How much of of that was about our lack of run defense or the strength of our DB’s? I think both are true. The run defense was abismal at times but when we have two of the best corners in the country it also makes throwing the ball unattractive.

[reply="Sailorgabe;85081
The format of the depth chart this year hints that the scheme is going to be more varied. For example they take the three players who last year played as edge linebackers and this year list two as defensive ends, and the third Goligoski, as the SAM linebacker. They list a depth chart for 12 defensive positions, so depending on which eleven they run out the could change the numbers at any level
I don’t know what the purpose of making Goligoski a SAM linebacker instead of a defensive end (on the depth chart) but it may be a different role.. Reminds me of how disruptive Nick Eaton was a few years ago as an outside linebacker and how he disappeared from the stat sheet when they changed him to a rush linebacker

I can't resist an opportunity to retell this story.

I was a student trainer 1974-76, working for the great Dick Lewis. 74 season, the tight end was Rick Fortner, one of the toughest dudes I've ever known. 6'0" 175 lbs soaking wet but rock solid. Solid up top but skinny legs built for speed. Dick said he'd seen birds with better legs, and called Rick the Birdman of Davis. Over the years I learned Dick rarely teased or even gently insulted, but this was a sign of how Fortner was a special player of whom Dick was particularly fond. I don't recall how many concussions Rick he suffered, (he caused a few as well) but I'll never forget the last one. This was his senior year, we traveled up to Boise and that stupid blue field.

Rick caught a short slant over the middle and was starched; hat to hat solid hit. Dick and I rushed out to him. He was not moving, and not breathing. I looked to Dick, awaiting instructions and anxious to see what he would do. Dick was frozen, his face pale. That is when I got scared, that Rick was going to die before our eyes. I fell back on my Boy Scout first aid, held his neck steady, checked for a pulse (it was really slow but strong), and lifted his jaw. Just as Dick snapped out of his momentary panic and leaned in to begin mouth-to-mouth, Rick gasped loudly, took two deep breaths and resumed being alive.

Rick's successor at undersized tight end the next season was my Davis High School homie (and there weren't very many homies back then) Wally Loving who at about 6'2" was maybe ten pounds heavier. Speed, hands, and a ferocious blocker. In '76 an appropriate sized (for the FWC) tight end transferred in from JC (iirc), Bill Fass, and Wally returned to his natural wide out position (flanker it was still called I think).

I have a clear memory of Rick Fortner. When we played UOP in the early 70s he was of course a tight end. Coach Sochor called for an end around to the tight end Fortner. An utterly insane play, but it worked and Rick went in from about 40 yards for me touchdown. UOP Was totally stunned by the play/and never really recovered and the Aggies won that game convincingly. He was an amazing player.

DL depth and size is improved. Nice mix of veteran leadership and talented youth.
LB group improved with the return of Porter and there are potentially some young guys coming up.
Safeties are solid. Rex likely a mid-season return which makes the room even better.
Corners are ELITE.

That leaves us with any scheme improvements, TBD. Don't think for a minute that Coombs & Co. didn't spend this entire off season thinking about stopping the run.

My hope: fewer Safeties, an extra LB, and maybe, just maybe, some 5-down/Bear looks. With our Corners, there are endless possibilities.

I wouldn’t take anything from that depth chart other than they wanted to have Sam play SAM. To one of the other points above, good corner play should help not hurt run D because you can bring your nickel and the box safety down. The concerning part of the run D last season wasn’t year end when the mash unit was playing it was early on with a healthy DL and both Connors couldn’t slow anyone down.

(I'll add on to your sentence and thought) because the LBs were often manipulated out of the box by formation, and the one LB position that requires a run-stuffer, tackle-to-tackle type was manned by an outstanding pass defender.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8fEfCZpO5V/?igsi=MTQ3b2U0dWxkanI4aQ==

You think Sam Goligoski not being listed as the DE, but rather SAM is just for humor? Very punny, ha ha.