Post by ursus on Jul 28, 2017 8:47:24 GMT -5
Since camp is about to start 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:
Departing: Chino Fontenette (WRs), Mitch Doolittle (DBs)
Incoming: La’Donte Harris (WRs), Josh Reardon (Safeties), Carl Miller (Strength/Conditioning)
This is the most turnover we’ve had in our coaching staff, but still only 2 position coaches and Carl has been at Mercer since the program started. He also seems to be getting good reviews.
La’Donte comes to us from Gardner Webb, having played WR at Clemson in the mid-2000s. Josh coached Corners/Special Teams at UConn for the past 3 years and was a long snapper at Central Michigan in the early 2000s.
Offense:
Quarterbacks:
Departing: John Russ, Michael Haynes
Returning: Tanner Brumby(R-Jr), Kaelan Riley(R-Fr)
Additions: Robert Riddle(Fr), Brett Burnett(Fr), Brady Tindal(Fr)
With John Russ leaving after starting every game for Mercer there is quite a hole to fill behind center. I would guess that Riley ends up with the job, but Tanner should push him as he has some game experience and a deeper knowledge of the playbook. Robert Riddle might also push both of them as he was highly recruited prospect, but all the Freshman QBs will end up as scout team guys this year.
Running backs:
Departing: Payton Usher, CJ Kleckley, Charlie Davidson
Returning: Alex Lakes(R-Sr), Tee Mitchell(Jr), Ryan May(R-Fr)
Additions: CJ Leggett(Transfer R-Jr), Rashad Haynes(Fr), James Camon(Fr), Tyray Devezin(Fr)
Health was the problem for this position group last year with having to pull Kyle Trammell from the LB ranks to take a few carries. I don’t see that happening again this year with our depth and experience. I believe we’re going to have a three headed monster in Lakes, Tee, and CJ. Lakes and CJ will most likely be used in similar situations as power backs with Tee as the change of pace, but all are talented and could be in on any given play. Hopefully with this division of labor they can all stay healthy. Tyray Devezin will most likely be the next man up if any of them get banged up.
Wide Receivers:
Departing: Jordan Marshall, Josh Jones, Jimmie Robinson, Cole Stanton, Julian Burris, Tres Hattaway(Mormon mission)
Returning: Marquise Irvin(Jr), Chandler Curtis(Sr), Camiel Grant(R-So), Avery Ward(Sr), Kelby Brock(So), Tucker Cannon (R-Fr)
Additions: Rob Lake(Fr), Edmond Graham(Fr), JD Pirris(Fr), Dylan Barecky
Like the RBs this is a position group with a three pronged attack if all are healthy. One major difference is we could have them all on the field at the same time. Marquise and Avery will be lined up outside with Chandler at the slot. DBs are going to have their hands full with all 3. Kelby Brock will also lineup outside some and I believe Rob Lake and Edmond Graham will work their way onto the field.
Tight End/H-Back:
Departing: Robert Brown, Sam Arrington, Truett Moss
Returning: Sam Walker(R-Jr), Trey Peppers(R-So), Chase Westfall(R-So), Chris Ellington(So)
Additions: Cameron Fannon(Transfer R-So)
This group should contribute a lot to the offense this year. Sam and Chris will be more receiver than blocker and Chase will be more blocker than receiver. Trey will most likely be more of an HBack. Sam and Chris have the size and speed to cause matchup problems for defenses that will already be strained by the other offensive weapons.
Offensive Line:
Departing: Kirby Southard, Avery White, Stanley Smith, Mitch Payne, Bret Niederreither, David Raschen, Garrett Smith, Tony Perrella
Returning: Caleb Yates(Sr), Dawson Ellis(R-So), Mitch Mathes(Jr), Thomas Marchman(Sr), Cliff Snyder(R-Fr), Austin Sanders(R-So), Alex Comer(R-Fr), Ty McClemore(R-Fr), Jake Flath(So), Connor Krieger(R-Fr)
Additions: Thomas McBride(Fr), Andrew Robinson(Fr), Terence Brigham(Transfer Jr), David May(Transfer R-Jr) ,Trey Iorillo(Fr), Eric Allen(Fr)
Probably the biggest question mark after QB is how is the OL going to do after losing 3 solid starters in Kirby, Avery, and Bret. Marchman and Yates are most likely locked in at LT and RG respectively. David May was a Freshman All-American at Valdosta State at center so he will most likely take over that position. Austin Sanders probably would have started for us last year, but had to sit out and will now probably end up as a guard. That leaves RT open for competition and I believe it will between Flath, Robinson, Brigham, and Allen. Hard to say who the 2s will be, but most guys will get reps at multiple positions.
