too much different, but as Kengera Daniel said, the closer you move inside, the harder it gets.  “The further you go inside, for me, it’s like the Danger Zone,” Daniel said.

Adrian Middleton said things move much faster in between the offensive guard and tackle.  “Blocks come from anywhere.  You’ve got guys running close to your feet, so you’ve got to stay firm in there.  Double teams, cut blocks, it’s really rough in there.  Not everybody can play it.”

Miggins is one of those that can play inside.  Primarily a tackle in Junior College, Brumbaugh said he has the versatility to pull it off.

“Inside’s a lot more physical than the outside.”  But Miggins said he’s worked all offseason to have enough strength to bang with the big boys.  “I was a little underweight last year so I’ve really got to eat and give everything I’ve got in the weight room.”

There are multiple options to replace Meant at defensive tackle, but luckily they have almost an entire camp to find the best solution.

More Notes from Today’s Practice

—  The media met with coaches and players after their first practice of the day.  They’ll be back on the field later this afternoon to complete their first two-a-day.

—  At outside linebacker, D.J. Eliot did not foresee a time in the near future when Jordan Bonner would be ready to play.  The JUCO transfer arrived late, setting him back physically, but with three years of eligibility, he has a bright future ahead of him.

Josh Allen and Denzil Ware have locked up the spots at outside linebacker, but Kobie Walker from the class of 2014 recruiting class has been impressive.  He has yet to play, redshirting due to injury and sitting out because of academic issues, but Eliot said he’s athletic for his size and will definitely be in the rotation.  “If there was a game tomorrow, you’d see Kobie play quite a bit,” Eliot said.

—  Eli Brown has replaced Jordan Jones at weak side linebacker.  After redshirting last season, Elioit said Brown has a much better grasp of the defense this fall.