University of North Carolina Athletics
Youth Movement on the D-Line
August 10, 2009 | Football
Aug. 10, 2009
Defensive end Robert Quinn burst onto the ACC football scene as a true freshman last year as quickly and viciously as he closed in on opposing quarterbacks, who often narrowly missed his grasp. He not only overcame a brain tumor, but also displayed freakish athleticism and uncanny instincts.
He provides a real-life model of what this year's talented freshman class - five-star recruit Donte Paige Moss and Chapel Hill High standout Jared McAdoo - can achieve, despite a lack of experience. His hard work and determination inspired fellow true freshmen.
"He just came off of a serious situation with his life as far as the brain tumor, so it was exciting to see how he overcame that," sophomore Quinton Coples said. "He's definitely a living example of you work hard and it pays off in the end. You can always look at him and see how he put in the time and the effort to do extra stuff and become a starter."
Coples and sophomore Michael McAdoo (6-6 and 6-7, respectively) are physical specimens at defensive end. Both were able to toss away opposing offensive linemen like rag dolls in high school, but it was an adjustment to incorporate technique against bigger and better offensive linemen in a much faster game as true freshmen last season.
"It's definitely a whole lot, having to understand that I can't just go out there, run around and make plays," Coples said. "I have to play certain techniques and match schemes that go along with our defense. That's a load as far as understanding it, so it took a lot for me to understand that and get with the program. You've got to know what you're doing at all times. In order to make this play, you have to do certain things to get out there because everybody is good."
The two saw their first action against Rutgers and combined for a sack. Against Notre Dame, Coples sacked Jimmy Clausen on 2nd and 10 during a key fourth-quarter drive. Deunta Williams picked off Clausen's pass on the next play. In limited action, the duo combined for 17 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and four sacks. McAdoo's 2.5 sacks led all linemen.
"I don't care how many times you practice or how many times you see it on film, the best experience is game experience," junior defensive tackle Marvin Austin said. "You go out there and play in a game, you understand it more. When you're tired and you've got to go and the coaches aren't taking you out, you've got to feel that. Those guys (Coples and McAdoo) have come a long way - miles away from where they were when they first got here."
Butch Davis and defensive line coach John Blake have proven that they are willing to play freshmen if they can help the team, even in a niche role. Eleven defensive linemen recorded at least one tackle last season; of that group, nine remain (Greg Elleby, tenth, switched positions and Darius Massenburg, eleventh, was forced to end his career due to injury).
"Last year, I thought we did some good things but when we look back on the film, there's so much room for improvement," Blake said. "But that takes away the excuse now of, `Can I do it? Do I know how to do it?' It's on the film. It's the example of a play in a serious situation and you see how did you execute it? ... So now we've got some reference on film of what you maybe thought was the right way to do it, but it might not be the right way to do it."
Even Quinn had trouble mastering the technique. "It can become a headache because you swear you're doing your best to try to get it perfect but then there's something that just messes you up," Quinn said. "I feel comfortable, but then I still don't because I try to be perfect and I still feel like I don't know enough." All of the defensive linemen talk about taking that oh-so-elusive "Next Step", something that is expected of this incredibly talented group that disappointed some, including themselves, last season.
Trying to turn potential into consistent production has been a battle this off-season. The group has focused on the little things, from not letting teammates drop their heads during sprints to a few extra minutes of film study and even developing a stronger bond with each other. But Coples already feels this line is embracing that responsibility. "We're just trying to get our bodies right as far as in shape, being able to go a whole lot plays, take the pressure off each other and just become the best d-line possible in the country," Coples said. "We've always been a good d-line just because of our talent and ability. But in order for us to become great, we have to drop those pounds, pick up that conditioning, do something extra ... and then a whole lot of things will be different."
Lauren Brownlow is the managing editor of Tar Heel Monthly. Follow the THM staff on Twitter.
