DE:
1. 1999: Howard Sr, Beisel Jr, Johnson Jr, Williams Fr
2. 2002: Shull Jr, Bryant Sr, Williams Sr, Houchin Jr
3. 2000: Beisel Sr, Johnson Sr, Williams Soph, Shull Fr
4. 2007: Jackson Sr, Campbell Jr, Abana Jr, Manu Sr, Guidry Fr
5. 1998: Howard Jr, Clements Sr, Beisel Soph, Johnson Soph
6. 2003: Shull Sr, Houchin Sr, Huntley Jr, Edmonds Soph
7. 2006: Campbell Soph, Jackson Jr, Childs Fr, Manu Jr
8. 2004: Huntley Sr, Edmonds Jr, George Jr, Seiler Soph
9. 2001: Shull Soph, Bryant Jr, Williams Jr, Houchin Soph
10. 1997: Howard Soph, Clements Jr, Beisel Fr
11. 2005: George Sr, Seiler Jr, Burch Jr
Overall Hatter I think you are pretty accurate. This is one where I disagree.
That 1998 unit should be higher. I really struggle to see this years unit being better. I like Jackson and Campbell a TON. But do we think either Jackson or Campbell is as talented as Howard? Is Joe Bob really enough of a downgrade to compensate for Howard? People forget how huge Howard was. I think the depth has the potential to be better, but talent wise I really wonder.
Also, the LB rankings are generous to Diles and Archer. There is little doubt in my mind that Buhl and Hickman pulled together a better unit than Diles and Archer.