Oregon State defensive coordinator Mike Macintyre talked with reporters on Wednesday about individual players he's excited about, what drills they've been running in practice, and some things that he's looking for in Saturday's scrimmage.
MacIntyre's noted the amount of change that his group has dealt with in recent months has been a lot, but the players' appetite to learn has him encouraged.
"Our scheme, we know what we want, I need to see them be able to adjust to the formations quicker and better. They're there, but they might be inside instead of outside leverage, different things like that. I feel like they have a good knowledge of what we're doin', the reason I say that is cause they're asking great questions. So it shows me that they're kind of going to the next level with understanding. Just seeing that Saturday, and then to keep improving on our tackling."
While the Beavers are easing back on live tackling with the season opener coming closer, MacIntyre notes the initial impacts he is seeing from defenders also is headed in the right direction. As Beaver fans well know, if they can't do the little things right, it could be another long season.
"We don't do a lot of live tackling, we do a lot of 'thuding', our first guy there I mean he is hittin' him and wrapping him up and letting him go, we don't want huge piles of guys rolling into each other. So that is a key factor, we tell them 'no thud, no play,' if they don't thud we take them out, right then and there. Because if we can't tackle well...it's like a basketball team that can't make their open shots. If we can't tackle well, we are not going to be successful on defense."
Among the expected standouts of the defensive group is Duquesne transfer linebacker, Jabari Odoemenem , who MacIntyre spoke highly of.
"He has all the dimensions if you drew out a linebacker. He's 6'2", he's strong, powerful, he's really bright, he's played a lot of football, so he's sees it. And that might be the number one thing. I've always thought that he can't teach a linebacker or a running back to see a cut or something like that developing, that just have that innate ability, and he has that. He has all the characteristics of a division one group of four linebacker, and he should be a big factor for us."
Junior college transfer Jarrel Comer will also likely be a contributor for the defense. However, MacIntyre noted that he needs to make more progress in his development, having less experience than his counterparts.
"Jarrel is a unique guy, he's gonna be a really good player, and he will play for us this year. He's still kind of in process, he's only played one year of college football, in junior college. So he's got four years of eligibility is what it sounds like with this new rule, and every day he makes another jump. Phenomenal athlete, every day he sees something new and is about to react to it better the next time."
Finally, t rue freshman Kai Wheaton , earned praise for his maturity, an expected compliment for the prospect out of Allen High School. Expect the defensive back to be a strong rotational piece for the Beavers in both the short and long term.
"What I like about Kai, is that I like to say, he doesn't blink, he isn't fazed. He might get beat on somethin' but then come back ready the very next play. If he misses a tackle, he'll get up and make the next tackle. He comes from a great program in Allen, Texas, he's played in front of big crowds, big games, he has a family heritage in football. I love his mental toughness, he's a big, long corner, and I'm really excited about what he can do."
Stay tuned for more coverage as the Beavers prepare for the start of the new campaign!
This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/oregon-state as Oregon State DC Mike Macintyre Speaks Ahead of Saturday's Scrimmage .
