Post by ursus on Aug 4, 2016 19:22:14 GMT -5
Since camp just started I thought I would do a little overview of the changes from last year and some of the position battles that might be happening in camp.
Coaches: No changes there, been a surprisingly steady group, but I think next year could be when some assistants find new jobs and/or we have some new hires.
Offense:
Quarterbacks:
Departing: Eli Grambling, Jake Allen, John Mitchell
Returning: John Russ, Michael Haynes, Tanner Brumby
Additions: Johnny McCrary(Transfer), Kaelan Riley
John Russ returns for his redshirt senior season, but will be challenged for the starting QB spot by Johnny McCrary. I think John has a good shot at retaining his starting job, but would not be surprised to see McCrary named the starter as we get closer to the first game. Hopefully, the starter will be determined off of performance and not just pedigree. Kaelan Riley is the QB in waiting, probably taking a redshirt this year. The other QBs are backups/scout team guys.
Running backs:
Departing: Caleb Brown, Donte Maxson, Jetarii Donald, Nate Pylant, Tee Mitchell-suspended for a year
Returning: Alex Lakes, Payton Usher, CJ Kleckley
Additions: Charlie Davidson, Ryan May(Walk-On?)
What was once a very crowded backfield, has now thinned out considerably. With Tee Mitchell sitting out this year I think Alex Lakes will return to his dominance that we saw in the first year in the SoCon. Payton Usher will most likely be the 3rd down back, but could also see some early-down carries. Charlie Davidson might break through for a few carries, but I think Lakes will be the bell cow. Also, Jimmie Robinson could see a few carries as the coaches did experiment with that when the backfield was banged up.
Wide Receivers:
Departing: Ryan Knapp, Justin Johnson, Darius Tenney, Jeff Bowens, D’Vante Penamon
Returning: Jordan Marshall, Josh Jones, Marquise Irvin, Chandler Curtis, Jimmie Robinson, Cole Stanton, Camiel Grant, Avery Ward
Additions: Kelby Brock, Julian Burris(transfer), Tucker Cannon(Walk-On?), Tres Hattaway(Walk-On)
Arguably the position that needs the most improvement for the Bears with JT Palmer leaving and Chandler out there was a void that went mostly unfilled. The #1 receiver was Avery Ward with a decent stat line, but the #2 and #3 receivers were tight ends. Hopefully, a healthy Chandler Curtis and some development from the younger guys will help to bring balance back to the Bears’ offensive attack. Starters will most likely be Avery Ward and Marquise Irvin on the outside, with Jimmie Robinson and Chandler Curtis in the slot.
Tight End/H-Back:
Departing: Grant Radakovich, Derek Owings
Returning: Robert Brown, Sam Walker, Sam Arrington, Trey Peppers, Chase Westfall, Truett Moss
Additions: Chris Ellington
A strong core of receiving tight ends, but it will be difficult to replace Radakovich. Radakovich was the blocking tight end/ fullback that was used a lot in the Bears’ multiple offense. Most likely Sam Arrington(moved from OL), Chase Westfall, or Trey Peppers will be trying to fill his position. The receiving tight ends of Robert Brown, Sam Walker, and Chris Ellington will be tough to stop. I see Robert Brown as the most likely of the bunch to have blocking duties, while Sam Walker and Chris Ellington will be used more as receivers for their size and athleticism. Robert Brown has had a strong connection with John Russ as a safety valve when no one was open but does not quite have the size or top end speed of Sam Walker. I think all will be used frequently, but their use depends on the situation.
Offensive Line:
Departing: Wilson Heres, Thomas Pietro, Jack Lightsey, Zac Rice, David Ricard, Brett Steverson, Chad Mitchell
Returning: Kirby Southard, Avery White, Stanley Smith(broken jaw-out for 6 weeks), Caleb Yates, Mitch Payne, Dawson Ellis, Mitch Mathes, Bret Niederreither, David Raschen, Garrett Smith, Thomas Marchman, Tony Perrella
Additions: Brian Forrestal(walk on?), Cliff Snyder, Austin Sanders (transfer-has to sit a year), Alex Comer, Ty McClemore(walk on), Jake Flath, Michael Bailey(walk on?), Connor Krieger(was committed to Air Force)
A strong unit, that only gave up 8 sacks and was able to rush for 212.5 per game last season. I think Thomas Marchman, a healthy Kirby Southard, and Bret Niederreither are locked in at their positions of LT, C, and RT respectively. The two holes at guard will be between Mitch Mathes, Caleb Yates, Mitch Payne, and Avery White. I believe that Avery White is the best option to fill one of the sides as he has played both and has been successful at both. Some of the young guys might be able to push to break into the starting lineup, but I don’t really see that happening without an injury.
