QB- Justin Holman (Obviously the same QB as last year. I expect him to improve, but how much is still to be determined. I think he is good enough to lead us to another conference championship as he is one of the better QBs in the conference.)
Confidence in position last year (1-10): 6.0
Confidence in position this year: 7.0
RB- William Stanback (Coming off of an extremely disappointing campaign in 2014, Stanback could easily be jumped in the depth chart if he doesn't put in serious work in the offseason. Overall, I expect the RB position to get better for 2 reasons. 1) More experience at the position 2) Hopefully better O Line play. If Stanback doesn't step it up I want to see some more Micah Reed or start throwing Taj McGowan into the mix.
Confidence in position last year: 5.0
Confidence in position this year: 5.5
WR- Tre'Quan Smith (A monster on the scout team. The question is, will his success on the practice field translate on Saturdays? If he performs as well as O'Leary has described in various interviews, we may be in for a treat in 2015.)
Confidence in position last year (Breshad Perriman) : 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Tre'Quan Smith): 7.0
WR- Tristan Payton (Easily one of the most exciting prospects going into the season. I would be shocked if he didn't work himself into the starting receiver rotation right away given the lack of depth at the position.)
Confidence in position last year (Rannell Hall): 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Tristan Payton): 7.0
WR- Taylor Oldham (The most experienced WR we have going into the season. It's still TBD on what we have with him. He hasn't really flashed as of yet, but that could be attributed to the fact that there was serious competition in front of him.)
Confidence in position last year (JJ Worton): 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Taylor Oldham): 5.5
WR- D'erren Wilson (Another exciting WR prospect that could work himself into the receiver rotation if he impresses early on. He certainly has the intangibles. I like what I see on tape. Once again, let's see if it translates.
Confidence in position last year (Josh Reese) : 8.0
Confidence in position this year (D'erren Wilson): 6.5
WR- Cameron Stewart (Once again, another Freshman that could easily snag a role at receiver. Much like Tre'Quan Smith and D'erren WIlson, a big-bodied WR that has dominated defenders so far in his career.)
Confidence in position last year (Jackie Williams): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Cameron Stewart): 6.5
TE- Kevin Miller/Jordan Akins (Much like Justin Tukes, I feel like Kevin Miller will be used mostly as a blocker. There is nothing wrong with that as we will need all the help we can get on the line of scrimmage.)
Confidence in position last year (Justin Tukes): 6.0
Confidence in position this year (Kevin Miller): 5.5
LT- Michael Campbell/Tyler Hudanick (I'm not really thrilled with Michael Campbell so far. That being said, it is early in his career and OL is difficult to play early in one's career. If LT doesn't go over well for Michael Campbell, I'm hoping Tyler Hudanick can step in and be a serviceable lineman.)
Confidence in position last year (Torrian Wilson): 7.0
Confidence in position this year (Michael Campbell) : 4.0
LG- Tarik Cook (He has the experience, but hasn't seized any legitimate starting opportunity as of yet. LG is up for grabs. Cook needs to step it up. If he does, he will receive plenty of playing time.)
Confidence in position last year (switched so many times I don't even know) 5.0
Confidence in position this season (Tarik Cook) 5.5
C- Luke Hiers/Jason Rae (This will be a battle in training camp. Jason Rae has experience, but Hiers has much more upside. I'm hoping Hiers wins out simply because he has 4 years to really develop into a great C.)
Confidence in position last year (Joey Grant/Jason Rae): 5.5
Confidence in position this year (Luke Hiers/Jason Rae):6.0
RG- Joey Grant (I believe Joey Grant will play RG, but he could move back to Center. Regardless, we need him to be a leader on the line this year. He had a rough year last year, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt as he dealt with a shoulder injury for much of the 2014 season.)
Confidence in position last year (switched a lot) :4.5
Confidence in position this year (Joey Grant) : 5.5
RT- Chavis Dickey (A promising young linemen who has had his fair share of good and bad games. With a year of experience under his belt, I can see him having a pretty decent year. We really need him to progress because Holman got killed many times against better competition by defenders coming from Dickey's side. (NC State game)
Confidence in position last year (Chavis Dickey) : 5.5
Confidence in position this year (Chavis Dickey) : 6.5
DE- Thomas Niles/Titus Davis (This is Thomas Niles job to lose. I don't think he will lose it to a freshman. Niles is a pretty decent linemen (just a bit undersized). I really wish he could consistently play like he did in the Fiesta Bowl (3 sacks). Titus Davis was recruited pretty heavily so I expect good things from him. Just not right away.
