Fall Camp Position Battles

[Riddickulous]

Fall camp is a week and a half away. Everyone's excited, as usual.

As always, there are several positions and roles up for grabs. Let's break down the available spots and the competitors...

Quarterback

This is easily the most important position battle of the fall. The outcome of this competition may determine the outcome of the season. The competitors...

Dayne Crist, Sr. - If Crist finishes the 2010 season without injury, there is no debate here. He started the first 9 games, throwing for 2033 yards and 15 touchdowns with 7 interceptions. He also had four rushing scores. He has a big frame and a powerful arm. However, he lacks consistency and accuracy, and durability is a concern.

Tommy Rees, So. - Rees started the final four games and played the vast majority of a fifth, throwing for 1106 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 8 picks. He has the relative accuracy consistency that Crist lacks, and he also makes much quicker decisions. However, he has a very weak arm and zero mobility, and is more of a game manager than a gunslinger.

The Winner - Dayne Crist

Why: Although Crist was less consistent last season, reports from spring practice were generally positive, citing improvement in accuracy and decision-making. Crist has the arm to make all of the throws, and the offense is generally more explosive and high-scoring than they are with Rees. Although Rees is the more accurate passer, we will need to rely more on the running game to move the football, and with our horrid depth at RB, injuries could ruin things quickly.


Zone Read/Running Quarterback

Brian Kelly wants a change-of-pace quarterback inserted into the game at certain intervals, a la Tim Tebow in 2006. Two young quarterbacks vie for playing time. The competitors...

Andrew Hendrix, So. - Hendrix has one more year of the system under his belt and is easily the most impressive physically between the two players, weighing almost 40 pounds heavier. He is not as fast as Golson, but proved capable in the spring game, running for 42 yards on five carries and a pair of touchdowns. He has also sat through a year, and this could be the reason he lands the job in 2011, allowing Golson a redshirt year.

Everett Golson, Fr. - Golson is the more dynamic runner, but is behind in both physical maturity and experience in the system. However, he appears to be the quarterback of the future and experience could prove valuable.

The Winner - Andrew Hendrix

Why: Hendrix is bigger, more experienced, and has already gone through his redshirt year. Golson will redshirt and, in this guy's opinion, win the position battle in 2013, and sitting out his freshman year will allow him to be a three year starter.
Left Guard

The popular belief is that this isn't much of a battle, but a surprise could be in the works here. The competitors...

Andrew Nuss, RS Sr. - Nuss has played marginally over his career, but looks to have a big impact this year.

Chris Watt, Jr. - Widely considered the favorite for this spot, Watt was a very highly rated high school recruit and looked good in a backup role last year. He has great size and his youth could be the deciding factor.

The Winner - Chris Watt

Why: Watt is simply the better player. He has the size, the higher ceiling, and the longevity that Nuss simply does not have. He could be a three year starter and, in time, he could blossom into an excellent guard.


Will

If this were Week 8 of the 2010 season, nobody would expect a position battle here. But things change, and Carlo Calabrese's pass coverage skills (or relative lack thereof) leave much to be desired. The competitors...

Carlo Calabrese, Jr. - Calabrese started the first eight games of the 2010 season, recording 61 tackles and 1.5 sacks before being injured in the Navy game. He returned for the Sun Bowl against Miami and was not particularly impressive. Calabrese is a baby bull and a solid run defender, but he is not as athletic as some of the younger linebackers pushing him for playing time. Bob Diaco called him a "liability" in the spring, although he seemed more confident in Carlo as spring ball ended. His progress with coverage could be the deciding factor.

Dan Fox, Jr. - Fox played in a backup role in 2010, recording 19 tackles. He drew praise in the spring and will definitely compete for a starting job.

Kendall Moore, So. - Moore did not play last year, but he did earn Scout Team DPOTY honors. He could be the most athletic of the Will LBs, and he probably has the highest ceiling of the group.

The Winner - Carlo Calabrese

Why: Calabrese will have improved in his pass coverage, and his experience will give him the edge here. Expect both Fox and Moore to see time in rotational roles.


Dog

Again, not many expected a battle here at the end of last year. Everyone had pretty much written in Prince Shembo for this spot. Danny Spond had an excellent spring and is definitely in the mix for the Dog role. The competitors...

Prince Shembo, So. - Shembo is a physical specimen and a dynamic pass rusher, but he has not proven much else thus far. He had by far the most experience of the two candidates last year, recording 15 tackles and a whopping 4.5 sacks. Brian Kelly praised his ability to reroute receivers this spring.

