Offense-
QB- I see a good chance for this group to be improved over last year. Granted, we are young, but I think both Richardson and Rohach are more accurate passers than Jantz and Barnett were. Give me a guy that can complete passes anyday over someone that's only good at scrambling and running.
RB- I also think this group will be better than last year. Yes, we probably won't have Shontrelle, but another year under James White, Jeff Woody, and Devondrick Nealy's belts will all make them better, and I think Wimberly will help us a lot too. And the Pistol will also help the run game IMO.
WR- This group, IMO, will be about the same as last year. Yes, we are young and inexperienced, but I think these young guys also will bring some added size to this group that could offset their lack of experience. So although it hurts to lose some of the guys from last year, I see big potential from Bundrage, Daley, Quan West, Ecby, PJ Harris, etc.
TE- This could really be a special group. Anytime you can put Brun and Bibbs on the field together, that spells trouble for the opposition IMO.
OL- This is a mystery to me. Someone with more knowledge of the O-line might be able to help me here. I think it could be improved just based on the fact we have some guys returning and hopefully Dika is back too.... along with a new and hopefully improved OL coach too. If this group can be improved over last year, I think the offense can put up some points.
Defense-
DE- I don't see much improvement here. Willie Scott and David Irving don't get me all that excited. Neither guy has shown much in terms of getting pressure on the QB. Scott is undersized, and Irving seems slow off the ball and still has a lot to learn. Hopefully Cory Morrissey and Nick Kron are improved this year?
DT- Big drop off here from last year IMO. McDonough and Laing were beasts. Going into spring, we have a RS freshmen (Bevins) and Jensen listed as starters. I'm sorry, but that is a big drop off folks. Nothing against Bevins because I think he could end up being an All Big 12 performer before he's done here, but he's just so young right now. Krick and Aka also have no experience really either. Walter Woods is ok, but hasn't shown much impact.
LB- As big of a drop off as DT or more IMO. Lose 2 of the best ISU LBs ever and replace them with mostly inexperienced youngsters. Rhoads said last week that this is probably our thinnest group on the team right now. Kinda scary.
Safety- This actually could be the strongest position group on the team. Led by Washington and Broomfield, they will be very solid. Mutcherson sounds like he's a stud as well. Cliff Stokes has also been moved here, and he played quite a bit last year at CB for us, so he's experienced as well.
CB- I also think this group could be improved over last year as well. Jansen Watson is really good and guys like Sam Richarson, Damien Lawry, and Charlie Rodgers all look really good too IMO.
I think it's obvious from this assessment that our success could very well depend on our front 7 on defense, the OL, the young WR's, and of course the QB, which is always the most important every year. I feel good about our RB's, TE's, Safeties, and Cornerbacks.
I think we'll do ok against the pass, as long as the opposing QB doesn't have all day to throw it. I worry about our rush defense immensely though. Tulsa ran all over us and were more physical, and that was with McDonough and Laing in there. We will be worse up front this year IMO. That's just scary to even think about.
I think 2014 could be a good year, but I see next year as kinda rough going for the defense especially. Thoughts?