Confidence in position last year (Thomas Niles): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Thomas Niles): 7.0
DE- Miles Pace/Monte Taylor (I'm a fan of Miles Pace. He has had some really good games. It would be nice for him to step up and be a leader on the line this year. And for depth purposes JC player Monte Taylor comes in with some college experience.)
Confidence in position last year (Miles Pace/others) : 6.0
Confidence in position this year (Miles Pace) : 6.5
DT- Demetrius Anderson (One of the veteran leaders on defense this upcoming season, Demetrius should be a decent option as far as stopping the run. With him, the trouble is getting pressure on the QB. I don't see anyone taking his spot come 2015.
Confidence in position last year (Demetrius Anderson): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Demetrius Anderson):7.0
DT- Jamiyus Pittman/Brendon Hayes (Coming off of a solid Freshman campaign, expect good things from Jamiyus Pittman this season. O'Leary is very high on this kid, quoted as saying Pittman has the potential to become the "best DT in UCF history." Let's hope that comes to fruition, as we desperately need run stuffers in the middle of the line. For depth purposes Brendon Hayes will be added as a DT most likely as he has pretty good size.)
Confidence in position (Jaryl Mamea): 6.5
Confidence in position (Jamiyus Pittman):7.5
OLB- Jordan Franks/Pat Jasinski/Neal Nelson (This will be quite the battle in the spring. Jordan Franks received minimal playing time last season, but that's more than any of the other options. However, Pat Jasinski and Neal Nelson might be inexperienced, but they seem to be pretty good prospects coming out of high school. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Freshmen stepped up and took the starting OLB job.)
Confidence in position last year (Troy Gray):7.5
Confidence in position this year (Franks/Jasinski/Nelson): 6.5
MLB- Demeitre Brim/Quintin Hampton (A transfer from Virginia, Demeitre Brim is eligible to play for UCF this season. He was the scout team player of the year on defense. O'Leary also praises Brim, as well as many other coaches. Expect him to make an impact for the defense this season. Freshman Quintin Hampton could also steal the MLB position if he dominates spring ball. This is another position that isn't set in stone.)
Confidence in position last year (Terrance Plummer): 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Demeitre Brim): 7.5
OLB-Errol Clarke/Chequan Burkett/Marcus Foster (Seeing a good amount of playing time last season, Errol Clarke looks to be one of the staples of the 2015 defense. Errol is another guy we need to become a leader on this defense. If Clarke disappoints, Chequan Burkett ("the forgotten one") will be more than happy to take over the OLB duties. Burkett was a beast his freshmen season when he saw the field. Unfortunately, he got hurt that season and hasn't really been the same since.)
Confidence in position last year (Errol Clarke): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Clarke/Burkett/Foster):7.0
CB-Kyle Gibson (Probably the defensive player with the most expectations, Kyle Gibson looks to fill the shoes of arguably the best DB in UCF history, Jacoby Glenn. Gibson was highly recruited coming out of high school, and was redshirted last season. I expect big things from Kyle in his Redshirt Freshmen campaign.)
Confidence in position last year (Jacoby Glenn): 9.5
Confidence in position this year (Kyle Gibson):7.5
CB- Shaquill Griffin (The most experienced returning player in the secondary, Shaquill Griffin looks to improve after a lackluster 2014 campaign. He certainly has the tools to turn it around. If anyone remembers, Josh Robinson was pretty horrible his first year. Much like Robinson, I expect Shaquill Griffin to play much better in 2015.)
Confidence in position last year (Jordan Ozerities):7.0
Confidence in position this year (Shaquill Griffin):7.0
CB- Rashard Causey (Causey is a wildcard. He has no experience as an incoming Freshmen, but has quite the resume coming out of high school. He received 30+ offers, and not many of the those offers came from bad schools. Causey also played at St. Thomas Aquinas, which is essentially a college football factory. If Shaquill Griffin doesn't make the necessary improvement, I could see Rashard Causey taking one of the starting CB jobs.)