Danny Spond, So. - No one expected Spond to compete for a starting role this spring, but that's exactly what he did, bulking up to 242 pounds and showing great range and athleticism. He played on special teams last year in a limited role. Even if he does not land the job, Spond is going to play a lot this year, and could be the defense's breakout player.

The Winner - Prince Shembo

Why: The more experienced Shembo will win out here. He is far more imposing physically and has the explosive pass rushing ability that Spond apparently lacks, which provides an additonal threat and the edge needed to land the job. Spond will not hang his head, as he will play a lot of minutes this fall.


Nickel Back

Not many people consider this a position battle, but the nickel back spot is absolutely crucial this year. Last year as a nickel back, Robert Blanton was essentially a third starter, and one should expect much of the same this year. The winner of this spot will earn invaluable experience for next year, where the secondary is a huge question mark looking forward. The competitors...

Lo Wood, So. - Kelly was pleased with Wood's progress in 2010, where he played on special teams in a limited role. He also played a few minutes in mop-up duty at corner. Wood nabbed a pick in the spring game, one of the game's highlights. He has the experience and the development that Bennett Jackson lacks. Size is a concern here.

Bennett Jackson, So. - Jackson was mainly a kick returner last year, but he also turned out to be an excellent special teams gunner. He never gave up on a play and made several tackles. He is bigger than Wood and has blazing speed, but he is a raw prospect at CB.

The Winner - Lo Wood

Why: Again, experience is the deciding factor. Wood is simply more developed and more proven at the position.


Free Safety

The Irish fought through woeful safety depth in 2010, and the depth at the position this year is slightly better. Zeke Motta played early and often while Jamoris Slaughter suffered through injury. Both players have their strengths and weaknesses. The competitors...

Jamoris Slaughter, Sr. - Slaughter missed 3 games last year, managing to make 31 tackles and an interception. He is probably the more athletic player, but he is prone to occasional lapses in coverage, allowing huge plays against Pitt (missing his assignment and letting Baldwin get wide open for a long TD) and Tulsa (allowing a long first down throw on 3rd and 20+). He has more overall experience than Motta.

Zeke Motta, Jr. - Motta is the more physically impressive player. He played more minutes last year, recording 50 tackles and one pick. He is an excellent tackler, but he does not have great speed, which hurts him in coverage.

The Winner - Zeke Motta

Why: Motta is the more consistent player and does not have the injury concerns of Slaughter. His abilities in tackling and run support will prove valuable.


Punter

Punting has been horrid at Notre Dame for a good 3-4 years, now. Ben Turk has been hugely inconsistent, and many are placing their hopes on freshman Kyle Brindza to step up. The competitors...

Ben Turk, Jr. - Turk has been unimpressive thus far, but appeared to be improved in the spring.

Kyle Brindza, Fr. - Brindza has a monster leg, and if the race is tight, Kelly might want to go with the freshman.

The Winner - Kyle Brindza

Why: I think the punting race is very close, and Kelly will want to go with the longevity here. Brindza will start and remain a fixture at P for the next four years.


Kick Returner #2

I believe that Kelly has stated that Riddick will be a kick returner, but the spot opposite him remains open. Bennett Jackson performed return duties for most of last year, and had 3-4 good returns. Several freshman appear capable of competing for the job, as well. The competitors...

Bennett Jackson, So. - Jackson returned kicks for the final 9 games of the year and did reasonably well, averaging 22 yards per return. He has explosive speed, which will benefit greatly.

George Atkinson, Fr. - Atkinson has game-breaking speed and was a high school running back, which could aid him in finding seams in the kick coverage.

Matthias Farley, Fr. - Farley also has excellent speed and will definitely get a look here.

DaVaris Daniels, Fr. - Often mentioned as a potential return man. He returned kicks and punts in high school and showed good elusiveness. I think Daniels is the least likely of the four candidates to land the role. He is not as explosive as the other candidates.

The Winner - George Atkinson

Why: Speed, speed, speed. He returned kicks in high school and should know how to exploit seams.


The potential position battle (worst case scenario)...

Y WR

In the case that Michael Floyd is not reinstated, the Y position will be open in the Irish receiving corps. There is not a lot of proven talent here, and there will be a significant dropoff in production if Floyd is absent. The competitors...

John Goodman, Sr. - Goodman is the most likely candidate to land the Y job. He caught 15 passes for 146 yards in 2010. He is tall (albeit lanky) and has pretty good speed. However, he has been disappointing when given the opportunity to shine.

