WR
1. Ngata, 6.1 rating, 5th WR in nation
2. EJ Williams, 6.0 rating, 8th WR in nation
3. Beaux Collins, 6.0 rating, 10th WR in nation
4. A. Williams, 5.9 rating, 13th WR in nation
5. T. Stellato, 5.9 rating, 16th WR in nation
6. A Randall, 5.8 rating, 28th WR in nation
7. D. Collins, 5.8 rating, 36th WR in nation
8. B. Spector 5.7 rating, 69th WR in nation
9. W. Taylor, 5.5 rating, NR
10. C. Turner, 5.5 rating, NR
Last year the Collins guys stepped up as freshman and helped hold the fort down while Ngata, Ladson, Ross, E. Williams, W. Taylor, B. Spector, and T. Stellato were all out with injuries. Ngata started off the season looking like he was going to be a star. I definitely see a major performer in him when he is healthy. EJ had too many injuries last year to have a productive season. This COULD be his year to really shine. I really liked what I saw out of both the Collins kids. They were decent blockers and made some nice catches for us when they were targeted and had a chance to catch the ball. Stellato has had the injury bug and needs a really solid season this year. Randall looked like a star in the making before his injury. Hopefully he can come back strong this season when healthy. Spector looked solid in the Spring game. I kept seeing him and thinking he looks a lot like Renfrow. He has potential to be a great third down receiver which we have thoroughly missed since he left. Taylor is very athletic and could add another dimension to our game like jet sweeps, reverses, screens, punt returns, etc. I like his potential. We will find out on Williams and Turner when they arrive this summer. I have heard that Williams is a DYNAMIC returner, so that could add some electricity to the offense as well. Overall, our WR's as a group had an awful year with injuries, drops, and below average blocking. This year you are going to see a much hungrier group. All position battles are wide open, and I fully expect to see 8-9 guys play.
TE
1. J. Briningstool 5.9 rating, 4th WR in nation
2. S. Ennis 5.6 rating, 26th WR in nation
3. D. Allen 5.6 rating, 30th WR in nation
4. J. Sapp 5.5 rating, NR
Allen has been a really solid blocker for us and has stepped it up in the passing game to be a solid TE. Briningstool is going to be the best TE we have had in a long time. He is really going to come alive this year in the passing game and open up the middle of the field. He needs to get stronger and become a better blocker but can help us out a lot in the passing game. I haven't seen anything on Ennis to really comment one way or another. Sapp will be here in the Fall. Overall, our TE recruiting has been average at best. AL and GA were cleaning our clock in the TE recruiting. However, I see a fight in Richardson and he is the passing game coordinator which add more excitement to the TE room. I hated to see the decommitment of Reid, but hoping we can upgrade this position going into next season. This would be a really good place to get a transfer.
RB
1. Shipley 6.0 rating, Top (#1) APB in country
2. Mafah 5.9 rating, 8th best RB in country
3. Pace 5.8 rating, 15th best RB in country
4. Adams Jr. 5.6 rating, NR
Shipley, Pace and Mafah are all STUDS and will all play A LOT this year. The thing I love about each of them is that they can run, catch, block, etc. They all give 100% effort. If our OL can give them some big holes this year with Austin coaching, then these guys could absolutely explode and really open up the passing game. Adams was a makeup take at the end of the year and we will see how he fits in when he comes, however, we need to land a big back in the next class.
QB
1a. DJU 6.1 rating, #1 Pro style QB in the country
1b. Cade Klubnik, 6.1 rating, #1 Dual Threat QB in the country
3. Hunter Johnson, 6.1 rating, #2 Pro Style QB in the country
4a. Hunter Helms, 5.4 rating, NR
4b. B. Wiles, 5.4 rating, NR
6. T. Pearman - NR
DJU had a really poor year. Lots of things were contributors. Our OL couldn't block and was shuffled around every game. He didn't have ANY WR's healthy to throw to that weren't freshman or walk ons which really put a stress on getting first downs. Because our OL couldn't block for either pass or run, it limited everything. Our OC did a horrible job calling plays. We NEVER through the ball over 20 yards all season. Then DJ was 460 lbs, wasn't mobile and then hurt his knee. He couldn't make simple shorts throws and missed all downfield passes, through interceptions left and right, was firing the ball 100 mph all the time on all throws. In the Spring game, he was much slimmer, looked more mobile, didn't throw a bunch of interceptions, made better decisions, through a better ball, etc. However, our OL still can't block and open up running lanes per the spring game. His stats were similar because we didn't have ANY scholarship WR's, TE's or RB's for the most part and our weak OL was split into two groups. The jury is out on him getting it done. I would love to see him with a full squad of WR's, RB's, and a solid OL. Cade looked pretty smooth to me in the Spring game. He looks like a leader out on the field to me. He was much more mobile, better at feeling the pocket, throws a much more catchable ball, etc. If our OL still struggles blocking for RB's and pass blocking he could easily be the better option because of his speed and ability to get outside the pocket easier. Hunter Johnson was a very solid pickup to be a backup QB. He is familiar with our system and has tons of experience. I think having him in the QB room alone could help our young QB's. I think it is going to be hard to keep Klubnik off the field by midseason. He will get his opportunities against some cupcakes to see what he can do in mop up duty.