Confidence in position last year (DJ Killings): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Rashard Causey):7.0
Other CBs- D.J Killings/Chris Williams (DJ Killings saw a good amount of playing time as one of the corners against 4/5 wide formations last season. Chris Williams was redshirted last season, and I haven't heard much about him. What I remember is that we flipped him from Alabama on signing day and he seems to be a pretty talented player. I wouldn't be too surprised if one of these 2 guys also competed for a DB job in the spring.)
Confidence in these DB's: 5.5
FS- Drico Johnson/Tre Neal (Any time Brandon Alexander came out last season, Drico Johnson received playing time at FS last season. I would assume it's his job to lose next season. However, Tre Neal is a talented redshirt player who could come out of nowhere next season.)
Confidence in position last year (Brandon Alexander):7.5
Confidence in position this year (Johnson/Neal):7.0
SS- Mike Rogers/Brandon Scott (Assuming Mike Rogers cleans up the academic side of things, I think he will finally be able to join the team. He was the Georgia high school state player of the year in his senior year. If he is still focused on football, he could be good for us. If not, I'm not too concerned because we landed a great player in Brandon Scott on signing day. He seems like a guy who could play right away if he comes in with the right mindset.)
Confidence in position last year (Clayton Geathers):9.0
Confidence in position this year (Rogers/Scott):7.5
K- Donald Delahaye (One of the walk-ons next season, Delahaye has a legit chance at becoming the starting kicker. Shawn Moffitt is gone, and I can't think of anyone else that could replace him.)
Confidence in postion last year (Shawn Moffitt):8.0
Confidence in position this year (Delahaye):5.5
P- Caleb Houston (This is his job to lose. I guess the only threat is Sophomore Mac Loudermilk. And as I'm typing this I'm starting to think Loudermilk could take the Punter job because Caleb Houston leaves much to be desired.)
Confidence in position last year (Caleb Houston):5.0
Confidence in position this year (Houston/Loudermilk):5.5
This post was edited on 2/7 10:57 PM by UCF 10 Georgia 6
This post was edited on 2/7 11:27 PM by UCF 10 Georgia 6
Confidence in position last year (1-10): 6.0
Confidence in position this year: 7.0
RB- William Stanback (Coming off of an extremely disappointing campaign in 2014, Stanback could easily be jumped in the depth chart if he doesn't put in serious work in the offseason. Overall, I expect the RB position to get better for 2 reasons. 1) More experience at the position 2) Hopefully better O Line play. If Stanback doesn't step it up I want to see some more Micah Reed or start throwing Taj McGowan into the mix.
Confidence in position last year: 5.0
Confidence in position this year: 5.5
WR- Tre'Quan Smith (A monster on the scout team. The question is, will his success on the practice field translate on Saturdays? If he performs as well as O'Leary has described in various interviews, we may be in for a treat in 2015.)
Confidence in position last year (Breshad Perriman) : 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Tre'Quan Smith): 7.0
WR- Tristan Payton (Easily one of the most exciting prospects going into the season. I would be shocked if he didn't work himself into the starting receiver rotation right away given the lack of depth at the position.)
Confidence in position last year (Rannell Hall): 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Tristan Payton): 7.0
WR- Taylor Oldham (The most experienced WR we have going into the season. It's still TBD on what we have with him. He hasn't really flashed as of yet, but that could be attributed to the fact that there was serious competition in front of him.)
Confidence in position last year (JJ Worton): 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Taylor Oldham): 5.5
WR- D'erren Wilson (Another exciting WR prospect that could work himself into the receiver rotation if he impresses early on. He certainly has the intangibles. I like what I see on tape. Once again, let's see if it translates.
Confidence in position last year (Josh Reese) : 8.0
Confidence in position this year (D'erren Wilson): 6.5
WR- Cameron Stewart (Once again, another Freshman that could easily snag a role at receiver. Much like Tre'Quan Smith and D'erren WIlson, a big-bodied WR that has dominated defenders so far in his career.)
Confidence in position last year (Jackie Williams): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Cameron Stewart): 6.5
TE- Kevin Miller/Jordan Akins (Much like Justin Tukes, I feel like Kevin Miller will be used mostly as a blocker. There is nothing wrong with that as we will need all the help we can get on the line of scrimmage.)