Daniel Smith, So. - Smith was a special teams player last year. He has great size, and his high school film is rife with leaping grabs in traffic. His size and jumpball ability give him an edge in the redzone. Smith could be a good possession receiver in Floyd's absence. However, he has not proven anything on the field, so we can only speculate.

Deion Walker, Sr. - Walker has been a huge disappointment during his career, but he finally made strides during the spring. It might be too late for him.

DaVaris Daniels, Fr. - I'm not as impressed with Daniels as most are, and I think that he needs more development than people think. Still, Kelly really likes his ability and he could see time here.

The Winner - John Goodman

Why: Experience. Goodman has it, the others don't.


So what do you think? Any additional battles that I might have skipped? Do you agree with my predicted winners? Disagree?

Discuss.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Agreed with most of your predictions.

If Motta wins the starting FS spot, I think Slaughter ends up as our #1 Nickelback.

 

[irishog77]

Agreed with most of your predictions.

If Motta wins the starting FS spot, I think Slaughter ends up as our #1 Nickelback.

Agreed- I tend to think that, at least early in the season, all 3 safeties will be on the field in the nickel package.

 

[koonja]

Nice write up. I'll take Slaughter at S over Motta. I watched the MSU game last night and Motta's speed is a huge liability. Watch the game, and count the times ND gave up extra yardage because of Motta's poor angles and below-average speed for a S. It was just one game, but it was an obvious problem.

Since we're making predictions, I'll also take Jackson over LO as the 3rd corner or nickelback.

 

[Buster Bluth]

It was just one game, but it was an obvious problem.

It was an early game too. He got much better as the season went on. He went from liability to respectable.

My takes:

QB - If Kelly goes with two sets, it's Crist and Hendrix. It's insane to think that Golson could redshirt, and sit behind Crist's RS-Sr year (I know, I know..) and be the starting quarterback for 2013, 2014, and 2015. SO LONG AWAY! We'll be gearing up for Mitt Romney's reelection ( ).

Crist was on pace for ~3,500 yards last season. He's not a bad quarterback, he was inconsistent. With Kelly as the coach you have to expect at the very least a modicum of improvement from him. If he gets his accuracy down (easier said than done), he has the strength to be a dynamite quarterback.

WR (Y) - Michael Floyd. If the Irish are starting John Goodman at the Y, they will have serious offensive issues. I am not a believer in his ability at all. I'd rather Kelly use a younger, faster, and more athletic guy out there than Goodman. Either that or we actually will see some four-TE sets. Goodness.

W - Carlo Calabrese, with plenty of rotation. I think Calabrese is a stud against the run, he was very impressive filling his gap before his injury. But let's be honest this defense will have the depth to rotate guys in for situations. I'm not worried about the Irish MLB's, not at all.

FS and N- Motta; Slaughter or Wood. If Motta keeps his spot at FS--I think everyone can agree it's tight there--than I think Slaughters experience as an overall DB gives him the edge over Wood. I want Wood to see as much time as possible though, Notre Dame will need him in 2012 big time.

P - Brindza. The boy as a damn cannon attached to his hip. I have expectations that Touchdown Jesus will catch one of his punts this season.

KR - Atkinson. You're exactly right with your post. I liked Jackson returning, but he tends to run in a straight line. That doesn't fly very well, it's not a go route.

 

[Praytorian]

I'm not sure why, but I've thought since I've seen him that Ben Councell will start as Dog. Hey, thats just me talking though (hope he has gained some weight from Longo's plan), and I'm not an expert just a loyal fan.

Go Irish

 

[Rocket89]

Isn't Riddick returning punts and both kick return spots are open?

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

I'm not sure why, but I've thought since I've seen him that Ben Councell will start as Dog. Hey, thats just me talking though (hope he has gained some weight from Longo's plan), and I'm not an expert just a loyal fan.

Go Irish

Can I have some of what you are smokin'?

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Isn't Riddick returning punts and both kick return spots are open?

That was my impression from Spring workouts. Kelly said he didn't want Riddick back on KR because of the threat of injury.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Watt will start, it's the only even minor mystery on offense. He was already Kelly's choice to replace Stewart for those significant minutes at the end of last season. I used to feel that BK would give Lombard a big chance at left guard this year, but he seems destined to back up Zach. Lombard was projected as an elite guard when he arrived here. The only other wildcard that I see on offense is Davaris Daniels. He may be that good. Where? It would have to be him vs TJ.

