Changes to the Grambling defense in the absence of fourth-year coordinator Clifford Yoshida have been in degree. I’d say the most notable development under interim Sam Washington is how he demands more slashing penetration from the line.
“It’s the same defense,” says rising senior defensive end Christian Anthony, “only the playcalling is a little different. It’s more aggressive. We really get after the quarterback. But it’s the same system.”
What’s been most interesting to me is the way Washington, a fourth-year cornerbacks coach at GSU and candidate for a head-coaching position this offseason, has been using Anthony.
The rising senior, a pro draft prospect projected as a 3-4 linebacker, has been dropping back into coverage — making use of the ball skills he showed last season as an interception machine on the end.
Anthony has made multiple picks so far in Grambling’s spring drills, and has batted down scores more. Perhaps just important for down the road: He’ll be developing the instincts — and the stats — needed to succeed at the next level.
A smart move on Washington’s part.
“I like getting back in space,” Anthony told me. “When I break on passes, it’s like it comes naturally.”
Slowly but surely this senior- and junior-laden squad has learned the nuances of having a new coach. Or make that coaches. Head man Rod Broadway, a former all-conference defensive tackle, has also been working more intently with that unit this offseason.
“We’re getting to where we understand the changes,” Anthony said. “Some things we’re doing differently in different situations. We call a little more blitzes, and I like that.”
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sounds good to me
GO TIGERS GO!!! These smalltime schools better get ready..