Peeking ahead I can definitely see improvements in three major areas of our team: OL; DL and RB. The competition continues to increase in these three group areas of the team and expect the 2-deep chart to be even better this season.
For example: I expect 10 starters to get significant playing time on our DL especially if we go back to a 4 set DL. We have some red-shirts that we haven't seen much of playing this season on the DL and possibly one or two freshmen in this mix of 10 DL players.
You might expect the OL to stay the same but once again an increase in competition will give us 2 or 3 new starters. Definitely expect 5 new players in OL 2-deep.
RBs Hamilton and Thompson should see more carries this year. How to juggle these two with Taj, Killins and Anderson should be a good problem.
3-4 Transfer players and CC players should make 2-deep in areas of (OL, DL and TE).
Shawn Burgess-Becker could be biggest impact transfer player at LB/DB Griffiin replacement. If NOT I expect N.D. OL transfer to crack the starting lineup on OL and help our running game.
As far as peaking is concerned, this is the year our team was suppose to peak. Athletically, I believe the team will be better than last season. How they jell and stick together when games are tight is a big unknown?
My last two cents in this whole thing is you can throw away our chances of having an 11 or 12 game winning season if the coaches turn out to be real jerks. There are ways to push players hard without disrespecting them as people. This is what the last group of coaches showed and why the players were able to stick together in close games. The coaches showed the players some respect as people. Disciplining should be handled privately and not in a public / embarrassing fashion. This takes the ability to control ones emotions on the sidelines during games no matter the bonehead move by the player. Just take them out of game if necessary and handle discipline privately during the week. I'm concerned about this area most to be honest with you along with coaches being able to do lots of substitution to use all our talent on this team.
For example: I expect 10 starters to get significant playing time on our DL especially if we go back to a 4 set DL. We have some red-shirts that we haven't seen much of playing this season on the DL and possibly one or two freshmen in this mix of 10 DL players.
You might expect the OL to stay the same but once again an increase in competition will give us 2 or 3 new starters. Definitely expect 5 new players in OL 2-deep.
RBs Hamilton and Thompson should see more carries this year. How to juggle these two with Taj, Killins and Anderson should be a good problem.
3-4 Transfer players and CC players should make 2-deep in areas of (OL, DL and TE).
Shawn Burgess-Becker could be biggest impact transfer player at LB/DB Griffiin replacement. If NOT I expect N.D. OL transfer to crack the starting lineup on OL and help our running game.
As far as peaking is concerned, this is the year our team was suppose to peak. Athletically, I believe the team will be better than last season. How they jell and stick together when games are tight is a big unknown?
My last two cents in this whole thing is you can throw away our chances of having an 11 or 12 game winning season if the coaches turn out to be real jerks. There are ways to push players hard without disrespecting them as people. This is what the last group of coaches showed and why the players were able to stick together in close games. The coaches showed the players some respect as people. Disciplining should be handled privately and not in a public / embarrassing fashion. This takes the ability to control ones emotions on the sidelines during games no matter the bonehead move by the player. Just take them out of game if necessary and handle discipline privately during the week. I'm concerned about this area most to be honest with you along with coaches being able to do lots of substitution to use all our talent on this team.
Also, Heupel will have to instill consistency throughout his staff. Remember, we are only two years away from a total meltdown.