On defense, Motta will clearly start in my opinion and Slaughter will play both replacement minutes and in nickel. Motta was often our nickel anyway, so the experience is there to continue with our five vets on the field.I believe that Diaco trusts Motta's positioning now more than he does Slaughter's.

Carlo might start, but I believe that, just as with Brian Smith, Diaco will be looking for someone who can defend east-west better, let alone in pass-drops. Smith really made a difference in flow-&-fill. If I'd seen Dan Fox, my intuition is that I'd be betting on him, but all I have is guesses due to him rising abruptly in the spring. Moore could be the guy, but the spring raves didn't seem to be there [surprisingly]. The wildcard for me would be Shembo, clearing the way for Spond backed up by Councell at the Dog, where they belong. Shembo's power in the middle "fits" since he has speed/athleticism to go with it. And there's nothing wrong with center blitzes. Spond's ability to suss out offensive moves [old QB] and break-down for change-of-direction and tackling in space [see special teams play and spring game] make him "fit" the Drop linebacker spot, and we know that Councell's a natural.

And I believe that although it won't be first game, that either Tuitt or Lynch will start before the season is over.

Goodman will still "fair-catch" punts, unless some other person shows that they can just as safely catch the ball. Kelly wants the ball, not the fumble.

Turk will continue to punt, unless we're three miles down the field. While not a long leg, he's extremely accurate in stopping returns. Brindza will kick off and wait for Ruffer to retire.

KRs? Haven't a clue. As to the Atkinsons: it was Josh doing most of the punt returning in HS, and GAIII doing the kickoffs. For whatever that's worth. Both have said that they would really like to continue doing that.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

hmm...Everyone seems to be counting out McDonald at linebacker. When healthy McDonald is a darn good player.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I think you will see Cam McDaniel on punt returns. I think it will be Collinsworth and GAIII on KRs. You just can't risk Riddick or Wood.

I think there is going to be a lot of rotation after Floyd and Riddick at WR and almost everyone plays a little.

I don't think Lo Wood beats Slaughter for the nickel.

Has there been any real talk about using Shembo as a MLB? That seems to create a OLB depth problem. I would trust that between Carlo, Fox, and Moore, someone will emerge.

I think Hendrix will be the guy on the change-up. I think he will do well one series and then the other team will figure out that Kelly has 0.0% intention of calling a pass play. He will then lose steam.

Bold prediction: I think we will be wrong about our RB depth. I think Gray has a big/solid year.

I worry about CB and NT health.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I think you will see Cam McDaniel on punt returns. I think it will be Collinsworth and GAIII on KRs. You just can't risk Riddick or Wood.

Agreed. The plan to use Riddick on punt returns made sense after Spring practice since we desperately need to energize our return game, but losing Riddick to injury again would be a big blow to the offense; there's a big drop-off in explosiveness from Riddick to Toma, and there's really no one well-suited for the Slot after that.

Welcome to Division I, C McDiesel. You're returning punts as a freshman.

 

[IrishRugger2013]

I seem to remember that Kelly said that he would save Wood and Riddick on KO returns but that he'd have to put the best player back on punt returns, which wood be Riddick. Not sure if he's going to stay with that line of thinking with the influx of talented freshman, but I'd definitely like to see someone more dynamic than Goodman returning punts

 

[Rocket89]

He did say Riddick on punt return rather matter of factly I believe. There was no, "we'll try him out," or "we'll start with Riddick," or "we'll see what he can do."

It was...Riddick is returning punts.

I'm sure he knew that McDaniel could do it, but he might want to focus him on being a running back and kick returns only.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

The wildcard for me would be Shembo, clearing the way for Spond backed up by Councell at the Dog, where they belong. Shembo's power in the middle "fits" since he has speed/athleticism to go with it. And there's nothing wrong with center blitzes. Spond's ability to suss out offensive moves [old QB] and break-down for change-of-direction and tackling in space [see special teams play and spring game] make him "fit" the Drop linebacker spot, and we know that Councell's a natural.

I'll be interested to see how this shakes out. On one hand, leaving Shembo as the #1 Dog makes sense due to his natural pass-rushing ability. Being able to bring effective pressure from both edges has to excite Diaco.

On the other hands, perhaps our best line-up is Fleming - Shembo - Te'o - Spond; I think this is less likely given all the promising talent we have waiting for a shot at the Will. If Shembo does end up inside, that probably means Calabrese, Moore, Fox, and Utupo don't have the potential we're hoping they do.

