In my humble opinion you can teach technique but not quickness especially with the front 7.
Fran Curci was the best coach UK has ever had since the Bear. He said that is the most important factor with defense in the SEC. That if doesn't matter how big you are, or how much heart you have and dedicated if you are not fast enough to make a block or make a tackle by filling a hole you will fail.
He said you can teach kids to block and tackle but not be quick. He even used to recruit based on time trial sprints. Line up players and look at the quickest players. People are to young to remember but he was really into Kentucky HS football and really supported high school coaches in the state.
Fran Curci was the best coach UK has ever had since the Bear. He said that is the most important factor with defense in the SEC. That if doesn't matter how big you are, or how much heart you have and dedicated if you are not fast enough to make a block or make a tackle by filling a hole you will fail.
He said you can teach kids to block and tackle but not be quick. He even used to recruit based on time trial sprints. Line up players and look at the quickest players. People are to young to remember but he was really into Kentucky HS football and really supported high school coaches in the state.