I'm no expert, but why does anybody think Ekeler is a good coach? I haven't seen much development from the LB's other than Dillard, and he had looked almost as good early in his career. Not that I think Ekeler is bad either just don't see anything either way. What are you seeing?
I see your point that its hard to see his results, but remember our D-line has been so dominant that the LB job has changed. Also we are using less LB's, but have some quality young guys that by all accounts are really taking off.
I can see that. He did bring us the beast that is Eric Martin though in 2009. :bonez
i'd say the jury is still out on ekeler. you can't deny the amazing transformation of phil dillard, but a lot of that just had to do with getting the kid to buy in and get in shape. by the way, dillard never played anywhere near that level earlier in his career. he was an occasionally decent overweight MLB prior to suddenly becoming a defensive force in 2010. ekeler has to bear some responsibility for that.
Dillard played at a much higher level this year than previously. its not even remotely comparable. other than that ekler hasnt really had much to work with. his other 2 LB where freshman, and when you combine that with the fact that we had a dominant defensive line and played a ton ofr pass oriented teams..... there werent a lot of opportunities for them to shine.
In '08 we were in the first year of the regime after a regime that couldn't coach D for ****. We had three walk-ons, including a true-frosh and a converted safety, getting considerable reps. In '09 we had two freshmen starting and were in nickel/dime a ton. I'm not sure how much you can expect.
Good question.
I'm surprised nobody has mention Cody Glenn yet. Glenn switched from RB to LB and within a short amount of time learned the defense and was our starter come fall ball and by the end of the season was ranked #5 in total tackles with 51 (26 solo 25 assisted). Gleen surprised a lot of people with how well he played at the position and Ekeler was one of the main reasons why Gleen succeeded.
good point. glenn was hardly a polished linebacker, but considering he looked pretty good at it in his first year, you've got to give ekeler credit. add that to the job with dillard and the walk-on parade in 2008 and i'd say we got a good one. :koolaid2:
