Buck Bravo

Minnesota’s defense has been lackluster for most of the decade, and in 2007 hit a new low as the worst ranked defense in Division 1A.  In 2008, an infusion of junior college talent brought the defense back to mediocrity.  So, how has the talent on the field changed since 2006, and how is it projected to look for 2009?  Star ratings for players are from Rivals.com:

Interestingly, the 2007 defense had about the same average star rating as the 2006 defense.  However, the age of the players is not taken into account.  2008 saw a marked improvement from 2007, and 2009 projects to be leaps and bounds better than 2008.  Three of the 2009 four star players will be freshmen, so don’t expect the actual performance on the field to be significantly better than 2008.  Moderate improvement should be a reasonable expectation.  Here’s how these trends look on a graph:

2009 will not only feature the opening of TCF Bank Stadium, but will also determine whether the stars are in alignment for the future of the Gopher defense.

Willie VanDeSteeg was a 2004 graduate of Glencoe-Silver Lake High School, which fields a class AAA football team in western Minnesota.  VanDeSteeg was rated a two star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com.  In my opinion, his low two star rating was probably less of a reflection of his ability and more likely a result of playing for a small school in the rural Midwest.  There are often cases of players who grow and mature after reaching college, but VanDeSteeg recorded 75 tackles and 20 sacks his senior season.  20 sacks from a 6′4, 245 pound high school kid should be worth at least a three star rating at almost any level of play.  Many Minnesota high school players in the past few years have been chronically underrated again, and again, and again.

VanDeSteeg had a breakout season in 2006 with 10 sacks, which was third best in the Big Ten.  In 2007 he only recorded one sack, but broke a bone before the start of the season that hampered his performance.  Having one effective arm may be a successful strategy at times, but not as a defensive end.  The off-season proved to be an eventful one for VanDeSteeg, but he claims that he’s now ready for a strong senior season.

Realistically expect Willie VanDeSteeg to have a very good season in 2008 that is on par with his 2006 performance.  If indeed Eric Small has bulked up and Cedric KcKinley plays as well as some expect, Willie Vandesteeg should see less double-teams from offensive blockers and have a great season.  If he exceeds 10 sacks, do’t be suprised to see him go in the first few rounds of the 2009 NFL draft.