Young defensive stars shine at Orange and Blue

[IHateUGAlyDawgs]

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap picked up four sacks on the day for the Blue squad as they doubled up the Orange 28-14 on Saturday. The sophomore had his most impressive play working against one of the best offensive tackles in the Southeastern Conference- Phil Trautwein. Meanwhile, the play of the day for the Orange squad was handed in by linebacker Lorenzo Edwards, who picked off a Tim Tebow pass and took it back for a score.

For much of the spring, Carlos Dunlap has finally begun to emerge as a pass rushing specialist that figures to make life as difficult as possible for opposing offensive linemen. In the first quarter, Dunlap made wise use of his quick feet and used his hands effectively to get outside of Trautwein, pushing his way to quarterback Cam Newton. It’s very rare for Trautwein to give up a sack. Early this spring, I watched a series as Trautwein, who was getting the first contact of the spring, schooled Dunlap on three consecutive plays. Dunlap couldn’t get pressure on the quarterback, couldn’t get backside pursuit on then quarterback Tim Tebow, or effectively contain a running play that was going right at him because of the efforts of Trautwein. And it was Trautwein that Jaye Howard and Dunlap have credited with helping them develop pass rushing skills.

Lessons learned.

Yes, the New Jersey native has worked with Dunlap and Howard independently during the off-season in becoming better pass rushers. Don’t forget that it was only two years ago in his first year as a full time starter that Trautwein shut down Quentin Moses of Georgia. So, Florida fans certainly have to feel doubly blessed having both Trautwein and Dunlap part of this program.

Dunlap continued to have a bit of a coming out party at the expense of Newton before an estimated crowd of 61,000. He sacked Newton on back-to-back plays late in the second quarter. On both of those plays, Dunlap beat reserve offensive tackle Kyle Newell. True freshman Matt Patchan was lined up at the tackle position right next to Dunlap (on the third sack) and got a little pressure as well, working against Carl Johnson. I didn’t see who Dunlap beat before tagging Newton with his fourth sack of the day. Dunlap still has a lot of work to do against the run, but hopefully, he will be a more complete player by the end of August drills.

Dunlap, Jermaine Cunningham, and Justin Trattou gives Florida defensive line coach Dan McCarney three defensive ends with outstanding potential. It’s potential that still has a long way to go and needs to develop over the summer and through August drills. The Gators can also utilize Dunlap at tackle. The coaches might also utilize Trattou inside at times as well. If things don’t improve inside, don’t be surprised to see them moving inside to play a bit more often. There also appears to be a fourth defensive end who has seen his stock rise from early enrollee to starting contender- Matt Patchan.

Although the Gators need some players who can get a push inside, Patchan will probably line up most often at defensive end, because of his lack of bulk. However, the coaches could well utilize him at tackle on occasion too, just as they have the past week or so of drills. Right now until Terron Sanders, Lawrence Marsh, Torrey Davis, John Brown, and Troy Epps can consistently man the position the way the coaches would like, Patchan will remain a strong option there.

Regardless, Patchan fills a need that this defense all too rarely exhibited a year ago- emotion. He brings a plethora of enthusiasm that proved necessary and certainly inspiring this spring. Patchan’s love for the battle and hustle are infectious and in that respect it’s much like having a coach on the field.

Linebacker Lorenzo Edwards has also been mentioned through much of the spring. Edwards led the Orange squad with six tackles, four solo. He was also the recipient of the Defensive Big Play of the Day Award. Edwards utilized his tip drill skills on a fourth and four pass by quarterback Tim Tebow. He watched the ball into his arms and sprinted down the sideline with a small contingent of blockers ahead of him. The return was good for 50 yards into the endzone. Edwards weaved his way through the defense and into the endzone for the Orange squad.

He also made a nice tackle on running back Chris Rainey, who was running wide to the left side after taking a pitch from Tebow. It was as good an open field tackle as you’ll see on a back that is hard to get a clean shot on.

Safety Ahmad Black is always around the football. And I think those that watched the Orange and Blue Game would agree. Hey, he was around the football when Rainey left him spinning on the turf of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as he ran into the endzone for the score? Heck, he was the only guy around… and spun around.

Seriously, Black only tallied one solo stop. But, he had a terrific spring and did pick off a Tebow pass that was intended for Butch Rowley. Black also got a hand on a Tebow pass for a knockdown.

There are several more players to go through and I’ll continue to that for throughout the week.

[a1bion]

Defense should definitely be improved next year anyways, just from an experience standpoint. But I like everything I've been reading so far. D-line sounds like they should be a solid, aggressive unit. Linebackers are sounding good. And it sounds like the secondary has grown up a lot.

[texgator]

If Dunlap is the guy we think he is and the rest of them improve just a little, our D line should be serviceable.

Sounds like our linebackers are going to be fine, maybe not elite, but pretty solid.

I am praying for our secondary, I still have no idea if they are going to let guys run fly patterns on them all day.

[radbag]

dustin doe is the weak link.

[IHateUGAlyDawgs]

I don't think he starts, rad.

[annarborgator]

Who do you think will start?

[IHateUGAlyDawgs]

Spikes, Edwards, Hicks/Finch

[radbag]

that's good news. doe is full of himself and isn't that good. i like finch.

[IHateUGAlyDawgs]

that's good news. doe is full of himself and isn't that good. i like finch.

I don't know that he's full of himself...at least not anymore than any other athlete who has that kind of skill level...but I do agree that he's too inconsistent.