Confidence in position last year (Justin Tukes): 6.0
Confidence in position this year (Kevin Miller): 5.5
LT- Michael Campbell/Tyler Hudanick (I'm not really thrilled with Michael Campbell so far. That being said, it is early in his career and OL is difficult to play early in one's career. If LT doesn't go over well for Michael Campbell, I'm hoping Tyler Hudanick can step in and be a serviceable lineman.)
Confidence in position last year (Torrian Wilson): 7.0
Confidence in position this year (Michael Campbell) : 4.0
LG- Tarik Cook (He has the experience, but hasn't seized any legitimate starting opportunity as of yet. LG is up for grabs. Cook needs to step it up. If he does, he will receive plenty of playing time.)
Confidence in position last year (switched so many times I don't even know) 5.0
Confidence in position this season (Tarik Cook) 5.5
C- Luke Hiers/Jason Rae (This will be a battle in training camp. Jason Rae has experience, but Hiers has much more upside. I'm hoping Hiers wins out simply because he has 4 years to really develop into a great C.)
Confidence in position last year (Joey Grant/Jason Rae): 5.5
Confidence in position this year (Luke Hiers/Jason Rae):6.0
RG- Joey Grant (I believe Joey Grant will play RG, but he could move back to Center. Regardless, we need him to be a leader on the line this year. He had a rough year last year, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt as he dealt with a shoulder injury for much of the 2014 season.)
Confidence in position last year (switched a lot) :4.5
Confidence in position this year (Joey Grant) : 5.5
RT- Chavis Dickey (A promising young linemen who has had his fair share of good and bad games. With a year of experience under his belt, I can see him having a pretty decent year. We really need him to progress because Holman got killed many times against better competition by defenders coming from Dickey's side. (NC State game)
Confidence in position last year (Chavis Dickey) : 5.5
Confidence in position this year (Chavis Dickey) : 6.5
DE- Thomas Niles/Titus Davis (This is Thomas Niles job to lose. I don't think he will lose it to a freshman. Niles is a pretty decent linemen (just a bit undersized). I really wish he could consistently play like he did in the Fiesta Bowl (3 sacks). Titus Davis was recruited pretty heavily so I expect good things from him. Just not right away.
Confidence in position last year (Thomas Niles): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Thomas Niles): 7.0
DE- Miles Pace/Monte Taylor (I'm a fan of Miles Pace. He has had some really good games. It would be nice for him to step up and be a leader on the line this year. And for depth purposes JC player Monte Taylor comes in with some college experience.)
Confidence in position last year (Miles Pace/others) : 6.0
Confidence in position this year (Miles Pace) : 6.5
DT- Demetrius Anderson (One of the veteran leaders on defense this upcoming season, Demetrius should be a decent option as far as stopping the run. With him, the trouble is getting pressure on the QB. I don't see anyone taking his spot come 2015.
Confidence in position last year (Demetrius Anderson): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Demetrius Anderson):7.0
DT- Jamiyus Pittman/Brendon Hayes (Coming off of a solid Freshman campaign, expect good things from Jamiyus Pittman this season. O'Leary is very high on this kid, quoted as saying Pittman has the potential to become the "best DT in UCF history." Let's hope that comes to fruition, as we desperately need run stuffers in the middle of the line. For depth purposes Brendon Hayes will be added as a DT most likely as he has pretty good size.)
Confidence in position (Jaryl Mamea): 6.5
Confidence in position (Jamiyus Pittman):7.5
OLB- Jordan Franks/Pat Jasinski/Neal Nelson (This will be quite the battle in the spring. Jordan Franks received minimal playing time last season, but that's more than any of the other options. However, Pat Jasinski and Neal Nelson might be inexperienced, but they seem to be pretty good prospects coming out of high school. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the Freshmen stepped up and took the starting OLB job.)
Confidence in position last year (Troy Gray):7.5
Confidence in position this year (Franks/Jasinski/Nelson): 6.5
MLB- Demeitre Brim/Quintin Hampton (A transfer from Virginia, Demeitre Brim is eligible to play for UCF this season. He was the scout team player of the year on defense. O'Leary also praises Brim, as well as many other coaches. Expect him to make an impact for the defense this season. Freshman Quintin Hampton could also steal the MLB position if he dominates spring ball. This is another position that isn't set in stone.)