Defense:
Defensive Line:
Departing: Tunde Ayinla, Kelly Brooks, Marvin Davis
Returning: Dorian Kithcart(R-So), Hudson Brett(R-So), Austin Wysor(R-Jr), Jalen Penn(Sr), Destin Guillen(R-So), Austin Barrett(Sr), Isaiah Buehler(R-Jr), Jack Raines(R-So), Behr Cooper(R-Fr), Brian Forrestal(R-Fr)
Additions: Chris Rehak, Bailey Clark(Fr), Naji Abdullah(Transfer R-So could play OLB)
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, Dorian Kithcart, and then a competition between Penn, Wysor, Guillen, and Abdullah(if he plays DL) 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. A lot of these guys have game experience and it should show on the field.
Inside LB:
Departing: Tripp Patterson, Tyler Ward, Devin Davidson
Returning: Lee Bennett(Sr), Jonathan Ward(R-So), Will Coneway(R-So), Sidney Otiwu(R-Fr), Logan Craighead(R-Fr)
Additions: Michael Freeman(Fr)
This unit rotates a decent amount, but Lee and Will are solid starters that have play making ability(interceptions/sacks/forced fumbles). Jonathan Ward and Sidney Otiwu are the most likely backups, but other guys will probably get some playing time since this group rotates.
Outside LB:
Departing: Tosin Aguebor, Corey Lockett
Returning: LeMarkus Bailey(Sr could move back to Safety), Kyle Williams(Sr), Kyle Trammel(Sr), Travonte Easley(R-Jr), Ahmad Arnold(R-Fr), Jean-Luc Brown(R-Fr), Brady Whitmore(R-Fr)
Additions: None
This group was short on depth last year, but looks to rebound this year. LeMarkus will probably be starting OLB or SS since he is somewhat of a hybrid. We get Williams back from injury and Trammel back from the offense. They should get lots of PT. If Naji plays OLB I expect him to start and should be somewhat like Tosin. Easley and Arnold should also rotate in, but most likely in a lesser capacity.
Safeties:
Departing: Zach Jackson, Lendell Arnold, Mike Gray, Sytavious Brown
Returning: Brandon Coney(R-Jr), Brandon Gurley(R-Jr), Malique Fleming(So), Seth Hattaway(R-Jr), Andrew Pettit(R-Fr)
Additions: Danijah Gammage(Fr), Jamar Hall(Fr), Anton Coleman(Jr Transfer ), Luke Ward(Fr), Darrien Wiggins(Fr), Davis Markham(Fr)
The group that lost the most on the defensive side of the ball. Coney and Gurley will probably get the first looks in camp with Jamar Hall and Malique Fleming pushing them as both were highly recruited. All could see PT as this group rotates a decent amount too, but anything could happen since most of the snaps from last year are gone.
Corners:
Departing: Sebastian Hicks, Nevin Harton
Returning: Stephen Houzah(Jr), Eric Jackson(R-So), Kam Lott(R-Jr), Harrison Poole(R-Fr)
Additions: BJ Bohler(Fr), Dylan Calhoun(Transfer R-Jr)
Corner duties will most likely be split between Houzah, Jackson, and Lott. Poole will probably push for playtime and a safety or two might come over to help with depth.
Special Teams:
Departing: Tyler Zielenske
Returning: Jagger Lieb(Sr), Cole Fisher(Jr), Grant Reynolds(R-Jr), Steven Nixon(R-So), Mason Lawing(R-Fr), Brad Powell(R-Fr), Devin Orr(R-Fr)
Additions: Grant Goupil (Fr)
Lost our punter and kick off guy in Z. Will probably be replaced by Orr for punts and Fisher for kick offs, but I’m also guessing this will be an open competition. Nixon should keep his job at LS.
Season Predictions:
Optimistic: 10-1, we can beat anyone in the SoCon and if everything goes right at Auburn.
Normal: 8-3, L to Wofford, Auburn, Bama. Hard to beat FBS and an early game against Wofford who returns a lot of talent.
Underperform: 6-5, L to Bama, Auburn, UTC, Wofford, and Samford.
