My Humpday Rant from 247

[Coach34]

Autry needs to step up....

I thought he played much better in the run game as opposed to pass rush, which surprised the hell out of me.

I was a big fan of Cameron Lawrence last year and I really think he was underrated by our fan base. At the end of the day, coach is right, it comes down to the line play, if it improves everyone else looks better.

Deonte Skinner is the man to watch- he is taking Cam's spot- his natural position. Deonte has been playing out of position. But he has more overall talent than Cam- but I doubt he is as smart as Cam. His play at the Sam LB will be huge for us. Deonte has been out of position at WLB for the last 2 years. I think he plays well in 2013- and having Wells at the WLB spot with his speed helps make us better as well.

[Coach34]

Bottom line on recruiting:

OM is offering plenty of money and *****- and we arent. There's your difference.

All their recruits tweet pics of them partying with girls, getting kisses...our recruits get a tour of the indoor practice facility. When you were 17-18- what would you prefer- a chance at ***** or a tour of a cool practice field?

[engie]

Deonte Skinner is the man to watch- he is taking Cam's spot- his natural position. Deonte has been playing out of position. But he has more overall talent than Cam- but I doubt he is as smart as Cam. His play at the Sam LB will be huge for us. Deonte has been out of position at WLB for the last 2 years. I think he plays well in 2013- and having Wells at the WLB spot with his speed helps make us better as well.

I think Wells is going to be the huge upgrade of the group. Skinner just wasn't quick enough for that spot last year IMO...was one of the many problems we had against the spread. Wells is a huge upgrade to team speed -- as is Preston Smith at the other end position and Nickoe at 100%...

[Coach34]

I think Wells is going to be the huge upgrade of the group. Skinner just wasn't quick enough for that spot last year IMO...was one of the many problems we had against the spread. Wells is a huge upgrade to team speed -- as is Preston Smith at the other end position and Nickoe at 100%...

Exactly

Skinner was too good to be on the bench- but wasnt a good WLB against Spread teams. He's a SLB. He now moves to his natural spot. Wells moves in at WLB and he can cover, blitz, or line-up and play the run like he needs to. Just having people in their proper positions will help. Not to mention what the DL being better will do for them

[maroonmania]

I'm concerned about our recruiting right now -- not going to lie. But I'm not at all concerned about the talent on our roster -- outside of QB and OL depth I'm pretty satisfied with where I expect us to be...

I think most folks that I've read that are frustrated with recruiting ARE talking about this year seemingly sliding backwards, not the past few years. Everyone knows that Mullen's first couple of full classes were mediocre but the last couple of years had been much better. This year, even with the new practice facility, stadium expansion, another year of going to a bowl, etc. we are seemingly going backward in recruiting. Its early and a lot can happen but things don't look that great so far apart from Staley and Graham when compared to most other SEC programs. I just feel like Mullen and his staff will likely always be average recruiters because Mullen is not that into recruiting and he is personally just not that good at it. It helped when OM was in disarray but that is no longer the situation.

[TexasDawg]

As far as recruiting goes, I am not too concerned. I remember Mullen speaking about it and saying that the average Rivals stars rating of NFL first round draft picks is only 3.2 stars. I haven't done the math but I would be willing to bet that our starting 22 will average AT LEAST 3.2 stars. Plain and simple some high school kids don't get as much coverage as some others because of where they are from. For example Chris Jones who was a three star until he performed on a much bigger stage and couldn't help but get ranked higher. Not saying there isn't room for improvement, there always is. Just saying I believe in the staff and what they have going right now.

[Political Hack]

Skinner is a SLB. E doesn't have the hips to play the weak side. Wells does, and will do it well.

Our defense will ride the success of our DTs. Period. If they create havoc, our LBs will be free to attack and make plays. We've got the athletes we need to attack, but if we go into a soft zone coverage it'll work about as well as it did last year.