garin at LB

[bigtenchamps1899]

mat garin to scout.com:
"I am talking to Coach Roof a lot. We are still trying to decide if I am going to play linebacker or defensive end," he said. "When I come in, they are going to see what I am better at. If I do play defensive end, I probably will redshirt my first year. If I play linebacker, I probably won't. We'll just see how it goes."
i really like this guys size and speed, 6'4" 225 and 4.6 40. i have mentioned this guy perhaps playing at LB before and while i would rather have him at DE in two years, i think that he would make an outstanding inside linebacker. if he does end up playing LB it sounds like it will be next year! he could be that last LB we've all been looking for.

like i said, with his pass rush skills i would rather see him on the line, but his pass rush skills could really be an attribute if he comes in as the fourth linebacker in the 3-4 as well. like matt said "we'll just see how it goes":D

[gopherclub]

I want MG to RS and put 15-20 lbs on his frame. I would rather see Cooper go to LB...Garin will be a fixture at DE if he hits the weights.

[grunkiejr]

I want MG to RS and put 15-20 lbs on his frame. I would rather see Cooper go to LB...Garin will be a fixture at DE if he hits the weights.

Cooper will be a LB regardless of Garin. My guess is that they are looking at KGM and Garin to determine the better fit for each of them.

[tpbeight]

Garin may not be able to put on the kind of weight he needs to to play DE. He knows that and so do the coaches. I think he's definately enough of an athlete to play with his hand off the line.

[GopherBeef]

mat garin to scout.com:
"I am talking to Coach Roof a lot. We are still trying to decide if I am going to play linebacker or defensive end," he said. "When I come in, they are going to see what I am better at. If I do play defensive end, I probably will redshirt my first year. If I play linebacker, I probably won't. We'll just see how it goes."


I like Garin's attitude, willing to redshirt if it is what the coaches feel is best. Players like Garin, Maresh, Gray, etc. could be looked back upon someday as ones who made sacrifices that played a big part in bringing this program to new levels.

[diehard]

On the spot! What a great attitude. I think it will be determined if S&C sends him to 240 or 260+. Big fast DEs. We are going to be spoiled rotten by Jacobs at DE. Where do you find 300 pound DEs with huge explosion? Jacobs with technique is NFL prototype (better than Peppers). Garin will play and impact somewhere on D. His vids (included the combine) tell the story. He deserves 4 star status. KGM, man we have talent coming in! Remember it takes lots of talent to build a winner, can't do it without depth and plenty of it. This is bizarre after years and years where we were never 1 depth through the D or even the O.

[mkAz]

I don't see any problem trying him at LB and seeing how he does. Love the attitude too, just line him up and let him go.

[GopherNation5]

If he was moved to lb I would prefer to see him move to the outside and play the role of a demarcus ware or joey porter and be strictly a blitzing linebacker rather than playing in the middle.

[btowngopher]

On the spot! What a great attitude. I think it will be determined if S&C sends him to 240 or 260+. Big fast DEs. We are going to be spoiled rotten by Jacobs at DE. Where do you find 300 pound DEs with huge explosion? Jacobs with technique is NFL prototype (better than Peppers). Garin will play and impact somewhere on D. His vids (included the combine) tell the story. He deserves 4 star status. KGM, man we have talent coming in! Remember it takes lots of talent to build a winner, can't do it without depth and plenty of it. This is bizarre after years and years where we were never 1 depth through the D or even the O.

better then peppers? seems like a stretch, but i hope you are right.

[lawrence21]

if he's better than Peppers where does that put him in comparison to Vandesteeg?