BeaversEdge.com senior writer Brenden Slaughter sat down with Oregon State defensive coordinator Kevin Clune to discuss the offseason, player progression and much more.
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Going into the spring season it was one of your goals to get more pressure on the quarterback. How do you feel that went?
Clune: "Spring is always going to be up and down because you might be sitting a starter and playing guys that haven't seen a lot of time like Hamilcar (Rashed) and Kee Whetzel. Those guys got a ton of reps. We are coming along nicely. We did get better pressure in the spring, but there are a lot of different people out there doing different things."
It seemed like quite often this spring, you only used two down lineman. Is that formation specific or something you plan to do often?
Clune: "Using two down lineman is definitely a package we will have. It was also used to get the young outside linebackers reps. Their development is going to be key with how far we can go. We played a lot of that package to get those guys on the field and see what they could do. As individuals Kalani Vakameilalo, Paisa Savea, and Titus Failauga have shown they have taken big steps forward on the line."
Your extremely deep in the secondary and linebacker this year. Compared to last season, how is the depth going to help you?
Clune: "I would say we have depth at linebacker right now, but not in the secondary yet. We are bringing a lot of guys in and we will see how their development is. It’s not going to happen overnight and we are going to have to get them ready quick. We felt that the linebacker position is much more deep than before, and now the defensive back position has to take a step forward. The development of the defensive backfield when we play good passing teams will be key."
Are there any new position changes post-spring ball that you can comment on?
Clune: "There is nothing really that big."
Craig Evans missed spring ball but is coming in soon. Do you think he can crack the starting lineup and what do you expect from him this season?
