Defensive End outlook 2010

This will be the first installment in the outlook for each position for next season. Obviously it will be very difficult to replace the production we have gotten from Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. They were both very good players here at IU and good ambassadors for the program. However, I don't think our production will drop next year as much as some people think. Two things that people must keep in mind is that Darius Johnson and Fred Jones were injured most of the year. Darius made the switch this season from LB to DE and when he played I think he played pretty well. He is a bit undersized for a DE but he has a great motor and will only get better this off season. His quickness could pose a big problem for some slower tackles our there. Fred Jones was hurt all year and came back I believe for the Penn State game. He made some pretty good plays against Purdue and I think this could be a good off season for him. We also return Deonte Mack and Coach Lynch hinted that some of the tackles may shuffle around on the outside as well. We also have some young guys who have made some great strides this off season. Javon Cornley possesses some good quickness off of the line and he put on 15 pounds since he has been at IU. He could be a young player who gets an opportunity to show off his skills next year. I think the combination of a healthy Darius Johnson and Fred Jones along with the return of Deonte Mack and some younger players our defensive ends will surprise some people next year. I don't think it will be as bad as some people think. I also wish the best of the luck to both Kirlew and Middleton in the pursuit of the NFL.

Agree? Disagree? Share your thoughts.