- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
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We have to stop with the narrative he was dinged because he played for a terrible team (he did) or the fact UCONN not a big time school (it isn’t). Teams find players regardless of where the play. Travis was double and triple teamed constantly and still was a force. He then went to the senior bowl where he consistently dominated (the lineman he most dominated, BC guard Zion Johnson was the Chargers first round selection), then went to the combine where he killed it. My guess is some teams did not see a 3 down lineman and didn’t want to spend the draft capital on a player who only sees field on run downs. I see a versatile d tackle who can in fact push the pocket. The Ravens got a steal.
When I saw Travis at the Senior Bowl, it was a revelation. It was also an indictment of of the coaching at UConn. How could you have a weapon like Travis and be completely clueless how to use it?
Our defensive line never moved pre-span. Out LBs rarely came up and covered offensive lineman. Travis never moved to line up against the OTs. Any or all of these of those would have made it difficult for the offense to react to Travis. With his ability to defeat single blockers Travis could have wreaked havoc.
Instead we line him up in the same spot. Left him there for the entire snap count so the offense could identify him. And greatly reduced his effectiveness. Only his personal talent got him drafted. In a better system, he would have produced much more exciting video for NFL teams to review. Not to mention, made our Huskies more competitive.
I expect a long and successful career for the young man.