2009 Recruiting - Defensive Ends

by BSD on Feb 25, 2008 10:37 PM EST in Recruiting

We’re almost done with looking at the 2009 recruiting season. Today we’ll look at the defensive ends. Here’s the 2008 depth chart.

**Defensive End Depth Chart**
First String	Second String	Third String	Fourth String
Maurice Evans - Jr	Jerome Hayes - Jr	Devon Still - rFr	Kevion Latham - rFr
Josh Gaines - Sr	Aaron Maybin - So	Eric Latimore - rFr	Chimaeze Okoli - rFr

Not listed are Tom Golarz or Jed Hill. Okoli could get moved to defensive tackle this spring, but given our depth there I doubt it.

We actually have a really good mix of experience and youth at defensive end this year. But there are a few questions on this depth chart. Jerome Hayes and Devon Still are both coming back from reconstructive knee surgery. Both of them are doing well in their rehab from what I’m reading, so there is optimism they’ll be ready to go in time for the fall, but I doubt they’ll really be full speed until near the end of the 2008 season. Those ACL tears are so hard to predict.

Gaines is gone after 2008. And let’s face it now. If Evans follows up his 12.5 sacks in 2008 with a 14 or 15 sack performance in 2009 he’s probably going pro a year early. So factor in that along with the iffy status of Hayes and Still and we need to bring in a few defensive ends in this class. I’ll say two. Maybe three. Here are the top targets we’re going after in the early going.

**Top Defensive End Prospects for 2009**
Name	Hometown	Size
Deonte’ Arnett	Forestville, MD	6-4, 235, 4.8
Andre Civil	Brooklyn, NY	6-5, 250, 4.85
Pearlie Graves	Tulsa, OK	6-3, 260
Juantez Hollins	Aliquippa, PA	6-4, 265
Michael Larrow	Union, NJ	6-3, 258, 4.7
Jack Lippert	Harrisburg, PA	6-4, 245, 4.67
Sean Stanley	Gaithersburg, MD	6-2, 245, 4.75

There is a lot of good local talent this year, so we should be able to get some good ones. Here is the updated scholarship allocation table.

**Projected 2009 Scholarship Allocation**
Position	Projected Scholarships
Quarterbacks	2
Running Backs	2
Wide Receivers	3
Guards/Centers	2
Offensive Tackles	3
Tight Ends	1
Defensive Tackles	2
Defensive Ends	2
Total	17

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Comments

Crawford and Massaro?

I didn't see Jack Crawford or Pete Massaro in your analysis. They will probably red-shirt I would assume, but I am really excited about Crawford...he is a beast.

by blt on Feb 25, 2008 11:36 PM EST reply actions

Sorry

You are correct. Crawford has all the physical tools, but he never played a down of football until he came to the United States a few years ago. Hopefully we have another Tamba Hali in the making.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Feb 26, 2008 7:27 AM EST up reply actions

Crawford

Something tells me that this kid has the ability to be the crown jewel of this small class. His athletic ability is outstanding. His film (especially at TE/WR) is really telling.

Once he gets some LJ Sr. coaching, he should be terrorizing OTs and QBs for a few years to come.

by immikefazz on Feb 27, 2008 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

The "2nd String"

players you listed (when healthy) are 1st stringers @ most schools...

Old School... MEETS New School!

by BlueWhiteLife on Feb 26, 2008 9:31 AM EST reply actions

I would expect

Maybin to play more snaps then Gaines although Gaines will get the starts.

by JGuiher on Feb 26, 2008 9:35 AM EST reply actions

I disagree...

...Gaines, while unspectacular and less heralded, has actually gotten better each year. DE is a spot where there will be no doubt who's starting (barring injury).

Maybin will get his reps, but Gaines still owns that position.

by immikefazz on Feb 27, 2008 10:00 AM EST up reply actions

Okoli/Still

While I always pined for Devon Still to be moved to OT, I think it's too late for him now. They had to blow a red-shirt on him because of injury and there have been no reports of him getting any OT reps. I think he'll stick at DE or DT.

Okoli, on the other hand, might actually be the guy that slides over to OT. Sounds like he has the wingspan and nasty attitude.

by immikefazz on Feb 27, 2008 10:02 AM EST reply actions