Top 5: Defensive Secret Weapons

We last did the top five offensive secret weapons and now we’re rolling out the defensive guys. The thought here is that there are guys on the roster that I think are pretty good and will surprise some folks in the ret of the Big 12. Let’s get to it.

  1. S Thomas Leggett (6-0/185): By the end of the spring, Leggett was the strongest player, pound-for-pound , on the team. I really do think that David Gibbs is at the point with these guys that he wants to go two deep and I think that Leggett is part of that plan. Leggett redshirted last year and so he’ll be a redshirt sophomore and he’s squarely in line to be one of the back-up safeties. Leggett has good size and during the spring, he played heavily in the rotation at safety. I expect that to continue. And to me, he plays bigger than he looks and wonder if he would maybe also play behind Parker because Parker really doesn’t have a true back-up.
  2. S Vaughnte Dorsey (5-11/200): You know how we tend to say that it takes a year for JUCO players to acclimate? Well, Vaughnte Dorsey said, “To hell with that,” and he ended up being 4th on the team with 49.5 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 3 run stuffs, 1 interception and 3 pass breakups. Dorsey was great in run support, but he struggled mightily in pass coverage sometimes and that’s where it takes time to figure out, but he sure as heck gave it his all and Dorsey will absolutely lay a hit on someone. Dorsey has been terrific and he’s just going to get better in pass coverage.
  3. DE Lonzell Gilmore (6-3/280): Gilmore has been saddled with injuries, but I’m a believer. This team desperately needs a rush end and I think that Gilmore is that guy. Do I have anything other than intuition to base this? No, no I do not, but I could honestly see Eli Howard and Kolin Hill getting reps at the ends and then going to Gilmore and Tony Jones on third downs or as a group. I think that would be pretty fantastic. I’m betting on Gilmore and dont’t really have a reason wy.
  4. DT Broderick Washington (6-3/305): Washington started of last year and he was very good, part of a line that significantly improved the rush defense, but leaps and bounds. Washington registered 36.5 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks, 5 run stuffs, 1 forced fumble and opposing offenses had a 38.5% success rate against him. That’s good stuff right there. The rest of the Big 12 should take note.
  5. DT Joe Wallace (6-1/315): Oh, hey, another defensive lineman? Yeah, why not. Just like Da’Leon Ward on offense, I’m sure that teams probably thought that Wallace was gone from the team, but he used his redshirt and I thik the coaches absolutely love his ability and athleticism. The coaches seemingly talk about that athleticism every time his name is brought up, that he’s a big boy, he’s always going to be a big boy, but he’s in shape and he’s more athletic than the 6’1″ frame that he has (I’m guessing that Wallace is actually under 6’0″).
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