Shembo v. Spond is an interesting debate for obvious passing downs. Do you want Shembo's pass-rushing or Spond's superior coverage skills?

Goodman will still "fair-catch" punts, unless some other person shows that they can just as safely catch the ball. Kelly wants the ball, not the fumble.

I doubt it. Riddick was mentioned as the likely punt returner during Spring practice due to our desperate need to energize our return game. Perhaps improved blocking will make him look better in 2011, but I just don't see Goody having the speed or elusiveness necessary to hold down that role. I'd bet on Cam McDaniel.

Turk will continue to punt, unless we're three miles down the field. While not a long leg, he's extremely accurate in stopping returns. Brindza will kick off and wait for Ruffer to retire.

He probably starts the season as our #1, but if Brindza starts to match his accuracy, why not go with the bigger leg?

 

[theclassickiller]

Kick Returner #2

I believe that Kelly has stated that Riddick will be a kick returner, but the spot opposite him remains open. Bennett Jackson performed return duties for most of last year, and had 3-4 good returns. Several freshman appear capable of competing for the job, as well. The competitors...

Bennett Jackson, So. - Jackson returned kicks for the final 9 games of the year and did reasonably well, averaging 22 yards per return. He has explosive speed, which will benefit greatly.

George Atkinson, Fr. - Atkinson has game-breaking speed and was a high school running back, which could aid him in finding seams in the kick coverage.

Matthias Farley, Fr. - Farley also has excellent speed and will definitely get a look here.

DaVaris Daniels, Fr. - Often mentioned as a potential return man. He returned kicks and punts in high school and showed good elusiveness. I think Daniels is the least likely of the four candidates to land the role. He is not as explosive as the other candidates.

The Winner - George Atkinson

Why: Speed, speed, speed. He returned kicks in high school and should know how to exploit seams.

I've also heard rumors that Cam McDaniel has the right tools to return kicks. His highschool highlights make me believe he might be the best option, even over Riddick. His change of direction and quick feet are unbelievable, and there's a reason that as a Junior in highschool in one of the toughest football areas in the country he was named Texas Junior Offensive POY.

I think Kelly has to give him a shot, you can't leave someone like that on the bench.

EDIT: I guess I got beat to the punch about McDaniel. Still, it's my opinion that he will be our best returner by the end of the year.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought Punt Returning emphasizes elusiveness (have to make the first guy miss), while Kick Returning emphasizes speed (get in top gear and hit the seam for a big return).

If that's the case, GA III and Jackson likely get the nod before McDaniel, as both are significantly faster. Cam, however, is my favorite to return punts.

Injury is a major concern here, but I don't see how to avoid it. Both GA III and McDaniel will provide critical depth at RB next year, as will Jackson at CB. Losing any of those three would be frightening.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought Punt Returning emphasizes elusiveness (have to make the first guy miss), while Kick Returning emphasizes speed (get in top gear and hit the seam for a big return).

This is correct sir.

 

[rtrn2glory]

i wouldn't be surprised either if we see bennett jackson returning kicks and punts...he will be very fresh and concentrate on making big plays w/o having to risk injury to a more key player like riddick or someone on the offensive side of the ball.

i also think hendrix will win out his battle due to his experience in the passing game.

if brindza and turk are close i agree kyle gets the nod...the only reason turk prevented long returns is b/c he was only punting the ball 30 yards downfield (a high school team can cover that)

here's a question: let's say crist happens to go down again (God Forbid). does it make more sense to let hendrix be the main cog compared to rees? i know rees has experience, but if hendrix can handle the complexity of the passing game added with his ability to run the ball it would seem like he would be the better possibility.

thoughts on this?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

.here's a question: let's say crist happens to go down again (God Forbid). does it make more sense to let hendrix be the main cog compared to rees? i know rees has experience, but if hendrix can handle the complexity of the passing game added with his ability to run the ball it would seem like he would be the better possibility.

That's the question (though Kelly's offense isn't complex). As soon as Hendrix or Golson can compete with Rees and Crist for making the throws/ correct reads/ decision making, etc., then the future is here and they start.

If Crist goes down, I'd expect Rees to take over with Hendrix still used as the red-zone battering ram, though perhaps with more use of Hendrix to keep defenses from keying in on Rees' weaknesses. In that case, Hendrix could overtake Rees later in the season.

 

[rtrn2glory]

i guess the real way to word the question would be can he handle the complexity of reading opposing defenses in the passing game...my bad

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Can I just say how happy I am we are as close to the season as we are that we can talk about position battles and know questions will be answered so soon?!? I can't wait!!!