Defense:
(I have less knowledge of this side of the ball in general, but it’s at least an educated guess)
Defensive Line:
Departing: Cody Jones, Blake Jones, Nick Collins
Returning: Tunde Ayinla, Kelly Brooks, Dorian Kithcart, Hudson Brett, Austin Wysor, Jalen Penn, Destin Guillen, Austin Barrett, Marvin Davis, Isaiah Buehler, Jack Raines
Additions: Behr Cooper
This unit will be rolling a ton and personnel changes a lot based on the situation. I believe that 3 starting DL will most likely be Isaiah Buehler, Austin Barrett, and then a competition between Penn, Wysor, and Guillen for that last spot. The starters don’t really matter though since most everyone that is in the 2 to even 3 deep will see playtime.
Inside LB:
Departing: Michael Wagner, Michael Rainwater
Returning: Tripp Patterson, Lee Bennett, Tyler Ward, Devin Davidson, Travonte Easley, Jonathan Ward, Will Coneway
Additions: Sidney Otiwu, Logan Craighead(Walk-On?), Nick Thompson(Walk-On?)
This unit rotates a decent amount, but Lee and Tripp are solid starters. Tyler Ward and Devin Davidson are the most likely backups, but some of the younger guys could push for some starting time. Also, some of these guys have the ability to play OLB and will move around when necessary.
Outside LB:
Departing: None
Returning: Tosin Aguebor, Corey Lockett, LeMarkus Bailey (could move back to Safety), Kyle Williams, Kyle Trammel, Jake Brooks
Additions: Ahmad Arnold
I think Tosin Aguebor is the main starter with the rest of the guys falling in as the situation calls for them. LeMarkus is more of the hybrid, while the Kyles are more like true LBs that have slightly different styles of pass rush. Ahmad Arnold seems to be the Tosin of the future, but there’s no reason he can’t contribute immediately.
Safeties:
Departing: Andy Nichols
Returning: Zach Jackson, Lendell Arnold, Mike Gray, Sytavious Brown, Brandon Coney
Additions: Malique Fleming, Seth Hattaway (back from mission)
Led by Zach Jackson, not much changes for this group. Mostly will see Zach and Lendell, with a rotation of the other guys coming in for matchups or situations. Malique Fleming could see some playtime as he was a more highly recruited prospect.
Corners:
Departing: Alex “Primetime” Avant, Aaron Avant
Returning: Stephen Houzah, Sebastian Hicks, Eric Jackson, Nevin Harton, Jeremy James, Brandon Gurley, Jabari Scruggs
Additions: Kam Lott(transfer), Harrison Poole
I think this position will have some of the fiercest competition in camp. Guys returning from injury, incoming transfers with good experience, and big shoes to fill. I think the most likely outcome is the starters end up as Jeremy James and Kam Lott with Stephen Houzah and Julian Burris as the backups. These guys will also rotate a pretty decent amount so some of the younger guys might get some looks.
Special Teams:
Departing: Matt Shiel, JG Abernathy
Returning: Tyler Zielenske, Jagger Lieb, Cole Fisher, Grant Reynolds, Steven Nixon
Additions: Mason Lawing
It will be tough to replace Shiel, who could often time flip the field for the Bears. Equally tough to replace because no one ever knew he existed is JG Abernathy. He never had a botched snap and hopefully the new guys won’t either. Zielenske should take over punting duties and will most likely retain kickoff. I think kicker will be somewhat open as Jagger was not able to convert at some critical moments. Nixon and Lawing will compete for the LS spot but I don't really want to find out who won the job.
Season Predictions:
Optimistic: 11-0, I don’t see why we can’t go undefeated this year.
Normal: 8-2, L to GT and UTC. Hard to beat FBS and the game is at Chatt on their HC.
Underperform: 6-5, L to Citadel, GT, UTC, Wofford, and Samford. Tough home opener and road games.
