Would like to see us start a discussion on what the strengths we have on the team Offense, Defense, ST's and get some thoughts on this especially with Media day coming up this week. I know we have all sorts of Pro and Con Coach P' folks here, but that aside and either downplaying last season's team or talking about all of us being the next Carnac the Magnificent with our strength of record, here's some of my takes.
Offense- I like the new kid from Temple (Marshall) who has come in. Looks like a nice fit to assist JC in his throwing routes. Of course we have Cal D coming back and Anderson and Wingate so if they can stay healthy that would be great. RB's I think we are loaded with punishing Donne L and even Gowins (thus I am guessing why we are looking at RS Isiah White-but we do have that new NCAA rule for the 4 games so who knows). Only real weakness I see is with the OL is Zimmerman who last year got a beat a lot on inside, and on the FG's they came through him in the Spring game- so hopefully they have been getting that ironed out.
Defense- or course looks strong across the board and with our LB core hopefully they can continues to cause havoc on our opponents. Hopefully some of the new DB's can make an impact GT Jefferson from Temple) and I personally like Helsop as a DB and reminds me of a smaller TB. Hope Contressa gets a lot more reps I think our pass rush will need to be a bit more "creative" but Coach Bob has done a nice job. Hopefully Kamara and Scarbrough can standout. Note sure if the Peterson kid is ready to hang yet-
so the only weakness I see here is in the DL depth as the season goes along.
ST-looks like we have a lot of guys coming back to help. Donnie Washington and Donnie L on the Punt return and KO's I hope can make a major impact. It was nice to see Courtney had hit that 49 yarder in the Spring Game so hopefully Coach P will give him some more opportunities- but we also know Coach P likes to play the position game. Surprised that the kid they brought in 2 years ago (Prubin) has not
**** the starting line-up but good for Courtney as a former WO getting the scholarship out of it. Lukansky brings back his high Sky kicks and the KO return team has been solid (but with the change in the NCAA fair catch rule) not sure if Coach T will change anything Nolan returns as the Punter (I was told he co-led all of FBS and FCS with his inside the 20 balls), and they are bringing a new Aussie as well. Barber comes back as the long snapper so that's good and Nolan is coming back to hold on PATs and FG's.
And there is my best and only shot as to how we'll do on the player side.