Confidence in position last year (Terrance Plummer): 8.5
Confidence in position this year (Demeitre Brim): 7.5
OLB-Errol Clarke/Chequan Burkett/Marcus Foster (Seeing a good amount of playing time last season, Errol Clarke looks to be one of the staples of the 2015 defense. Errol is another guy we need to become a leader on this defense. If Clarke disappoints, Chequan Burkett ("the forgotten one") will be more than happy to take over the OLB duties. Burkett was a beast his freshmen season when he saw the field. Unfortunately, he got hurt that season and hasn't really been the same since.)
Confidence in position last year (Errol Clarke): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Clarke/Burkett/Foster):7.0
CB-Kyle Gibson (Probably the defensive player with the most expectations, Kyle Gibson looks to fill the shoes of arguably the best DB in UCF history, Jacoby Glenn. Gibson was highly recruited coming out of high school, and was redshirted last season. I expect big things from Kyle in his Redshirt Freshmen campaign.)
Confidence in position last year (Jacoby Glenn): 9.5
Confidence in position this year (Kyle Gibson):7.5
CB- Shaquill Griffin (The most experienced returning player in the secondary, Shaquill Griffin looks to improve after a lackluster 2014 campaign. He certainly has the tools to turn it around. If anyone remembers, Josh Robinson was pretty horrible his first year. Much like Robinson, I expect Shaquill Griffin to play much better in 2015.)
Confidence in position last year (Jordan Ozerities):7.0
Confidence in position this year (Shaquill Griffin):7.0
CB- Rashard Causey (Causey is a wildcard. He has no experience as an incoming Freshmen, but has quite the resume coming out of high school. He received 30+ offers, and not many of the those offers came from bad schools. Causey also played at St. Thomas Aquinas, which is essentially a college football factory. If Shaquill Griffin doesn't make the necessary improvement, I could see Rashard Causey taking one of the starting CB jobs.)
Confidence in position last year (DJ Killings): 6.5
Confidence in position this year (Rashard Causey):7.0
Other CBs- D.J Killings/Chris Williams (DJ Killings saw a good amount of playing time as one of the corners against 4/5 wide formations last season. Chris Williams was redshirted last season, and I haven't heard much about him. What I remember is that we flipped him from Alabama on signing day and he seems to be a pretty talented player. I wouldn't be too surprised if one of these 2 guys also competed for a DB job in the spring.)
Confidence in these DB's: 5.5
FS- Drico Johnson/Tre Neal (Any time Brandon Alexander came out last season, Drico Johnson received playing time at FS last season. I would assume it's his job to lose next season. However, Tre Neal is a talented redshirt player who could come out of nowhere next season.)
Confidence in position last year (Brandon Alexander):7.5
Confidence in position this year (Johnson/Neal):7.0
SS- Mike Rogers/Brandon Scott (Assuming Mike Rogers cleans up the academic side of things, I think he will finally be able to join the team. He was the Georgia high school state player of the year in his senior year. If he is still focused on football, he could be good for us. If not, I'm not too concerned because we landed a great player in Brandon Scott on signing day. He seems like a guy who could play right away if he comes in with the right mindset.)
Confidence in position last year (Clayton Geathers):9.0
Confidence in position this year (Rogers/Scott):7.5
K- Donald Delahaye (One of the walk-ons next season, Delahaye has a legit chance at becoming the starting kicker. Shawn Moffitt is gone, and I can't think of anyone else that could replace him.)
Confidence in postion last year (Shawn Moffitt):8.0
Confidence in position this year (Delahaye):5.5
P- Caleb Houston (This is his job to lose. I guess the only threat is Sophomore Mac Loudermilk. And as I'm typing this I'm starting to think Loudermilk could take the Punter job because Caleb Houston leaves much to be desired.)
Confidence in position last year (Caleb Houston):5.0
Confidence in position this year (Houston/Loudermilk):5.5
This post was edited on 2/7 10:57 PM by UCF 10 Georgia 6
This post was edited on 2/7 11:27 PM by UCF 10 Georgia 6