Early Depth Chart for '07

I know it's early--but when we're 2 months away from fall practice, I'm getting rather antsy! :thumb:

I just wanted to throw out a rough depth chart for this coming season for discussion. Here's what I came up with as possible starters for the season opener:

OFFENSE:

QB:

1. Matt Flynn, Sr.
(guess we'll have to wait and see if RP can get his act together before putting him down for the "back up" role)
2. Jarrett Lee, Fr.

RB:

1. Keiland Williams, Soph.
2. Charles Scott, Soph./Richard Murphy, RS-Fr./Jacob Hester, Sr.

FB:
1. Jacob Hester, Sr.
2. Shawn Jordan, Sr.
3. Steve Korte, Jr.

WR:
1. Early Doucet, Sr.
2. Brandon LaFell, Soph.
3. Trindon Holliday, Soph.
4. Jared Mitchell, Soph.
5. Ricky Dixon, RS-Fr./Tolliver, Fr./Chris Mitchell, Soph.

TE:
1a. Richard Dickson, Soph.
1b. Keith Zinger, Sr.
(depends on which formations we start each game. Zinger is a better blocking TE...Dickson is the better receiver)
2. Mit Cole, Sr.

LT:
Ciron Black, Soph.

OG:
Will Arnold, Sr.

C:
1. Brett Helms, Jr.
2. Ryan Miller, Jr.

OG:
1. Herman Johnson, Jr.
2. Matt Allen, RS-Fr.
3. Andrew Decker, Jr.
4. Steve Singlenton, RS-Fr.

RT:
1. Carnell Stewart, Sr.

With experienced depth at the WR position lacking due to a lot of young players, I expect CLM and Crowton to use more 2-TE sets and possibly a few formations using a full backfield with Hester as an "H-back" until our young WR's (other than Doucet and LaFell) are ready to assume more of a role in the offense.

DEFENSE:

DE:
1a. Raheim Alem, RS-Fr.
1b. Ricky Jean-Francois, Soph.
(these two were neck-and-neck in the spring. RJF had some academic issues that I'm sure he's worked out since we haven't heard anything terribly wrong...but I'll give the early nod to Alem...but both will play a lot)

DT
1. Glenn Dorsey, Sr.
2. Marlon Favorite, Sr.
3. Charles Alexander, Jr./ Al Woods, Soph.
4. Joseph Barksdale, Fr.
(it'll be a revolving door at the two DT positions as we have at least 4 capable players to step in to give Dorsey a breather, and still be effective. Due to the number of quality DT's, I'm hoping that Barksdale redshirts....but since he's been an early enrollment, he may be farther along that most true freshmen)

DE:
Tyson Jackson, Jr.

OLB:
1. Ali Highsmith, Sr.
2. Perry Riley, Soph.
3. Derrick Odom, RS-Fr./ Kevin Sheppard, RS-Fr.

MLB:
1. Luke Sanders, Sr.
2. Jacob Cutrera, Soph.

OLB:
1. Darry Beckwidth, Jr.
2. Perry Riley, Soph.
3. Derick Odom, RS-Fr./ Kevin Sheppard, RS-Fr.

CB:
1. Chevis Jackson, Sr.
2. Jonathan Zenon, Sr.
3. Jai Eugene, RS-Fr.
4. Phelon Jones, Fr./ Danny McCray, Soph./ Chris Hawkins, Soph.
(McCray, though listed as a safety, had extensive playing time last year as a nickel and dime back)

FS:
1. Curtis Taylor, Sr.
2. Danny McCray, Soph.
3. Stephoin Francois, Fr. (he might not play a defensive position the first game, but due to depth at safety, I don't think he'll redshirt. He'll likely start the season on special teams and eventually get some playing time at safety in mop-up)

SS:
1. Craig Steltz, Sr.
2. Danny McCray, Soph.
(much like Steltz, McCray may not be the best safety we've had, but his versitility all around the secondary makes him an asset).
3. Chad Jones, Fr (depending on his baseball situation).

Kicker:
Colt David, Jr.

Punter:
Patrick Fisher, Sr. (finally gets a shot after waiting for 4 years).

KR:
1. Trindon Holliday, Soph.
2. Richard Murphy, RS-Fr.

PR:
Trindon Holliday, Soph.

 

Do you not see Byrd at least as the #3 WR assuming he qualifies? His JUCO experience should make him ready to contribute almost right away.

 

Wups! :thumb: I forgot about Byrd! Thanks for the reminder...

I can see Byrd being a solid #3 along with Trindon.

 

Trindon will get some touches at WR and RB this year, but he won't be lining up at either position regularly. I'm excited to see how Crowton uses him.

RJF could be listed on both the DE & DT depth chart. He'll probably play both depending on the circumstance. Sidell Corley may see time this year at DE.

I think atleast one of our true freshmen TE's will see playing time this year also. Corbin is the one I'm highest on, but I've heard that he'll be getting a strong look at LB.

Shamori Clemmons will probably be on the depth chart fairly high up, either as a LB or Safety.

 

I only listed Murphy for the simple fact that Doucet, IMO, is MUCH too valuable to risk injury returning kicks.

Trindon is dynamic and is a game-changer at the drop of a hat and he's important--but not in the every-down offensive sense that Doucet is.

Richard Murphy is so of a wildcard. If he has the moves that coaches rave about, then it would seem to me that he would be a great fit as the 2nd return man--especially when you consider the depth we have at running back, an unfortunate injury returning kicks by Murphy wouldn't put the running game in jepordy...

But I look forward to seeing Murphy as a 3rd down specialist as well.

 

Well, as for Colt David...I agree, he doesn't have the long range but I'd say he's pretty accurate on the short stuff. Same as last year, when we need a FG that's further out than 30 yards, someone else will be brought in (one of the freshman kickers).

You might be right with Fisher as well...I was just giving the guy some credit even though I've never actually seen him kick one.

 

that D-Line is scary.