Position Battles To Watch #4: Still v. Ware v. Okoli

Topic: Who SHOULD win and who WILL win this position battle?

4. Still v. Ware v. Okoli for the final spot in the defensive tackle rotation (along side Odrick, Ogbu, and Koroma)?

Greg's Take--This is probably the toughest position battle to call because a) it's for a “back-up” position in Larry Johnson's vaunted 4-man rotation, and b) it could very well change on a game-to-game basis throughout the season since Devon Still has had injury problems, Brandon Ware has had weight problems, and Chima Okoli is also very inexperienced. In my opinion, this battle will come down to Still v. Ware, with Okoli filling in if Still gets injured and/or Ware can't stay in the rotation because he had one-too-many burgers at Five Guys or slices at Canyon Pizza (I can't believe it's not called Acme Pizza anymore!). Assuming Still is fully recovered and Ware gets down to his target playing weight (315-320 lbs.), the #4 spot SHOULD go to Ware, but I think it WILL go to Still. I believe that Ware is one of those freakish "jumbo athletes" who can dunk a basketball at 350 lbs. He's a bull that you just let loose to create havoc in offensive backfields. But based on experience, Devon Still will likely win this spot certainly to start the year and won't give it up by Iowa unless Ware is so good you just can't keep him off the field.

Pete's Response--I agree that it will go to Still, but disagree that it should go to Ware. Still is going to be a dominate force. I think he will be as good, if not better than, Jared Odrick by the time he graduates. I know that means he has to stay healthy, but look out if he does. This is no knock on Ware--next year will be his time. I will even say that Still won't be battling for 4th in the rotation, but he will be pushing to start by the Iowa game.

Greg's Final Word--WOW, quite a statement about Devon Still. I am just too apprehensive when it comes to injured players, especially those who are coming off of two leg-related injuries and stand at 6'5" 305 lbs. There's no doubt that, absent this apprehension, I would also pick Still to be our #2-3 defensive tackle. But I'm going to have to see it before I believe it. If Still is as good as you think he's going to be, and Ware is as good as I think he's going to be eventually, the future at defensive line has NEVER been brighter, and that’s really saying something. Now all we need is some more depth for the future (paging Shariff Floyd, Evan Hailes, and Daquan Jones... come'on down. You're the next contestants on the Larry Johnson train to the NFL!!!).