Can Darrien McNair Change Fortunes Of Mean Green?

Harry · August 14, 2015

Following a disappointing 2014 season in which University of North Texas finished just 4-8, a good question is whether or not new outside linebacker recruit Darrien McNair can change the direction of the program.

McNair represents a huge signing for the Mean Green, especially seeing as how the young prospect was apparently headed for Mississippi State for most of this year. After not qualifying academically, the Bulldogs made other plans – and so did McNair.

When looking at the games that UNT lost last season, some numbers begin to stand out – some really, really big numbers.

In each of those eight losses, the Mean Green gave up 30 points or more. Three times they gave up 40 points and they surrendered over 50 once.

Something on the defensive side of the ball was clearly missing, and McNair will be expected to help fix that problem, probably later than sooner.

McNair stands 6’3” and weighs around 230, suggesting that he’ll continue his linebacker role in the Mean Green 4-3 scheme.

Then again, with an additional 10-20 pounds added in the weight room, perhaps McNair ends up playing with his hand in the dirt. Playing outside linebacker in the Trinity Catholic high school 3-4 alignment gives McNair plenty of experience in rushing the passer.

Good problem to have moving forward.

But for the Mean Green, like every other college football program, the future is right now.

read more: http://sportdfw.com/2015/08/13/unt-can-darrien-mcnair-change-fortunes-of-mean-green/

GTWT · August 14, 2015

Getting McNair is great. BUT if an 18-year old linebacker is being counted on as your program's savior, your program is in trouble. This kid is hopefully one part of an improving roster, and that's enough.

Ben Gooding · August 14, 2015

Getting McNair is great. BUT if an 18-year old linebacker is being counted on as your program's savior, your program is in trouble. This kid is hopefully one part of an improving roster, and that's enough.

Very true, but there are 18 year olds that go to P5 programs all over the country every year and have immediate impacts. I don't think he is a savior and that's only because of his position, but I think a player if his caliber can come in and get significant playing time right away and make an impact.

Army of Dad · August 14, 2015

I think savior is the wrong word. I look for him to be an impact player, especially over the next two years. It sounds like he should be able to contribute some this season, but it will be tough even for a player of his caliber to come in this late and dominate.

I look forward to him being an all-conference caliber player as soon as next season and the impacts he will be delivering to our opponents.

MeanGreenTexan · August 14, 2015

If we didn't pick up Finney, I would be more inclined to hope for McNair to be an immediate impact player. As it stands, LBs are pretty good, so I don't think we need as much out of him early.

MeanGreen13 · August 14, 2015

I think the way they painted our Defense last year as trash rubs me the wrong way. If they did their HW they would know that the defense struggled because of inexperience in key positions and the PPG is so high because of points off turnovers... Our defense was actually average last year.

also, I don't think Darrien is going to get a lot of playing time, if any, this year. Next year and the year after is when he is really going to be able to show what he can do. If they end up moving him to DE or some sort of hybrid LB like Dakota Smith, we may see him make a little bit more of a splash early on.