I usually hate these types of articles because every aspect of a football team is important to watch. Thus, so none of you jump me if I miss something, my position is that everything is important, but these are what I am specifically interested in seeing:
Positions I feel comfortable with (and likely do not warrant much discussion unless something comes up)
Big Picture and Expectations
Spring ball favors the defense. The offense runs vanilla plays over and over, and the defense gets used to seeing them, going against the offensive personnel, and knows the snap counts. I expect there to be offensive fireworks at times, but we will probably not use Pavia much, and Beck won't dive into his playcalling bag. If our defense struggles this spring, that is a red flag. You want a 60/40 defensive to offensive success ratio. Plus, with 2 starting-caliber tackles not participating, don't get anxious if there are a lot of sacks/TFLs. We will not run our new plays/wrinkles during the spring game. This is a chance to install base packages and see who can do what. Our game will be broadcast, and the last thing we want is to give other teams our playbook. Do not get angry if the spring game is not a fireworks show, either on offense or defense. It will likely be meat and potatoes and boring.
We get to see a full year of Steiner's coaching. I was pleased with his transformation of our players, their bodies, and mindsets last fall given that he was only there for a short period of time. I expect our players to look even better physically than they did going into last spring.
We need to get out of spring ball as healthy as possible. I want to see what the new/young talent can do more than anything. Lea needs to give reps to the vets but make sure they are not participating in more reps than what is necessary.
Finally, even though I could write a book on all the spring camp things to know, spring is important because it sets most of the depth chart going into fall. We are all told that all players compete for positions in fall camp (rent is always due logic). That is true for maybe 2-4 guys at most. Spring ball dictates the rest. The tackle/WR positions are still up in the air, but the rotation during the spring game will be indicative of who will start next season. Pay close attention to who starts during the spring game and the rotations.
Positions I feel comfortable with (and likely do not warrant much discussion unless something comes up)
- Quarterback (QB1)
- Tight end
- Fullback
- Interior offensive line (we got great transfers here)
- Interior defensive line (big fan of the returning talent and the new talent)
- Linebackers
- Special Teams
- QB2 - It was a miracle that Pavia did not get significantly injured last year (knock on wood). His playing style and our offense require him to take hits. I pray to God that we get lucky again, but we need to see one of the backup QBs step up and make a case to start. You heard me right. A case to be QB2 is not good enough. We need someone who can go in and run this offense at a high level. I doubt Pavia is going to see a ton of action during the spring. No coach in their right mind would risk his injury. All eyes need to be on QB2. Who is it going to be?
- Tackles - Porcher does not graduate until May. He will not participate in spring ball. Bryce Henderson was at practice and may participate in spring ball. I don't love that because more reps are better, especially when learning a new offense. However, this creates a great opportunity to see what we have from the backups and young guys. We need one of them to step up and take a starting job. I think it will be McConnell, but we will see.
- Wide Receivers - The young burners we have need to set the tone. I love a blocking WR more than most, but we need a deep threat to force defenses to respect us. I think McVay and Brown can be the guys, but there are others who will have an opportunity to make a splash. I expect us to target a spring transfer WR. Like the tackles, the young WRs need to take advantage while they get actual looks and an opportunity to impress. Regarding the older guys, it is time for Jeremiah Dillon and Chance Fitzgerald to step up.
- Brycen Coleman - He flashed a lot during fall camp but got injured. I would like us to get him in a position to take over eli stowers role after he graduates.
- Running backs - I will catch s*** for this, but I like Alexander and Newberry. We need 2 more RBs to step up. I would like a speed/home-run guy and am interested to see what Makhilyn Young can provide. He is incredibly fast and might be the missing piece to the puzzle in terms of big-play ability. Johann Cardenas is also intriguing and someone to watch.
- Defensive backs - We picked up a bunch of new guys in the portal. Our safety depth looks great. My concern is cornerbacks. We need a true CB1 who can lock down top WRs and depth. Mark Davis and Marlon Jones looked promising before medical issues that stopped them from playing last year. I have Jordan Matthews circled as my CB1 to take over during spring. They just need to perform.
- Defensive ends - Our pass rush sucked last year. We missed that one guy who caused consistent havoc for QBs. I like our returning talent. Sydnor and Capers are solid. Zunk is a good depth piece. If Koht and company are not consistently getting to the QB given the state of our tackle depth, alarm bells should ring. Also, keep an eye on George Okorie. He is a freshman but he is older. I watched his film and he has the speed and twitchiness to become a problem.
Big Picture and Expectations
Spring ball favors the defense. The offense runs vanilla plays over and over, and the defense gets used to seeing them, going against the offensive personnel, and knows the snap counts. I expect there to be offensive fireworks at times, but we will probably not use Pavia much, and Beck won't dive into his playcalling bag. If our defense struggles this spring, that is a red flag. You want a 60/40 defensive to offensive success ratio. Plus, with 2 starting-caliber tackles not participating, don't get anxious if there are a lot of sacks/TFLs. We will not run our new plays/wrinkles during the spring game. This is a chance to install base packages and see who can do what. Our game will be broadcast, and the last thing we want is to give other teams our playbook. Do not get angry if the spring game is not a fireworks show, either on offense or defense. It will likely be meat and potatoes and boring.
We get to see a full year of Steiner's coaching. I was pleased with his transformation of our players, their bodies, and mindsets last fall given that he was only there for a short period of time. I expect our players to look even better physically than they did going into last spring.
We need to get out of spring ball as healthy as possible. I want to see what the new/young talent can do more than anything. Lea needs to give reps to the vets but make sure they are not participating in more reps than what is necessary.
Finally, even though I could write a book on all the spring camp things to know, spring is important because it sets most of the depth chart going into fall. We are all told that all players compete for positions in fall camp (rent is always due logic). That is true for maybe 2-4 guys at most. Spring ball dictates the rest. The tackle/WR positions are still up in the air, but the rotation during the spring game will be indicative of who will start next season. Pay close attention to who starts during the spring game and the rotations.
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