⚡ CFB Dashboard

Regardless of how many combined special teams and defensive snaps he had against KSU, he did not play nearly as much on D as I expected against an overmatched opponent. Why? Listen to Day after Ball State: “Khary is in the 3rd and long package on obvious passing situations rightnow.” Listen to Day after KSU when asked @why not more Wilder!” “We are having Khary focus on going to get the QB on the 3rd and long passing package.” I agree that only having him play DT on Rushmen downs in the first 3 Qs was shocking, while they had Qua Russaw out there as a starter who has been described as a “go get the QB edge guy” specialist, followed by Atkinson, and then Eli Sitalanei….before Wilder saw a snap as a DE, his natural position. That said, my read between the lines is that Wilder has not yet learned the playbook and is not yet trusted as a 3 down DE to read and stay disciplined against the run. Just my gut feeling, but that sounds to me like what Day is alluding to in pressers. Atkinson and Epi are more experienced and trusted right now as 3 down DEs, and that’s OK as long as they keep Wilder engaged and progressing . He’s a rare talent imo. They need to have him up to speed by mid season. He has the strength to set the edge in the run game right now. I simply can’t see Russaw as a 3 down DE starter against big competition, even though he was against KSU.