 

[koonja]

I get that people expect Motta to be the FS, but I truly believe he's a liability there because of his lack of speed. If you watch the tapes from last year you'll see how poor the angles are he takes at the ball carrier.

I really think Slaughter will start at FS.

 

[Te'o4Heisman]

Nice write up. I'll take Slaughter at S over Motta. I watched the MSU game last night and Motta's speed is a huge liability. Watch the game, and count the times ND gave up extra yardage because of Motta's poor angles and below-average speed for a S. It was just one game, but it was an obvious problem.

Since we're making predictions, I'll also take Jackson over LO as the 3rd corner or nickelback.

Motta is a physical presence, and definitely a good enough athlete for safety as long as he is in the right position. He definitely got better as the season went on, and lets not foget he is still relatively young to the position. Look at the progession Harrison Smith made last year, and I think we can expect Motta to continue improving. I like Slaughter's versatility, and actually wouldnt mind seeing him split some reps with Lo Wood as our third corner in addition to getting reps at Safety.

 

[BeauBenken]

Isn't it nice to be able to think "Which one of our talented players will win _____?" rather than "Who the hell can _____?"
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[irishog77]

i wouldn't be surprised either if we see bennett jackson returning kicks and punts...he will be very fresh and concentrate on making big plays w/o having to risk injury to a more key player like riddick or someone on the offensive side of the ball.

i also think hendrix will win out his battle due to his experience in the passing game.

if brindza and turk are close i agree kyle gets the nod...the only reason turk prevented long returns is b/c he was only punting the ball 30 yards downfield (a high school team can cover that)

here's a question: let's say crist happens to go down again (God Forbid). does it make more sense to let hendrix be the main cog compared to rees? i know rees has experience, but if hendrix can handle the complexity of the passing game added with his ability to run the ball it would seem like he would be the better possibility.

thoughts on this?

Honestly, if all 4 of these QB's are what we think they are, I wouldn't be surprised at all if Golson redshirts this year and Kelly tries to get a redshirt year in this year or next for Rees. Of course that's assuming Crist works out A-OK and the backups don't transfer.

 

[irishog77]

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought Punt Returning emphasizes elusiveness (have to make the first guy miss), while Kick Returning emphasizes speed (get in top gear and hit the seam for a big return).

If that's the case, GA III and Jackson likely get the nod before McDaniel, as both are significantly faster. Cam, however, is my favorite to return punts.

Injury is a major concern here, but I don't see how to avoid it. Both GA III and McDaniel will provide critical depth at RB next year, as will Jackson at CB. Losing any of those three would be frightening.

Elusiveness is great, or being a strong, tough guy to bring down (sorta like Zibby). I agree, I think either way, Cam seems to fit more as a PR and wouldn't be surprised one bit to see him shagging punts this fall. I think GAIII seems like the prototypical KR guy. Whatever happens and whomever returns all kicks, I can't help but think our PR and KR will be better this year.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

How is Moore's pass protection skills? Why aren't more people thinking that he could pass up Carlo?

I believe I mentioned something about moving Spond or Shembo to the middle beside Te'o and got reamed for it. I know the pass rushing skill is a plus for the outside, but if Councell or Niklas or Rabasa can perform just as well, why not? If Diaco thinks Carlo really is a liability, something has to be done.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I think there is about a 95% chance Crist gets the nod over Rees. Hendrix is more likely to get in than Golson because Golson needs a year in the weight room. However, if Crist goes down (God forbid), I think Golson would eventually emerge as the #2 because he is just a natural in the spread and has years of experience in it. I may be totally wrong, but I really think Hendrix is a year or two away from running the offense well. (Note: this would leave him with 2-3 years to compete as the starter, that is more than good enough for most college QBs.).

I understand wanting to have a dynamic return game, but we can't risk a dumb injury to any key depth guys, even BJ. Thats why I am still predicting GAIII/Collinsworth for KOs, and Cam (scrappers do great at this skill) for punts.

I actually think Turk will need to improve or he will be passed by KB. He was not nearly as bad as he was 2 years ago, but he was nothing to talk about last year. I bet KB is kicking off for USF.

Moore has tons of potential, but I don't think he has separated himself from the other MLBs. My guess is that sport will be competitive and starters may get switched depending on the offense we are facing.

I would not count on any of the freshman LBs, except Ishaq, to make an impact. For that reason, I don't think you can count Councell as a real option to rotate with Spond at this point.

What's the word on Cwynar? What happens if he is not healthy?