Every spring/fall we have major question marks. How can we replace the seniors going to the NFL?
This year is no different and we have some questions but it appears we already have some answers.
How can we replace Thompson and Wells? -check
We have Johnson, Travis and Ace Rogers to fill the safety and nickel roles. Myrick, James and McGhee provide depth for the overall DB.
How can we replace Wilson at MLB?
It sounds like between Lynn, Poock and Williams we are looking very solid inside. Then throw in Campbell, Celestin and the new Huff kid and we have plenty of quick twitch at LB as well.
How can we replace Botticelli at DT?
It sounds like Richardson is ready to track toward All-Big Ten in the near future. We are hearing good things about Moore, as well as Stetler. Getting Ekpe back in the fall will be HUGE for this group if they want to take a step forward. I believe the emergence of Hank Ekpe might be the best overall news to the DL, with Cockran on the opposite side. Elmore and Keith will be firmly in the rotation and the overall depth looks good, provided we stay healthy up the middle.
We lose Epping and Olson on the OL, so who steps up?
It seems every spring we move people around and it appears the OL is struggling a bit and has yet to gel. This spring is no different and it really isn't until we settle into our main rotation and go from "instal" to execution in the playbook come fall when they get in their groove. With Lauer and Pirsig at OT, it seems likely to see Campion move inside full time. Christensen started in the bowl game but wasn't even close to 100%. Is he closer this fall? The likely starting center and the hope is yes. That leaves Bobek, Mayes, Moore, Bjorklund, Hayes and the Ohio kid fighting for playing time and Mayes adn Bush also ready as very good backup OT's. I expect this group to come together nicely but it may not be until August.
Cobb was the main, how in the world to we replace him?
Williams has taking the Cedric Cobb "get serious" class and appears he is ready to take on a big role. Smith, Jones, Edwards and the freshmen all have plenty of talent. This is an unanswered question still but the position still looks like its in good hands.
Receiver was pretty rough last year, is this group ready to emerge? We lost Maxx, what do we do?
KJ Maye really broke out last year and I expect that to continue. Wolitarsky was never healthy last year and just couldn't get separation with his bum wheel. We are hearing he is getting separation from Murray this spring, not an easy task. The big question will be which freshmen are ready between Gentry, Gibson, Gant and Holland. Which TE's will get the main reps? They will never fill Maxx's shoes so we can expect the TE's to get less touches or at least less big plays. This position group appears to have a very bright future. Does that included this year? still a question
Can Mitch take a big step?
Mitch's best attribute is his leadership and competitiveness. Can he be a more consistent passer? This is still a huge question mark.
It appears most of the unanswered questions are on the offensive side of the ball. RB and WR are oozing with talent but its young talent. Are they ready? If those two groups can come up big, the can only help Mitch take another step.
*skipped special teams
This year is no different and we have some questions but it appears we already have some answers.
How can we replace Thompson and Wells? -check
We have Johnson, Travis and Ace Rogers to fill the safety and nickel roles. Myrick, James and McGhee provide depth for the overall DB.
How can we replace Wilson at MLB?
It sounds like between Lynn, Poock and Williams we are looking very solid inside. Then throw in Campbell, Celestin and the new Huff kid and we have plenty of quick twitch at LB as well.
How can we replace Botticelli at DT?
It sounds like Richardson is ready to track toward All-Big Ten in the near future. We are hearing good things about Moore, as well as Stetler. Getting Ekpe back in the fall will be HUGE for this group if they want to take a step forward. I believe the emergence of Hank Ekpe might be the best overall news to the DL, with Cockran on the opposite side. Elmore and Keith will be firmly in the rotation and the overall depth looks good, provided we stay healthy up the middle.
We lose Epping and Olson on the OL, so who steps up?
It seems every spring we move people around and it appears the OL is struggling a bit and has yet to gel. This spring is no different and it really isn't until we settle into our main rotation and go from "instal" to execution in the playbook come fall when they get in their groove. With Lauer and Pirsig at OT, it seems likely to see Campion move inside full time. Christensen started in the bowl game but wasn't even close to 100%. Is he closer this fall? The likely starting center and the hope is yes. That leaves Bobek, Mayes, Moore, Bjorklund, Hayes and the Ohio kid fighting for playing time and Mayes adn Bush also ready as very good backup OT's. I expect this group to come together nicely but it may not be until August.
Cobb was the main, how in the world to we replace him?
Williams has taking the Cedric Cobb "get serious" class and appears he is ready to take on a big role. Smith, Jones, Edwards and the freshmen all have plenty of talent. This is an unanswered question still but the position still looks like its in good hands.
Receiver was pretty rough last year, is this group ready to emerge? We lost Maxx, what do we do?
KJ Maye really broke out last year and I expect that to continue. Wolitarsky was never healthy last year and just couldn't get separation with his bum wheel. We are hearing he is getting separation from Murray this spring, not an easy task. The big question will be which freshmen are ready between Gentry, Gibson, Gant and Holland. Which TE's will get the main reps? They will never fill Maxx's shoes so we can expect the TE's to get less touches or at least less big plays. This position group appears to have a very bright future. Does that included this year? still a question
Can Mitch take a big step?
Mitch's best attribute is his leadership and competitiveness. Can he be a more consistent passer? This is still a huge question mark.
It appears most of the unanswered questions are on the offensive side of the ball. RB and WR are oozing with talent but its young talent. Are they ready? If those two groups can come up big, the can only help Mitch take another step.
*skipped special teams
