Curt Maggitt
I think everyone is ready to see what Curt Maggitt can do when healthy. He battled a bad case of turf toe in 2012 before eventually tearing his ACL against Missouri. In that Missouri game he had recorded five tackles (1.5 for loss), three quarterback hurries and a pass breakup before his injury. Curt sat out the entire 2013 season as he rehabbed his knee after he and the coaches made the decision in an attempt to ensure he would be 100% healthy heading into 2014.
In the spring, Curt moved from MIKE linebacker to defensive end and looks like he may have found his future home. He has bulked up to 250 pounds and has a great step off the edge when rushing the passer.
Prediction:
I think it’s safe to say that Maggitt is the heart and soul of this team. Even last year, while sidelined with an injury, he was the team’s biggest fan, leader and motivator. Now that he gets to take the field, expect that fire to burn a little brighter.
Maggitt took extremely well to his position switch in the spring, and a summer of continuing to learn the position will only make him better. Even at linebacker, he was at his best when coming off the edge to rush the passer, so the switch seems to be the perfect fit. Expect them to do some different things with Curt; drop him into coverage, line him up at linebacker and blitz, run stunts/twists to get him matched against slower guards and tackles…etc. Regardless, I fully expect him to wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
