Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Should William Campbell play DT or OT
Posted at 6:00am — 5/12/2008
Michigan Football: Coach’s Corner — Should William Campbell play DT or OT
There is always this great debate when it comes to linemen. Are you better off turning them into outstanding offensive linemen or trying to make them into defensive linemen?
We had this discussion with Slocum, who showed very well on both sides of the ball, and we have it now with William Campbell.
Most high school linemen who have any talent play both ways at least part of the time. What college scouts and recruiters must decide is what side of the ball he has the most talent and on what side of the ball. Our experience that big athletes who have the skill set to be defensive linemen are much harder to find than offensive line. The athletes/players who have skill set to be potential elite, or difference maker defenders are even more difficult to find. Many jumbo athletes just do not have that explosive first step that is necessary to be exceptional defensive linemen. Not saying that explosion is not important to play offensive line because it is a huge help, but it is a necessity to be an elite defensive linemen.
You can be an exceptional offensive tackle with good quick and ability to play with bent knees. Defensive linemen need to get off the ball in a flash. They have to be able to get their hands on the defender before the offensive linemen can set up, or they are beat before they start. This type of skill, quick hands, and explosion is truly hard to find in jumbo athletes.
Final thing is what we call a defensive mentality. You need the nasty edge mentality that it takes to be elite level defender. You can be an excellent offensive lineman with a slightly mild temperament. In fact, some offensive line coaches prefer those even tempered focused athletes at offensive linemen.
To play defensive line you need a giant chip on your shoulder. You need to be the type of player that makes opponents play with their head on swivel, always wanting to know where that nasty “SOB” is so he does not rip my head off. That is what separates defensive linemen from offensive linemen most, ATTITUDE.
When you get a jumbo athlete with skill set and attitude, you do not give up on them early. In fact have talked to many college coaches who have said if player has ability to good defensive linemen, they will switch, even if he has ability to excellent offensive linemen. Defensive linemen are that difficult to find. When you find one you, want to use him to make your defense better. That one position can make a good defense into a great defense especially if the offensive line has to double-team him every play and that will free up your other players such as a blitzing linebacker or another defensive lineman.
Our hope is that William Campbell stays at defensive tackle because he can be a game changer and something Michigan has been lacking for along time. Probably since Mike Hammerstein from Wapakoneta, Ohio in the mid 80’s. A great defensive tackle can make a good defense into a great defense.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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