It only took 2 games as a starter to lead the team in tackles!

Now, did anyone hear the hit that Teo dropped on McKnight or maybe it was CJ? Anyway, SC was going toward N end zone and they ran a pitch right and #5 came and filled the gap at an angle and BOOM! I heard the "pop" down in the endzone.

I understand that he's very talented but how can a true freshman step in and become our best LB? Just wondering... He seems better to have not had the coaching our other LB's have had.

It only took 2 games as a starter to lead the team in tackles!

Now, did anyone hear the hit that Teo dropped on McKnight or maybe it was CJ? Anyway, SC was going toward N end zone and they ran a pitch right and #5 came and filled the gap at an angle and BOOM! I heard the "pop" down in the endzone.

 

The kid can hit. I loved the hit on Barkley in the 1st quarter.

He's like a cross between Junior Seau and Ray Lewis. That is what I am talking about when i speak of high level talent on D-line. Just imagine a guy like Teo at 300 pounds on the line? His name would be something like Warren Sapp!

I understand that he's very talented but how can a true freshman step in and become our best LB? Just wondering... He seems better to have not had the coaching our other LB's have had.

 

Pure talent.....same way Julio Jones goes to Alabama and is the best WR as a freshman....

So he is the tackle leader for the whole season, or just the last 2?? That is good and bad like you guys said.... He is a special player for sure

Being the tackle leader doesn't translate into being the best player on the team. It's better that he is the leader than our free safety.

He's like a cross between Junior Seau and Ray Lewis. That is what I am talking about when i speak of high level talent on D-line. Just imagine a guy like Teo at 300 pounds on the line? His name would be something like Warren Sapp!

 

excellent comparison.........................

Being the tackle leader doesn't translate into being the best player on the team. It's better that he is the leader than our free safety.

 

This is what I was thinking, but also where the heck is Brian Smith this year?

I think Brian Smith is getting taken out. The problem is the failure of the D-Line to draw more blockers, so it's easy to block our LBs, too. Having said that being the leading tacker doesn't mean being the best defender, I think many of Teo's tackles are the result of his sick athleticism. He is out of position a lot. I can only imagine, just like Golden Tate, that when he fully comprehends the nuances of the game, the kid will be unstoppable. At this point, he is paralleling Tate as a freshman.

Yeah that is very possible, especially against an O-line like USC has. I think Manti falls inbetween Golden as a frosh and Floyd and a frosh. Golden was very erratic and was not always given a chance(could have a lot to do with the qb being on his back most of the time also) while Michael was consistant and at times a go to guy. As long as Manti keeps getting the time I think that he will keep ending up around the ball and making plays. I'd rather have Teo out of position and running people down with speed and instinct then T. Smith doing the same as he has both less speed and less natural ability.

I think Brian Smith is getting taken out. The problem is the failure of the D-Line to draw more blockers, so it's easy to block our LBs, too. Having said that being the leading tacker doesn't mean being the best defender, I think many of Teo's tackles are the result of his sick athleticism. He is out of position a lot. I can only imagine, just like Golden Tate, that when he fully comprehends the nuances of the game, the kid will be unstoppable. At this point, he is paralleling Tate as a freshman.

 

I'd say Teo is quite a bit more advanced than Tate was as a freshmen and that is certainly a good thing. As an Alabama fan, I think that Teo continues to grow into his role and winds up being a similar player to rolando mcclain (I hope he does at least!). Really though, the sky is the limit for this kid.

It's nice to see a LB lead the team in tackles rather than a S, regardless whether he's a Frosh or not.

He's like a cross between Junior Seau and Ray Lewis.

 

Without the moustache and without the thuggitude.

Ray Ray has ...IT! Seau has class and more of a quiet leadership skill. Ray Lewis is my favorite linebacker. I only played with one guy who had that same attitude the Ray does and they become a force of nature. Teo wills himself to success. If only our D and O line and RB RB's had that same attitude. But.......then everyone would be special. About 3% of the players have this mojo. Our guys are GT, MT, JC.

 

Oh! Did anyone hear that Manti might be put in on goal line situations on offense?

This is what I was thinking, but also where the heck is Brian Smith this year?

 

IMO, Brian Smith is playing out of position at MLB. Hes more an outside/bookend player.