The depth chart isn't a big deal right now, it's just to let the players (and the fans I guess) have a sense of where things stand at the moment. There will be a ton of competition in August, but here are some thoughts on the depth chart as it stands right now. (You can see the depth chart here.)
*Bujari was being groomed to take over at center last year, so it's not too surprising to see him there, but the timing of it is very strange. He was playing guard this spring before getting hurt, and I'm not sure why he wasn't playing center right out of the gate this spring. The move just happening now may be a vote of no confidence towards Dallas Hendrickson after a poor spring, but that's just speculation from me, I don't know how he performed. Hopefully at some point one of the beat writers ask why this move was just made now.
*Taj Alexander is listed as the starer at right guard, after moving there from the defensive line this spring. The coaching staff seemed very happy with his progress at his new position, but I'm guessing that J.J. Denman and Chris Muller will be given a chance to win a job right away. Offensive lineman have the most difficult transition to make going from high school to college, so I wouldn't count on them winning a job right out of the gate.
*It's also possible that one of the players engaged in the left guard battle could start on the right side, as both David Osei and Antwan Lowry have started games at right guard in the past. If Dallas Hendrickson's demotion was more reflective of what they think of Bujari than what they think of him, he may have a chance at earning this spot. Hopefully they just take the 5 best lineman no matter what.
*Miles Shuler is not on the two deep at receiver. Why didn't he redshirt last year, again? Were the fake jet sweeps to him that important? Hopefully they'll rectify that error this season.
*It appears that Scott Vallone is moving back to his old role as the three technique tackle. This should free him up to make more plays himself, rather than holding blockers to let others make the plays as he did last year at nose tackle. It's not a huge move on the field, but it could help him come award/draft season.
*Isaac Holmes is listed as the starter at nose tackle, and backing him up are redshirt freshman Al Page and Marquis Wright. Wright (4 stars) and Page (3 stars) were big time recruits in the 2011 class, so this might be the best position battle in training camp.
*Michael Larrow and Marcus Thompson are fighting it out for one defensive end spot and Ka'Lail Glaud and Marvin Booker will duke it out for the other. Interestingly enough, Larrow and Thompson are listed as the back ups at defensive tackle, so I'm guessing the plan is to have Darius Hamilton come in and play behind/spell Vallone.
*Kevin Snyder took over the WLB role with Khaseem Greene on the shelf this spring, and he might have earned a starting spot at SLB. He will compete with the incumbent, Jamal Merrell.
*The RB battle isn't a big deal to me, both backs should be splitting the carries, unless one of the two really separate themselves
*The QB battle is still undecided as well, just like it should be. This is the most important roster decision Kyle Flood will have to make, and he should let it play out well into training camp. QB play very well could be the difference between yet another 8-4 year and something special.
There should be plenty of competition this August, with, in my estimation, 10 starting spots up for grabs. Competition will hopefully bring out the best in everyone. The Knights have a very deep roster.
No comments:
Post a Comment