Defensive Scheme/Personnel

[gaapp78]

I wasnt at the game yesterday, but have been to many App games and was atthe Montana game last week. so cant speak specifically to the defensive alignments yesterday.

I know we have been using the 3-4 defensive scheme for a couple of years, and the players should be getting the hang of it pretty well. But I have concerns if this is the best alignment for us, and if we have the right personnel for this scheme.

I know we have the bandit and the star postions. It seems to me that the star is a glorified DB position. Then in addition we use 2 safeties who typically are 10-15 yards off the ball. So in essence we have "7 guys in the box" against teams that run a lot, this often can lead to problems. I really beleive that App needs to consider an 8 in the box scheme and play the safety up a bit or maybe just use 1 free safety.

Also many have commented about Blaylock at safety. I agree with a lot of what other people have said. he worked hard and earn a scholarship, but honestly he doesnt have the "ball skills" to play the position the way the scheme is set up. He gets beat deep and i think he is conscience of that and it slows his overall game down. i thought I remember when he was a freshman, someone said he had 4.4/4.5 speed. I dont see it. honestly Blaylock would be better served as an OLB type. His talents would be better served pursuing rather than trying to cover. Also I remember Michael Frazier as a freshman LB, the guy seemed to have the potential to be a good one. Then he was moved to S, and then he was moved to RB last year, if he isnt going to see a lot of action at RB, maybe a move back to defense would be good. I guess the point I am getting at is, we have to get not only our best players on defense but put our players and team in a positon to make plays and be successful and the combination of the personnel and defensive philosophy isnt working.