OT
1. Tristan Leigh 6.1 rating, #1 OT in nation
2. W. Parks 6.0 rating, #5 OT in nation
3. B. Miller 5.9 rating, #10 OT in nation
4. J. Williams 5.8 rating, #29 OT in nation
5. H. Rayburn 5.7 rating, #57 OT in nation
6. J. McFadden 5.6 rating, #64 OT in nation
Parks and McFadden were pretty solid last year and will anchor the OT spots this season. I feel very comfortable with them protecting the ends of the line. I also have heard great things about Leigh and Miller. Williams hasn't seen much time yet, so can't really comment on him. Rayburn was moved inside and seems to be a better fit inside, but not super impressed with him. We will need to land some more OT's in this recruiting class for sure.
IOL (guard and center)
1. Linthicum 5.9 rating, #1 OC in nation
2. Marcus Tate 5.9 rating, #6 OG in nation
3. Will Putnam 5.9 rating, #7 OG in nation
4. Collin Sadler 5.9 rating, #8 OG in nation
5. M. Mayes 5.8 rating, #4 OG in nation
6. Bryn Tucker 5.8 rating, #11 OG in nation
7. D. Pennington 5.7 rating, #20 OG in nation
8. T. Howard 5.6 rating, NR
9. M. Trotter, 5.3 rating, NR
Well this year we are going to find out who steps up out of all these folks. Tate stepped in last year as a freshman and had some growing pains, but you could see he is going to be a beast. He will take the next step this year to help anchor the interior line IMO. Putnam to OC seems to be working. He has been up and down so far, but he definitely has the experience and skill to be a solid performer for us this season. I am excited to see Pennington and Mayes. Those guys have the potential to be really good. Linthicum came in highly ranked as the best center in the country, but needs to get focused and provide depth at that position. He should have been able to step in for us last season. Sadler looks like he is going to be really good. I don't know anything about Tucker at this time. Hopefully he can step it up this season. Howard and Trotter aren't the most talented but give everything they have. I am thinking our best 8/9 OL are McFadden, Parks, Leigh, Tate, Putnam, Sadler/Miller, Mayes and Pennington. If this group can become a force upfront blocking for our RB's as well as pass blocking this could be a special season. Our defense is going to be a FORCE to recon with.
1. Ngata, 6.1 rating, 5th WR in nation
2. EJ Williams, 6.0 rating, 8th WR in nation
3. Beaux Collins, 6.0 rating, 10th WR in nation
4. A. Williams, 5.9 rating, 13th WR in nation
5. T. Stellato, 5.9 rating, 16th WR in nation
6. A Randall, 5.8 rating, 28th WR in nation
7. D. Collins, 5.8 rating, 36th WR in nation
8. B. Spector 5.7 rating, 69th WR in nation
9. W. Taylor, 5.5 rating, NR
10. C. Turner, 5.5 rating, NR
Last year the Collins guys stepped up as freshman and helped hold the fort down while Ngata, Ladson, Ross, E. Williams, W. Taylor, B. Spector, and T. Stellato were all out with injuries. Ngata started off the season looking like he was going to be a star. I definitely see a major performer in him when he is healthy. EJ had too many injuries last year to have a productive season. This COULD be his year to really shine. I really liked what I saw out of both the Collins kids. They were decent blockers and made some nice catches for us when they were targeted and had a chance to catch the ball. Stellato has had the injury bug and needs a really solid season this year. Randall looked like a star in the making before his injury. Hopefully he can come back strong this season when healthy. Spector looked solid in the Spring game. I kept seeing him and thinking he looks a lot like Renfrow. He has potential to be a great third down receiver which we have thoroughly missed since he left. Taylor is very athletic and could add another dimension to our game like jet sweeps, reverses, screens, punt returns, etc. I like his potential. We will find out on Williams and Turner when they arrive this summer. I have heard that Williams is a DYNAMIC returner, so that could add some electricity to the offense as well. Overall, our WR's as a group had an awful year with injuries, drops, and below average blocking. This year you are going to see a much hungrier group. All position battles are wide open, and I fully expect to see 8-9 guys play.
TE
1. J. Briningstool 5.9 rating, 4th WR in nation
2. S. Ennis 5.6 rating, 26th WR in nation
3. D. Allen 5.6 rating, 30th WR in nation
4. J. Sapp 5.5 rating, NR
Allen has been a really solid blocker for us and has stepped it up in the passing game to be a solid TE. Briningstool is going to be the best TE we have had in a long time. He is really going to come alive this year in the passing game and open up the middle of the field. He needs to get stronger and become a better blocker but can help us out a lot in the passing game. I haven't seen anything on Ennis to really comment one way or another. Sapp will be here in the Fall. Overall, our TE recruiting has been average at best. AL and GA were cleaning our clock in the TE recruiting. However, I see a fight in Richardson and he is the passing game coordinator which add more excitement to the TE room. I hated to see the decommitment of Reid, but hoping we can upgrade this position going into next season. This would be a really good place to get a transfer.
