I don't know if I am reading correctly what people's thoughts are on JJ, if that is the case go to the next post. :lol:
JJ not seeing a lot of playing time last year wasn't due to not understanding his role on the field. Granted, we saw him yanked once when he fumbled. My thought there reflects to what follows.
JJ's problems last year weren't new to JJ. They were overlooked by Shula (even though he was suspended a few times) and not tolerated by Saban. The proverbial dog house, you know?
By all accounts from those adults that have spent time around him he's a very respectable young man. But, being a respectful young man and doing the things required within University guidelines and team rules are two different things. What he failed to grasp last year is the things he got away with under Shula he couldn't get away with under Saban. He was given every opportunity, but missed the target completely...not a chance he was close to the bull-eye.
As the season progressed so did he...but with every step or two forward he took a step or two backwards with his actions. This isn't on the field stuff, but some of the mistakes we saw on the field fall into the same category. Discipline.
NOW, as to how easy it is for him to grasp the fundamentals of the ILB position I don't see that as a huge learning curve. In his HS days as a QB it was his responsibility to read defenses. The differences now are they are a little more advanced, but still the essence is the same. That said, his role as RB was also reading defenses. I mention both of those because in those situations he was required to study film and study defenses. This will not be new to him.
Now, much like has been mentioned, it's coming down to understanding the fundamentals of an ILB position. He's not going to be the primary play/set caller, that'll remain with RM. It's about understanding the angles, pushing off and around the run blockers and getting to the ball.
IF you consider that, and then consider his time on special teams where he had to do things very similar, you can see where there is a great possibility for him to contribute and be a great value to this defense.
Numbers wise, after spring camp, I see us about the same. But, I tend to agree with you on "being in better shape" because we'll have a few of the guys that will have been in the system for a two spring and fall camps plus a years experience during the season.
We need a solid rotation of 8. I think JJ will fit into that 8 along with Williams and McClain. That leaves...
J. Hester
A. Watkins
C. Higgenbotham
C. Kirschman
E. Anders
C. Reamer...
Point is this. We'll have one returning starter. That's better than last year. I also firmly suspect we'll see 2-3 of the incoming freshman with significant playing time.