So that’s my roundup. Anyone I missed? Also, I put Walk-On next to guys who were not announced as signees. Some could be on presidential or half academic scholarships.
Coaches: No changes there, been a surprisingly steady group, but I think next year could be when some assistants find new jobs and/or we have some new hires.
Offense:
Quarterbacks:
Departing: Eli Grambling, Jake Allen, John Mitchell
Returning: John Russ, Michael Haynes, Tanner Brumby
Additions: Johnny McCrary(Transfer), Kaelan Riley
John Russ returns for his redshirt senior season, but will be challenged for the starting QB spot by Johnny McCrary. I think John has a good shot at retaining his starting job, but would not be surprised to see McCrary named the starter as we get closer to the first game. Hopefully, the starter will be determined off of performance and not just pedigree. Kaelan Riley is the QB in waiting, probably taking a redshirt this year. The other QBs are backups/scout team guys.
Running backs:
Departing: Caleb Brown, Donte Maxson, Jetarii Donald, Nate Pylant, Tee Mitchell-suspended for a year
Returning: Alex Lakes, Payton Usher, CJ Kleckley
Additions: Charlie Davidson, Ryan May(Walk-On?)
What was once a very crowded backfield, has now thinned out considerably. With Tee Mitchell sitting out this year I think Alex Lakes will return to his dominance that we saw in the first year in the SoCon. Payton Usher will most likely be the 3rd down back, but could also see some early-down carries. Charlie Davidson might break through for a few carries, but I think Lakes will be the bell cow. Also, Jimmie Robinson could see a few carries as the coaches did experiment with that when the backfield was banged up.
Wide Receivers:
Departing: Ryan Knapp, Justin Johnson, Darius Tenney, Jeff Bowens, D’Vante Penamon
Returning: Jordan Marshall, Josh Jones, Marquise Irvin, Chandler Curtis, Jimmie Robinson, Cole Stanton, Camiel Grant, Avery Ward
Additions: Kelby Brock, Julian Burris(transfer), Tucker Cannon(Walk-On?), Tres Hattaway(Walk-On)
Arguably the position that needs the most improvement for the Bears with JT Palmer leaving and Chandler out there was a void that went mostly unfilled. The #1 receiver was Avery Ward with a decent stat line, but the #2 and #3 receivers were tight ends. Hopefully, a healthy Chandler Curtis and some development from the younger guys will help to bring balance back to the Bears’ offensive attack. Starters will most likely be Avery Ward and Marquise Irvin on the outside, with Jimmie Robinson and Chandler Curtis in the slot.
Tight End/H-Back:
Departing: Grant Radakovich, Derek Owings
Returning: Robert Brown, Sam Walker, Sam Arrington, Trey Peppers, Chase Westfall, Truett Moss
Additions: Chris Ellington
A strong core of receiving tight ends, but it will be difficult to replace Radakovich. Radakovich was the blocking tight end/ fullback that was used a lot in the Bears’ multiple offense. Most likely Sam Arrington(moved from OL), Chase Westfall, or Trey Peppers will be trying to fill his position. The receiving tight ends of Robert Brown, Sam Walker, and Chris Ellington will be tough to stop. I see Robert Brown as the most likely of the bunch to have blocking duties, while Sam Walker and Chris Ellington will be used more as receivers for their size and athleticism. Robert Brown has had a strong connection with John Russ as a safety valve when no one was open but does not quite have the size or top end speed of Sam Walker. I think all will be used frequently, but their use depends on the situation.
Offensive Line:
Departing: Wilson Heres, Thomas Pietro, Jack Lightsey, Zac Rice, David Ricard, Brett Steverson, Chad Mitchell
Returning: Kirby Southard, Avery White, Stanley Smith(broken jaw-out for 6 weeks), Caleb Yates, Mitch Payne, Dawson Ellis, Mitch Mathes, Bret Niederreither, David Raschen, Garrett Smith, Thomas Marchman, Tony Perrella
Additions: Brian Forrestal(walk on?), Cliff Snyder, Austin Sanders (transfer-has to sit a year), Alex Comer, Ty McClemore(walk on), Jake Flath, Michael Bailey(walk on?), Connor Krieger(was committed to Air Force)
A strong unit, that only gave up 8 sacks and was able to rush for 212.5 per game last season. I think Thomas Marchman, a healthy Kirby Southard, and Bret Niederreither are locked in at their positions of LT, C, and RT respectively. The two holes at guard will be between Mitch Mathes, Caleb Yates, Mitch Payne, and Avery White. I believe that Avery White is the best option to fill one of the sides as he has played both and has been successful at both. Some of the young guys might be able to push to break into the starting lineup, but I don’t really see that happening without an injury.
