When the Bruins entered spring practice last year, almost everything was unknown.
There was no definitive quarterback.
There was an unproven offensive coordinator.
And perhaps most importantly, there was a new defensive coordinator with an unfamiliar, aggressive philosophy.
This year? There is no definitive quarterback. There is an unproven offensive coordinator. But perhaps most importantly, there is a seasoned, experienced defensive unit led by defensive coach DeWayne Walker that sees this season as an opportunity to take last year’s good defense and turn it into something truly dominant.
“Our goal this year is to be truly great,” senior linebacker Christian Taylor said. “That’s no easy task. You have to be great every day. You have to be detail-oriented and be intricate with those details across the board. Last year, we were great at times, and we were bad at times.
“This year, we want to be able to play against anyone.”
Taylor, the acknowledged leader of the defense at the middle linebacker position, and the linebacking corps will have to play an integral role if there is going to be this transition to greatness. With Walker’s aggressive system, sure tackling by the linebackers is necessary because often they will either be blitzing or be matched up in coverage on tight ends or running backs. With a year of Walker’s system under their belts, the linebackers are more than comfortable with their responsibilities.
“Last year going into spring, it was all new,” Taylor said. “Everyone was trying to earn a job. This year, we have 10 starters back. We’re not changing that much. We now have to just find ways to get better. We get to get deeper into it.”
For Taylor, the problem is more an issue of health than it is an issue of defensive concepts. Taylor had ankle problems for most of last year, and has not yet fully recovered despite the three months off after the Emerald Bowl.
Despite Taylor’s nagging injury, this defense, with experienced starters and experienced depth at nearly every position, feels it has the potential to be one of the best in the nation.
“The potential is very high,” linebacker Reggie Carter said. “We want to be the top in the Pac-10, and top-10 nationally. We played a full year together, and we’re communicating more and getting better and better every day.”
OUT FOR PRACTICE: A number of players sat out for Monday’s practice. Wide receiver Dominique Johnson was out for personal reasons but is expected to be back shortly. Fullback Michael Pitre was suffering from an illness and was unable to stand. He is also recovering from knee surgery. Defensive end Bruce Davis sustained a bruised rib cage and wide receiver Jeremy McGee had a slight hamstring pull.
“(Practice today) was quick,” coach Karl Dorrell said. “We didn’t do a lot of physical work. We’re a little bit beat up going into week three of spring practice, but that’s to be expected. Most of our injuries have not been very significant.
“We need to get those guys who are nicked up a little bit back for our next scrimmage on Saturday.”