Do you anticipate a position group to improve or worsen compared to last year?
Here's my guess:
QB (=): We have at least a couple of good QBs, but they're young. We're not going to have 3,000 yards passing, but I think the scheme, improved team attitude, a QB running game, and an emphasis on protecting the ball will help offset the lack of experience and produce comparable results from last year.
RB (++): Those that return should improve, or (hopefully) heal. On top of that we include an influx of scheme desired talent. The WRs will have several legit threats that won't allow the defenses to focus on the run game, so that should open things up a bit too. I'll be supremely disappointed if we don't vastly improve in the running game.
WR (=): The WR group will be better, but the stat box production won't be there due to the emphasis on a balanced attack, more TE looks, and young QBs.
OL (=): Too many unknowns. We still have injured O-linemen, and questions at Center. They could potentially do better. A scheme designed to hide weaknesses and coaches who put them in a position to succeed will help, as will S&C. Objectively though, right now it looks like a wash.
TE (+): Hoppes will be missed, but it looks like there a few TEs with good hands, and the new scheme seems to rely on a healthy does of TE.
I was going to do defense, but to be honest, it was so unremarkable that I really can't remember much, besides it being terrible. Weber, Kalu, and Williams are going to be missed, but I generally anticipate the defense being slightly better as whole due to actual tackling practice, S&C, and improved coaching.
Punting (+): I expect Lightbourn to better than last year and be among the best punters in the conference.
Kicking (--): Going to be hard to replace Brown, and it didn't look good during the spring. Hopefully we can get 67% on FGs.
KR/PR (++): We have a staff that values STs, and knows the benefit of utilizing the return game properly. Our return game will be partly responsible for at least one game this year.
Sorry for the cop out on defense. I've really blocked out most of it.
Here's my guess:
QB (=): We have at least a couple of good QBs, but they're young. We're not going to have 3,000 yards passing, but I think the scheme, improved team attitude, a QB running game, and an emphasis on protecting the ball will help offset the lack of experience and produce comparable results from last year.
RB (++): Those that return should improve, or (hopefully) heal. On top of that we include an influx of scheme desired talent. The WRs will have several legit threats that won't allow the defenses to focus on the run game, so that should open things up a bit too. I'll be supremely disappointed if we don't vastly improve in the running game.
WR (=): The WR group will be better, but the stat box production won't be there due to the emphasis on a balanced attack, more TE looks, and young QBs.
OL (=): Too many unknowns. We still have injured O-linemen, and questions at Center. They could potentially do better. A scheme designed to hide weaknesses and coaches who put them in a position to succeed will help, as will S&C. Objectively though, right now it looks like a wash.
TE (+): Hoppes will be missed, but it looks like there a few TEs with good hands, and the new scheme seems to rely on a healthy does of TE.
I was going to do defense, but to be honest, it was so unremarkable that I really can't remember much, besides it being terrible. Weber, Kalu, and Williams are going to be missed, but I generally anticipate the defense being slightly better as whole due to actual tackling practice, S&C, and improved coaching.
Punting (+): I expect Lightbourn to better than last year and be among the best punters in the conference.
Kicking (--): Going to be hard to replace Brown, and it didn't look good during the spring. Hopefully we can get 67% on FGs.
KR/PR (++): We have a staff that values STs, and knows the benefit of utilizing the return game properly. Our return game will be partly responsible for at least one game this year.
Sorry for the cop out on defense. I've really blocked out most of it.