So that’s my roundup. Anyone I missed? Thoughts? Questions?
Coaches:
Departing: Chino Fontenette (WRs), Mitch Doolittle (DBs)
Incoming: La’Donte Harris (WRs), Josh Reardon (Safeties), Carl Miller (Strength/Conditioning)
This is the most turnover we’ve had in our coaching staff, but still only 2 position coaches and Carl has been at Mercer since the program started. He also seems to be getting good reviews.
La’Donte comes to us from Gardner Webb, having played WR at Clemson in the mid-2000s. Josh coached Corners/Special Teams at UConn for the past 3 years and was a long snapper at Central Michigan in the early 2000s.
Offense:
Quarterbacks:
Departing: John Russ, Michael Haynes
Returning: Tanner Brumby(R-Jr), Kaelan Riley(R-Fr)
Additions: Robert Riddle(Fr), Brett Burnett(Fr), Brady Tindal(Fr)
With John Russ leaving after starting every game for Mercer there is quite a hole to fill behind center. I would guess that Riley ends up with the job, but Tanner should push him as he has some game experience and a deeper knowledge of the playbook. Robert Riddle might also push both of them as he was highly recruited prospect, but all the Freshman QBs will end up as scout team guys this year.
Running backs:
Departing: Payton Usher, CJ Kleckley, Charlie Davidson
Returning: Alex Lakes(R-Sr), Tee Mitchell(Jr), Ryan May(R-Fr)
Additions: CJ Leggett(Transfer R-Jr), Rashad Haynes(Fr), James Camon(Fr), Tyray Devezin(Fr)
Health was the problem for this position group last year with having to pull Kyle Trammell from the LB ranks to take a few carries. I don’t see that happening again this year with our depth and experience. I believe we’re going to have a three headed monster in Lakes, Tee, and CJ. Lakes and CJ will most likely be used in similar situations as power backs with Tee as the change of pace, but all are talented and could be in on any given play. Hopefully with this division of labor they can all stay healthy. Tyray Devezin will most likely be the next man up if any of them get banged up.
Wide Receivers:
Departing: Jordan Marshall, Josh Jones, Jimmie Robinson, Cole Stanton, Julian Burris, Tres Hattaway(Mormon mission)
Returning: Marquise Irvin(Jr), Chandler Curtis(Sr), Camiel Grant(R-So), Avery Ward(Sr), Kelby Brock(So), Tucker Cannon (R-Fr)
Additions: Rob Lake(Fr), Edmond Graham(Fr), JD Pirris(Fr), Dylan Barecky
Like the RBs this is a position group with a three pronged attack if all are healthy. One major difference is we could have them all on the field at the same time. Marquise and Avery will be lined up outside with Chandler at the slot. DBs are going to have their hands full with all 3. Kelby Brock will also lineup outside some and I believe Rob Lake and Edmond Graham will work their way onto the field.
Tight End/H-Back:
Departing: Robert Brown, Sam Arrington, Truett Moss
Returning: Sam Walker(R-Jr), Trey Peppers(R-So), Chase Westfall(R-So), Chris Ellington(So)
Additions: Cameron Fannon(Transfer R-So)
This group should contribute a lot to the offense this year. Sam and Chris will be more receiver than blocker and Chase will be more blocker than receiver. Trey will most likely be more of an HBack. Sam and Chris have the size and speed to cause matchup problems for defenses that will already be strained by the other offensive weapons.
Offensive Line:
Departing: Kirby Southard, Avery White, Stanley Smith, Mitch Payne, Bret Niederreither, David Raschen, Garrett Smith, Tony Perrella
Returning: Caleb Yates(Sr), Dawson Ellis(R-So), Mitch Mathes(Jr), Thomas Marchman(Sr), Cliff Snyder(R-Fr), Austin Sanders(R-So), Alex Comer(R-Fr), Ty McClemore(R-Fr), Jake Flath(So), Connor Krieger(R-Fr)
Additions: Thomas McBride(Fr), Andrew Robinson(Fr), Terence Brigham(Transfer Jr), David May(Transfer R-Jr) ,Trey Iorillo(Fr), Eric Allen(Fr)
Probably the biggest question mark after QB is how is the OL going to do after losing 3 solid starters in Kirby, Avery, and Bret. Marchman and Yates are most likely locked in at LT and RG respectively. David May was a Freshman All-American at Valdosta State at center so he will most likely take over that position. Austin Sanders probably would have started for us last year, but had to sit out and will now probably end up as a guard. That leaves RT open for competition and I believe it will between Flath, Robinson, Brigham, and Allen. Hard to say who the 2s will be, but most guys will get reps at multiple positions.
