Rating the DL Class

Defensive line wasn't a huge area of need for us. We return three of four starters on the defensive line, losing only Jordin Lindsay. Moreover, we have some depth at the position. Tackle was something of an area for concern; although we lost Lindsay at end, we don't have quite the depth at tackle that you'd like to, considering that it's rare to go through a season without suffering some injuries at the position. End wasn't quite as much of a concern, although adding depth is always a good thing.

Unfortunately, we didn't pick up any tackles in this class. We did, however, pick up a talented group of ends: we signed Ronald Byrd (four stars), Duane Chisholm (four), Aldrick Fordham (three), Leon Mackey (four), and Chaz Sutton (four). This class insures that we will be set at end for the foreseeable future, and we can enjoy the gratification of beating out Clemson for Chisholm and Mackey.

I'm giving this part of our class a B. There's a lot of talent in this group, but I would have liked to see us pick up at least one tackle. We're a little low on depth at the position going into next year, and most of our ends are too small to play in the middle. We'll have to keep our fingers crossed and hope Ladi Ajiboye and Nate Pepper stay healthy.