Defense:
(I have less knowledge of this side of the ball in general, but it’s at least an educated guess)
Defensive Line:
Departing: Cody Jones, Blake Jones, Nick Collins
Returning: Tunde Ayinla, Kelly Brooks, Dorian Kithcart, Hudson Brett, Austin Wysor, Jalen Penn, Destin Guillen, Austin Barrett, Marvin Davis, Isaiah Buehler, Jack Raines
Additions: Behr Cooper
This unit will be rolling a ton and personnel changes a lot based on the situation. I believe that 3 starting DL will most likely be Isaiah Buehler, Austin Barrett, and then a competition between Penn, Wysor, and Guillen for that last spot. The starters don’t really matter though since most everyone that is in the 2 to even 3 deep will see playtime.
Inside LB:
Departing: Michael Wagner, Michael Rainwater
Returning: Tripp Patterson, Lee Bennett, Tyler Ward, Devin Davidson, Travonte Easley, Jonathan Ward, Will Coneway
Additions: Sidney Otiwu, Logan Craighead(Walk-On?), Nick Thompson(Walk-On?)
This unit rotates a decent amount, but Lee and Tripp are solid starters. Tyler Ward and Devin Davidson are the most likely backups, but some of the younger guys could push for some starting time. Also, some of these guys have the ability to play OLB and will move around when necessary.
Outside LB:
Departing: None
Returning: Tosin Aguebor, Corey Lockett, LeMarkus Bailey (could move back to Safety), Kyle Williams, Kyle Trammel, Jake Brooks
Additions: Ahmad Arnold
I think Tosin Aguebor is the main starter with the rest of the guys falling in as the situation calls for them. LeMarkus is more of the hybrid, while the Kyles are more like true LBs that have slightly different styles of pass rush. Ahmad Arnold seems to be the Tosin of the future, but there’s no reason he can’t contribute immediately.
Safeties:
Departing: Andy Nichols
Returning: Zach Jackson, Lendell Arnold, Mike Gray, Sytavious Brown, Brandon Coney
Additions: Malique Fleming, Seth Hattaway (back from mission)
Led by Zach Jackson, not much changes for this group. Mostly will see Zach and Lendell, with a rotation of the other guys coming in for matchups or situations. Malique Fleming could see some playtime as he was a more highly recruited prospect.
Corners:
Departing: Alex “Primetime” Avant, Aaron Avant
Returning: Stephen Houzah, Sebastian Hicks, Eric Jackson, Nevin Harton, Jeremy James, Brandon Gurley, Jabari Scruggs
Additions: Kam Lott(transfer), Harrison Poole
I think this position will have some of the fiercest competition in camp. Guys returning from injury, incoming transfers with good experience, and big shoes to fill. I think the most likely outcome is the starters end up as Jeremy James and Kam Lott with Stephen Houzah and Julian Burris as the backups. These guys will also rotate a pretty decent amount so some of the younger guys might get some looks.
Special Teams:
Departing: Matt Shiel, JG Abernathy
Returning: Tyler Zielenske, Jagger Lieb, Cole Fisher, Grant Reynolds, Steven Nixon
Additions: Mason Lawing
It will be tough to replace Shiel, who could often time flip the field for the Bears. Equally tough to replace because no one ever knew he existed is JG Abernathy. He never had a botched snap and hopefully the new guys won’t either. Zielenske should take over punting duties and will most likely retain kickoff. I think kicker will be somewhat open as Jagger was not able to convert at some critical moments. Nixon and Lawing will compete for the LS spot but I don't really want to find out who won the job.
Season Predictions:
Optimistic: 11-0, I don’t see why we can’t go undefeated this year.
Normal: 8-2, L to GT and UTC. Hard to beat FBS and the game is at Chatt on their HC.
Underperform: 6-5, L to Citadel, GT, UTC, Wofford, and Samford. Tough home opener and road games.
So that’s my roundup. Anyone I missed? Also, I put Walk-On next to guys who were not announced as signees. Some could be on presidential or half academic scholarships.