RB
1. Shipley 6.0 rating, Top (#1) APB in country
2. Mafah 5.9 rating, 8th best RB in country
3. Pace 5.8 rating, 15th best RB in country
4. Adams Jr. 5.6 rating, NR
Shipley, Pace and Mafah are all STUDS and will all play A LOT this year. The thing I love about each of them is that they can run, catch, block, etc. They all give 100% effort. If our OL can give them some big holes this year with Austin coaching, then these guys could absolutely explode and really open up the passing game. Adams was a makeup take at the end of the year and we will see how he fits in when he comes, however, we need to land a big back in the next class.
QB
1a. DJU 6.1 rating, #1 Pro style QB in the country
1b. Cade Klubnik, 6.1 rating, #1 Dual Threat QB in the country
3. Hunter Johnson, 6.1 rating, #2 Pro Style QB in the country
4a. Hunter Helms, 5.4 rating, NR
4b. B. Wiles, 5.4 rating, NR
6. T. Pearman - NR
DJU had a really poor year. Lots of things were contributors. Our OL couldn't block and was shuffled around every game. He didn't have ANY WR's healthy to throw to that weren't freshman or walk ons which really put a stress on getting first downs. Because our OL couldn't block for either pass or run, it limited everything. Our OC did a horrible job calling plays. We NEVER through the ball over 20 yards all season. Then DJ was 460 lbs, wasn't mobile and then hurt his knee. He couldn't make simple shorts throws and missed all downfield passes, through interceptions left and right, was firing the ball 100 mph all the time on all throws. In the Spring game, he was much slimmer, looked more mobile, didn't throw a bunch of interceptions, made better decisions, through a better ball, etc. However, our OL still can't block and open up running lanes per the spring game. His stats were similar because we didn't have ANY scholarship WR's, TE's or RB's for the most part and our weak OL was split into two groups. The jury is out on him getting it done. I would love to see him with a full squad of WR's, RB's, and a solid OL. Cade looked pretty smooth to me in the Spring game. He looks like a leader out on the field to me. He was much more mobile, better at feeling the pocket, throws a much more catchable ball, etc. If our OL still struggles blocking for RB's and pass blocking he could easily be the better option because of his speed and ability to get outside the pocket easier. Hunter Johnson was a very solid pickup to be a backup QB. He is familiar with our system and has tons of experience. I think having him in the QB room alone could help our young QB's. I think it is going to be hard to keep Klubnik off the field by midseason. He will get his opportunities against some cupcakes to see what he can do in mop up duty.
OT
1. Tristan Leigh 6.1 rating, #1 OT in nation
2. W. Parks 6.0 rating, #5 OT in nation
3. B. Miller 5.9 rating, #10 OT in nation
4. J. Williams 5.8 rating, #29 OT in nation
5. H. Rayburn 5.7 rating, #57 OT in nation
6. J. McFadden 5.6 rating, #64 OT in nation
Parks and McFadden were pretty solid last year and will anchor the OT spots this season. I feel very comfortable with them protecting the ends of the line. I also have heard great things about Leigh and Miller. Williams hasn't seen much time yet, so can't really comment on him. Rayburn was moved inside and seems to be a better fit inside, but not super impressed with him. We will need to land some more OT's in this recruiting class for sure.
IOL (guard and center)
1. Linthicum 5.9 rating, #1 OC in nation
2. Marcus Tate 5.9 rating, #6 OG in nation
3. Will Putnam 5.9 rating, #7 OG in nation
4. Collin Sadler 5.9 rating, #8 OG in nation
5. M. Mayes 5.8 rating, #4 OG in nation
6. Bryn Tucker 5.8 rating, #11 OG in nation
7. D. Pennington 5.7 rating, #20 OG in nation
8. T. Howard 5.6 rating, NR
9. M. Trotter, 5.3 rating, NR
Well this year we are going to find out who steps up out of all these folks. Tate stepped in last year as a freshman and had some growing pains, but you could see he is going to be a beast. He will take the next step this year to help anchor the interior line IMO. Putnam to OC seems to be working. He has been up and down so far, but he definitely has the experience and skill to be a solid performer for us this season. I am excited to see Pennington and Mayes. Those guys have the potential to be really good. Linthicum came in highly ranked as the best center in the country, but needs to get focused and provide depth at that position. He should have been able to step in for us last season. Sadler looks like he is going to be really good. I don't know anything about Tucker at this time. Hopefully he can step it up this season. Howard and Trotter aren't the most talented but give everything they have. I am thinking our best 8/9 OL are McFadden, Parks, Leigh, Tate, Putnam, Sadler/Miller, Mayes and Pennington. If this group can become a force upfront blocking for our RB's as well as pass blocking this could be a special season. Our defense is going to be a FORCE to recon with.
