I'm not expecting much from the D in its first year under new coaches and using a new scheme. Coming up to last year's standard with a bit better performance in late drives would be just fine with me.
I'm with those here who don't understand the fixation on replacing TM at QB. (Sort of sings, doesn't it?) When I watched him last year he reminded me a lot of Nesbitt in his first starting year. All the complaints here about hogging the ball? Check. ABs often ignored at the edge? Check. Good on long throws, bad on short ones? Check. Trouble with pressure and finding WRs? Check. Missed reads? Check. Terrific runner? Check.
We know how all that turned out. I don't know if TM will improve greatly in the spring, but, to be frank, if he shows some improvement on the above, he keeps his job. If not, he gets beat out, probably by Johnson, who will get significant snaps in some games anyhow. We'll know soon enough.
Now, as to the topic at hand:
Offense: Howard - He won't take Benson's job, but I bet he'll get 1/3rd of the snaps. Whatley - Yes, I know he's a frosh and we don't know if he can block. He's what we need at AB, however; a big guy who is really fast. Again, I'm betting he plays next year. Clark - He played in our O at Marist and has had a year to grow. Second string at OT, depending on Marshall's return.
Defense: Branch - He's a potential star in the new D. Owens - He played last year as a frosh and has good speed. He'll be in the rotation. Johns - Another frosh special. His film was impressive and he's the right size for the new D. Won't start, but he'll play, I bet.
