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| The defense is where Vermont have been struggling in the past, hoping to outscore their opponents rather than keep the score down. Unfortunately, the defense is still a weakness for the Mountaineers. However, with last year's first round pick Jack Mackowski at RDE maturing and Charlie Summers, a second round pick in 2006, proving to be a diamond in the rough, the defense could have reached the next level this year. | |
The ends are not what they could be though, as veteran LDE Oscar Coney looked old returning to camp. Instead Garret Best looks set to start on the left end this year. Coney, who receently signed an extension to stay for the next two years, will most likely start a few games as well, and will help Mackowski's development with his mentorship. Huey Nelson and Waldon Domingo return as defensive tackles and Domingo looks set to continue his progress as Vermont's best DT from last year's 72 tackles. With the arrival of Richard Blubaum through free agency, the Vermont defense might not have improved their starters, but have solidified the depth-chart. Linebackers Frederic Olivarez, Summmers, Reggie Greiner and Christian Floyd provide a solid defensive core, however. Landon Sobel came to camp in better shape than ever, and coupled with former first rounder, Damon Dawkins, Free Safety Bryan Gattis and Strong Safety Alton Fillmore, the secondary look in better shape than ever before. Any team going airborne against Vermont will be shot down. |  |
