Young Linebackers

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I was pleased to see Kamal Martin and Carter Coughlin on the field at the same time on Saturday. I don't know how often the Gophers have had the luxury of playing two highly talented true freshman linebackers at the same time.

Martin looked more game-ready - he made some good tackles and was around the ball even when he didn't make the tackle, while Coughlin looked big and fast, but didn't figure in any plays while I was watching him.

Maybe someone who understands the LB position better than I do can share some thoughts on our corps of youngsters.
 

I saw Kamal come in in the second half and looked like he would blitz based on where he lined up. He did and missed, next play though same spot, better result he got the tackle for loss.
 

Isn't Carter Coughlin coming off some sort of injury out of HS?
 

I love that these kids are getting game reps right now.
 

I believe Claeys said in his Sunday radio segment that Martin and Coughlin are basically being used as designated pass-rushers at this point.

Now, as the season goes forward, if the coaches gain more confidence in them, I suppose it's possible their roles could be expanded, but as of right now, sounds like they will only be used in certain situations.
 


I am a big believer in redshirting as much as possible. For a team like Minnesota (especially at OL, DL and LB), playing freshman generally reflects weakness of depth rather than freshman ability.
 

Coughlin got in late in the 1st half as well. He was in on ISU's last drive of the 1st half, more of almost in a DE position. It seemed like he dropped though at the snap & was in coverage.

In the 2nd half, I focused on him a little more specifically. Very fast & smooth in while in coverage, at least in my view.
 

Winnipegopher said:
I am a big believer in redshirting as much as possible. For a team like Minnesota (especially at OL, DL and LB), playing freshman generally reflects weakness of depth rather than freshman ability.
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On the glass half full side it might be that because of successful recruiting we are actually bringing in players at some of these positions that are ready to contribute right away.
 

Winnipegopher said:
I am a big believer in redshirting as much as possible. For a team like Minnesota (especially at OL, DL and LB), playing freshman generally reflects weakness of depth rather than freshman ability.
Click to expand...

Well, I mean, you have to start somewhere. If playing these guys now, so that they are the starters next year, allows us to redshirt more talent in the future then do it. Depth has to start somewhere.
 



I actually like our depth at Linebacker Celestain, Poock, Lynn And bot depth we have Rallis and Waters on the inside. Huff, Coughlin and Martin who are young guys like Waters playing on the outside. Also have Barber redshirting. So even with Rallis and Lynn graduating. We should be in very good shape next year and the next couple of years.
 

Claeys is under the microscope this being his first full season with new OC & OL coaches. They have to maximize their chances of having a very successful season which ultimately impacts future recruitment.

Like Mark Coyle has said - recruiting is everything when it comes to building a winning program and attracting support for UofM athletics..
 

Winnipegopher said:
I am a big believer in redshirting as much as possible. For a team like Minnesota (especially at OL, DL and LB), playing freshman generally reflects weakness of depth rather than freshman ability.
Click to expand...

While that can be true, I don't think it's always an indicator.

Michigan has already played 16 true freshmen, Georgia has played 11 just to name a couple of good programs with young contributors (source).

I'd like to think that recruiting has been progressing well enough that it's tough to keep our young guys off the field.
 

Red shirting does't make as much sense these days as it used to (except for linemen).

Players come in with way more weight-training and much better high school coaching.

That's why so many players don't get a ton better after year two or three.
 



Plus, the coaches want the kids who are ready to get real game experience, so next year they're not just throw to the wolves when they are being counted on to contribute.
 

If Coughlin is as good as advertised, we may not see him for his redshirt year either way.
 

Anybody notice with Coughlin and Martin were in they played a 2-4-5 defense? Only 2 DL and 5 CBs. It was pretty weird to see and they were doing it a lot.
 

bottlebass said:
Anybody notice with Coughlin and Martin were in they played a 2-4-5 defense? Only 2 DL and 5 CBs. It was pretty weird to see and they were doing it a lot.
Click to expand...

In the spring, Dave Aranda spent a weekend in Minneapolis talking to the Gopher coaches about his 3-4 defensive scheme. I noticed the 2-4-5 in the Oregon State game as well last Saturday. This is the Gopher variation of the Aranda defense. It seems to be working, at least as far as rushing is concerned - IS and OS combined for less than 200 yards rushing.
 

I'm really liking it as it seems we have a lot of good LBs and only a par DL. I'm interested to see how it works in the B1G season though.
 

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