Thinking about the team we saw last week and how much a difference three months sometimes makes.
Last December 30 in the bowl game we had Ryker Fyfe starting at QB (with broken hand) backed up by WR Zack Darlington. Three months later we have Tanner Lee, POB and TGeb. Fyfe had Westy, Reilly, Moore, Carter and Cotton -- five seniors (combined 373 career receptions) -- to target. Lee had three seniors DPE, Gabe Rahn, and Tyler Hoppes (combined 56 career receptions) to target (both QBs had DPE and Morgan).
There are plenty others but that's looking back while my goal is actually to look ahead three months from now to project the kind of difference three months can make.
Add Tyjon Lindsey. Still not sure what position he's projected to play but I think some have suggested slot (and crowded position group already with KWilliams and Spielman). But it's almost a foregone conclusion Tyjon will play and contribute this fall barring injury (knock on wood).
Jaevon McQuittey. Many think he's the most college ready of all the receivers coming in. Along with Tyjon, those are two key additional WRs available for Lee to throw to this fall.
KJJ. I am actually expecting all three of these guys to play and contribute this fall. KJJ is another example of what three months difference can make. I actually thought he looked good, looked like a player, even with his fumble (he'll learn). He has great hands and greater genes. Two key for him will be getting in shape physically and mental/emotional preparation/focus to the game at this level. He has the tools.
Colin Miller. Brandon Reilly talked about him yesterday on the Sharp & Benning roundtable discussion. Said he was hands down the MVP of the scout team defense, the one guy the offense continually had trouble with. Currently moved to inside linebacker but given how vulnerable the field outside LB position is looking with Davis and King (could Guy Thomas factor here?) and how successful he appeared earlier, have to wonder if Miller could be instant impact here, even as a redshirt freshman.
Elijah Blades. If he qualifies, you have to consider him a viable threat to make the two deep at cornerback and play this year. Would love to see him and Lamar Jackson get this season experience and adding Bookie for that tough 2018 schedule. Along with Lee and Bootle, Blades really brings quality depth.
All these (and others) are players we didn't see last week (other than KJJ) who should be ready to go come fall camp. It really changes the landscape on both offense and defense.
Last December 30 in the bowl game we had Ryker Fyfe starting at QB (with broken hand) backed up by WR Zack Darlington. Three months later we have Tanner Lee, POB and TGeb. Fyfe had Westy, Reilly, Moore, Carter and Cotton -- five seniors (combined 373 career receptions) -- to target. Lee had three seniors DPE, Gabe Rahn, and Tyler Hoppes (combined 56 career receptions) to target (both QBs had DPE and Morgan).
There are plenty others but that's looking back while my goal is actually to look ahead three months from now to project the kind of difference three months can make.
Add Tyjon Lindsey. Still not sure what position he's projected to play but I think some have suggested slot (and crowded position group already with KWilliams and Spielman). But it's almost a foregone conclusion Tyjon will play and contribute this fall barring injury (knock on wood).
Jaevon McQuittey. Many think he's the most college ready of all the receivers coming in. Along with Tyjon, those are two key additional WRs available for Lee to throw to this fall.
KJJ. I am actually expecting all three of these guys to play and contribute this fall. KJJ is another example of what three months difference can make. I actually thought he looked good, looked like a player, even with his fumble (he'll learn). He has great hands and greater genes. Two key for him will be getting in shape physically and mental/emotional preparation/focus to the game at this level. He has the tools.
Colin Miller. Brandon Reilly talked about him yesterday on the Sharp & Benning roundtable discussion. Said he was hands down the MVP of the scout team defense, the one guy the offense continually had trouble with. Currently moved to inside linebacker but given how vulnerable the field outside LB position is looking with Davis and King (could Guy Thomas factor here?) and how successful he appeared earlier, have to wonder if Miller could be instant impact here, even as a redshirt freshman.
Elijah Blades. If he qualifies, you have to consider him a viable threat to make the two deep at cornerback and play this year. Would love to see him and Lamar Jackson get this season experience and adding Bookie for that tough 2018 schedule. Along with Lee and Bootle, Blades really brings quality depth.
All these (and others) are players we didn't see last week (other than KJJ) who should be ready to go come fall camp. It really changes the landscape on both offense and defense.
