PSU defensive backfield numbers under Franklin

[happyvalleydevil]

I'm not going to do something responsible and time-consuming, like check the actual numbers, but it feels like we're bringing in a lot more defensive backs under Franklin then the Joepa days.

1) Am I right?
2) If so, is the strategy to be able to play a lot of DBs in a game? We like them on special teams? Other thoughts?

 

[CappyToCJF]

85 scholarships

22 players plus kickers

4/5 DB's play

About 3.5 deep at each position total on scholarship

Would have around 15-18 on scholarship

Is that about what we will have when we get a full roster next year??

We had to fill lots of depleted positions to get from below 65 up to 85

 

[The Spin Meister]

Its because the game has changed. More teams are pass happy with no huddle Os and lots of wideouts. That means Ds play 5 and 6 DBs and less LBs. It also means that good pass rushers on the DL is critical. The days of the MLB being key to the D is fading fast.

 

[4rosco]

I'm not going to do something responsible and time-consuming, like check the actual numbers, but it feels like we're bringing in a lot more defensive backs under Franklin then the Joepa days.

1) Am I right?
2) If so, is the strategy to be able to play a lot of DBs in a game? We like them on special teams? Other thoughts?

I think one of the possible reasons is that the game is changing. More teams are going with a spread offense and are passing the ball more. As a result the D is playing with more nickel and dime formations

 

[StinkStankStunk]

I'm not going to do something responsible and time-consuming, like check the actual numbers, but it feels like we're bringing in a lot more defensive backs under Franklin then the Joepa days.

1) Am I right?
2) If so, is the strategy to be able to play a lot of DBs in a game? We like them on special teams? Other thoughts?

When Obrien took over, PSU had FIVE......FIVE.......FIVE scholarship DBs on the roster.

A normal number would probably be around 14 or 15 at a MINIMUM.

OBrien brought in as many DBs as he could (at the expense of some other positions - like OL?). It was like trying to plug 5 gaps with 2 bricks.

Anyway, he did bring in as many as he could, but under sanctions very few of those guys were highly regarded recruits.....most PSU fans won't even remember most of the names:
Casey Gaines, Dequan Davis, Jordan and Anthony Smith, Jake Kiley, Neiko Robinson (who never enrolled) etc

A couple of those lightly regarded kids DID end up having nice, productive on-field careers - Jordan Lucas and Trevor Williams

But none of those guys was highly recruited.


Aside from Williams and Lucas (and one year of Adrian Amos), CJF had essentially an empty cupboard when he came in.....he added some guys late to the 2014 class to get the total for that class up to 6 DBs (some lightly recruited, a few more highly regarded), and then added 5 in 2015 (more highly recruited kids)

The DB roster is just now getting back to normal (a bit young, but the numbers are OK)

Once things are normalized, you would expect 4-5 DBs per year....at least 2 projected as CB, 1 at S, and 1 "combo" guy (S/CB/Nickle), and often times a fifth DB in the class depending on how the numbers are rolling out.

 

[BBrown]

When Obrien took over, PSU had FIVE......FIVE.......FIVE scholarship DBs on the roster.

A normal number would probably be around 14 or 15 at a MINIMUM.

OBrien brought in as many DBs as he could (at the expense of some other positions - like OL?). It was like trying to plug 5 gaps with 2 bricks.

Anyway, he did bring in as many as he could, but under sanctions very few of those guys were highly regarded recruits.....most PSU fans won't even remember most of the names:
Casey Gaines, Dequan Davis, Jordan and Anthony Smith, Jake Kiley, Neiko Robinson (who never enrolled) etc

A couple of those lightly regarded kids DID end up having nice, productive on-field careers - Jordan Lucas and Trevor Williams

But none of those guys was highly recruited.


Aside from Williams and Lucas (and one year of Adrian Amos), CJF had essentially an empty cupboard when he came in.....he added some guys late to the 2014 class to get the total for that class up to 6 DBs (some lightly recruited, a few more highly regarded), and then added 5 in 2015 (more highly recruited kids)

The DB roster is just now getting back to normal (a bit young, but the numbers are OK)

Once things are normalized, you would expect 4-5 DBs per year....at least 2 projected as CB, 1 at S, and 1 "combo" guy (S/CB/Nickle), and often times a fifth DB in the class depending on how the numbers are rolling out.

Good post.
I think this is one of the trends we are going to be seeing for at least the next 2 recruiting cycles.
This is exactly what the sanctions were supposed to do. We have depleted areas and have to sign more than we normally we would (for one area). 3 years ago it was DB's then then O-line and LB'rs now this year its DL and we could still use a LB or 2. It will take us a while to get back to having a steady cycle of players in and out.
I also agree though that there is more of an emphasis on having DB's that can both cover and play the run without having to be swapped in and out for LB'rs. Like Seattle and now the Panthers.

 

[StinkStankStunk]

Good post.
I think this is one of the trends we are going to be seeing for at least the next 2 recruiting cycles.
This is exactly what the sanctions were supposed to do. We have depleted areas and have to sign more than we normally we would (for one area). 3 years ago it was DB's then then O-line and LB'rs now this year its DL and we could still use a LB or 2. It will take us a while to get back to having a steady cycle of players in and out.
I also agree though that there is more of an emphasis on having DB's that can both cover and play the run without having to be swapped in and out for LB'rs. Like Seattle and now the Panthers.

Yep....it takes a while to recover from the situation that was imposed on PSU.

Bit by bit it is happening......

Offensive skill positions are now close to normal (just a bit young), DBs are getting close (ditto on the youth), DL is at least a year away (numbers are OK....but VERY young and inexperienced for 2016), LBers getting close, but at least a year away from normal....offensive line - toughest to bring up to speed - back to full normal about 2018 (but should/could be significantly improved before then)

 

[Nitt1300]

this thread should be pinned for next season when the usual suspects start whining that we aren't crushing all competition

 

[novaclassof90]

DBs are also very useful on special teams, gunners, kick coverage, etc.

 

[mickey_PSU]

...but...but...but the sanctions, they're just an excuse, right? (tic)