I am high on our recruiting class' potential.
That said, anyone thinking they will have a meaningful impact next year under normal circumstances, let alone without the benefit of spring practice for the early enrollees, is being unrealistic, imo. That includes Gibbs, who is electric with the ball in his hands, but like any freshman needs reps to play a part in keeping our QB off the ground. Just one example.
Similarly, OLs need time and reps to gel. While we upgraded our OL with experienced transfers, we're again relying on a fall practice to smooth out all of the system intricacies, communication, who plays where, etc. I think this group could come together by mid to end of year, provided we have continuity that we didn't have last year.
On the other hand, everyone already on the roster should make a leap year 1 to year 2, just by virtue of reps, time and confidence. Knock on wood, we won't get decimated by injuries on the OL and DL. But our roster is at best middle of the pack when compared to the 12 game schedule next year. I believe it to be in the bottom 1/3 based on the combination of raw talent, fit and experience, before we even talk about coaching and X's and O's.
Progress that is at or above expectations would mean that we should expect more wins against a similar strength of schedule as last year's. But you cannot ignore the leap we're making in the schedule this year. Next year's schedule will negate 1-2 wins of ordinary progress, imo.