Defense:
Defensive Line:
Departing: Tunde Ayinla, Kelly Brooks, Marvin Davis
Returning: Dorian Kithcart(R-So), Hudson Brett(R-So), Austin Wysor(R-Jr), Jalen Penn(Sr), Destin Guillen(R-So), Austin Barrett(Sr), Isaiah Buehler(R-Jr), Jack Raines(R-So), Behr Cooper(R-Fr), Brian Forrestal(R-Fr)
Additions: Chris Rehak, Bailey Clark(Fr), Naji Abdullah(Transfer R-So could play OLB)
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, Dorian Kithcart, and then a competition between Penn, Wysor, Guillen, and Abdullah(if he plays DL) 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. A lot of these guys have game experience and it should show on the field.
Inside LB:
Departing: Tripp Patterson, Tyler Ward, Devin Davidson
Returning: Lee Bennett(Sr), Jonathan Ward(R-So), Will Coneway(R-So), Sidney Otiwu(R-Fr), Logan Craighead(R-Fr)
Additions: Michael Freeman(Fr)
This unit rotates a decent amount, but Lee and Will are solid starters that have play making ability(interceptions/sacks/forced fumbles). Jonathan Ward and Sidney Otiwu are the most likely backups, but other guys will probably get some playing time since this group rotates.
Outside LB:
Departing: Tosin Aguebor, Corey Lockett
Returning: LeMarkus Bailey(Sr could move back to Safety), Kyle Williams(Sr), Kyle Trammel(Sr), Travonte Easley(R-Jr), Ahmad Arnold(R-Fr), Jean-Luc Brown(R-Fr), Brady Whitmore(R-Fr)
Additions: None
This group was short on depth last year, but looks to rebound this year. LeMarkus will probably be starting OLB or SS since he is somewhat of a hybrid. We get Williams back from injury and Trammel back from the offense. They should get lots of PT. If Naji plays OLB I expect him to start and should be somewhat like Tosin. Easley and Arnold should also rotate in, but most likely in a lesser capacity.
Safeties:
Departing: Zach Jackson, Lendell Arnold, Mike Gray, Sytavious Brown
Returning: Brandon Coney(R-Jr), Brandon Gurley(R-Jr), Malique Fleming(So), Seth Hattaway(R-Jr), Andrew Pettit(R-Fr)
Additions: Danijah Gammage(Fr), Jamar Hall(Fr), Anton Coleman(Jr Transfer ), Luke Ward(Fr), Darrien Wiggins(Fr), Davis Markham(Fr)
The group that lost the most on the defensive side of the ball. Coney and Gurley will probably get the first looks in camp with Jamar Hall and Malique Fleming pushing them as both were highly recruited. All could see PT as this group rotates a decent amount too, but anything could happen since most of the snaps from last year are gone.
Corners:
Departing: Sebastian Hicks, Nevin Harton
Returning: Stephen Houzah(Jr), Eric Jackson(R-So), Kam Lott(R-Jr), Harrison Poole(R-Fr)
Additions: BJ Bohler(Fr), Dylan Calhoun(Transfer R-Jr)
Corner duties will most likely be split between Houzah, Jackson, and Lott. Poole will probably push for playtime and a safety or two might come over to help with depth.
Special Teams:
Departing: Tyler Zielenske
Returning: Jagger Lieb(Sr), Cole Fisher(Jr), Grant Reynolds(R-Jr), Steven Nixon(R-So), Mason Lawing(R-Fr), Brad Powell(R-Fr), Devin Orr(R-Fr)
Additions: Grant Goupil (Fr)
Lost our punter and kick off guy in Z. Will probably be replaced by Orr for punts and Fisher for kick offs, but I’m also guessing this will be an open competition. Nixon should keep his job at LS.
Season Predictions:
Optimistic: 10-1, we can beat anyone in the SoCon and if everything goes right at Auburn.
Normal: 8-3, L to Wofford, Auburn, Bama. Hard to beat FBS and an early game against Wofford who returns a lot of talent.
Underperform: 6-5, L to Bama, Auburn, UTC, Wofford, and Samford.
So that’s my roundup. Anyone I missed? Thoughts? Questions?
