I think this is where we left off.  I’m still emotionally reeling from the Brandon Williams departure, but we’ve got to move on.

SDE McKinner Dixon, 6′3″, 260 lbs, Sr. - There’s not really much more I can say about this guy except that he defies the Wonderlic test.  Dixon is the most well-rounded DE in the Big 12 and can sack the QB from any position on the line as evidenced by 3 of his 8 sacks coming from DT against double teams.  The only concern is keeping him healthy as he was only on the field for less than 50% of our defensive snaps over the last 3 games of the year and we paid dearly for it.  

WDE Rajon Henley, 6′3″, 265 lbs,  Sr. - I hinted that this move might be coming, and sure as shit, it’s already been announced.  This is pure speculation on my part, but something tells me he’ll be seeing the most snaps when it’s all said and done.  And, I actually like Henley much better here.  He won’t be a double digit sack guy like Williams, but the run game was where we suffered most when his presence wasn’t on the field.  I see Henley as a solid run-stuffing contain guy with the ability to make OCs pay for gameplanning shitty blocking assignments.  He’ll hold up well in single blocking situations with outside leverage at the snap just like he does on the inside.  I would like to see Henley drop about 5-10 and see how quick he looks. 

“Depth”

?DE Brandon Sharpe, 6′3″, 245 lbs, Sr. -  I didn’t see enough of Sharpe last season to have much opinion, good or bad.  One thing I do know is he couldn’t beat out Sandy Riley for playing time.

WDE Daniel Howard, 6′3″, 240 lbs, Sr. – I like Howard’s motor and he’s got decent speed.  However, he’s not an every down DE due to his size and I’m a fan of his role as a standup, blitzing LB in our 3 man front.  We’re going to need him more on 4 man fronts, and in my opinion, he’s our best option.  I would like to see him reach the 250 range in that capacity.

WDE Sandy Riley, 6′0″, 235 lbs, Sr. – Riley tries real hard, but he appears closer to the 225 range when on the field.  And, he’s not overtly quick.  I’ll leave it at that and I’m appreciative of his effort.

SDE Ryan Haliburton, 6′4″, 245 lbs, RS Fr. - We need to find out early, if Haliburton can play.  I can’t say much about him except I would like to see an extra 10 lbs on his frame by fall.

True Freshmen

WDE Aundrey Barr, 6′3″, 225 lbs, Fr HS – Barr could use a redshirt season, but we may not have that luxury given he’s a viable option for getting pressure on the QB.  Ruff will play him, if that’s the case.  It’s been relayed to me that 2008 was his first season playing football as he previously focused on starring for the Newman Smith basketball team.  Based on his one year of highlight film, good call for a career choice.  Barr’s fundmentals and discipline exceed that of his peers, who’ve been working at the trade since the Pop Warner days.  Athletically, we don’t sign many DE prospects of this caliber and he’ll definitely be an important cog for us in 2010.  He’s probably never lifted a weight in his life, and he needs to dedicate the next 4 months to Bennie’s workout manual.  There’s no telling what Barr could look like when he gets to campus, and I would like to see him shoot for the 240 range by fall.  He’ll be a nice player for us at some point, and as quick as he picked up the game, it won’t surprise me, if he sees the field early.  I think Hyder and Knighton are redshirts more than likely.