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| Linebacker Alvis Graham will be all over the field for FAMU on Saturday. |
Voodoo 5 mentioned they can also drop back to a 3-3-5 mix, allowing another defensive back to get onto the field and causing more match up issues, but the 3-4 is their base set so we will focus on this primary look, but don't be surprised to see other looks.
The issue with getting the depth chart for FAMU is that the official website for the Rattlers has not published anything for the team for the 2011 season. Here is our best estimation at the starters and key reserves.
At defensive end is freshman Brandon Davis (6-4 310-pounds) who has 6 tackles on the season, including 1 for a loss and 1 sack, so the tackles will have to block him well. At defensive tackle is senior Jerry Willis (6-4 288-pounds) who has 1 pass break up so far on the season, not getting many tackles so far but still has to be stopped. At nose guard is senior Nicholas Hollinghead (6-4 287-pounds) who has 6 tackles so far with one tackle for a loss (plugs up the offense line well). His reserve is junior Padre Scott (6-1 305-pounds) who has 1 tackle for a loss on the year. Overall, they have a lot of size, but not great at getting a big pass rush, but do plug up the running lanes and will make it a real challenge to get the running game going.
The Rattlers use 4 linebackers, something USF has seen before already. Sophomore Joshua Newkirk (6-3 230-pounds) is the starting strong side linebacker. He has 6 tackles on the year, including 2 tackles for a loss and has two quarterback hits. FAMU list Newkirk as a defensive lineman, yet plays at linebacker. Look for him to put a hand down and blitz and play on the line on certain downs. Junior Brandon Hepburn (6-4 235-pounds) is his back-up and has 5 tackles on the season with one pass break up (play a lot of rotation and could even put a 3-3-5 look on the field, getting solid hitters on the field). Senior Alvis Graham (6-2 230-pounds) is the starter at middle linebacker. He has 5 tackles on the season with three pass break ups (gets back well in coverage). Junior John Williams (6-0 215-pounds) is his reserve and has 3 tackles including one tackle for a loss. Sophomore Mike Ducree (6-2 230-pounds) is the starting weakside linebacker. He has 2 tackles so far this season. Senior Demarius Folsom (6-0 215-pounds) is the starter at the right linebacker position. He has 19 tackles so far on the season (the guy is everywhere) including 2 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks. Coach Taylor uses him all over the field, sending him on blitzes, back in coverage and gets him in the best position to use his speed to take the ball carrier down. Senior Bobby Jackson (6-1 230-pounds) is his back-up.
Junior Marion Ross (5-10 183-pounds) is listed as the starter at cornerback. He has 6 tackles on the season, including one tackle for a loss, showing his speed to get to the ball carrier. Junior Jerral Stewart (5-9 171-pounds) has 2 tackles on the season and an interception so far. Junior John Ojo (6-3 205-pounds) is the starting strong safety. He has 9 tackles so far this year with 2 interceptions (Daniels will have to watch for him). Senior Gregory Harvey (5-11 185-pounds) is the starting free safety. He has 13 tackles on the season including 1 tackle for a loss. Senior Anthony Schutt (5-11 186-pounds) is his back-up and has 9 tackles on the year.
Overall, the FAMU defense is an average group, decent size on the front line, but a bit undersized at linebacker. The linebackers have speed and are used in various blitzes to help maximize their abilities, but the offensive line should be able to stop them. The secondary is also smaller as well, which means bigger receivers like Landi, Shields, and maybe even McFarland (fingers crossed) can get down the field and make big plays happen.
With their blitzing habit, it could be a very interesting match-up to watch in this game.
With their blitzing habit, it could be a very interesting match-up to watch in this game.
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