Remember '03 when our OLB's were also the question mark heading into the season...

Great potential all around. Same for the offense. I see no reason why we won't be able to make another strong run at the 'ship. Maybe I'm a little biased, but maybe not.

Yes, we have been in the hunt. What I said was misconstrued. I meant that, maybe we will finally be looked at as an elite team on the level of USC.

Also. I never said USC wasn't, or won't be a powerhouse. I simply said I was tired of hearing all the hype about them constantly and the point I was trying to make was maybe it's our time for the spotlight.

But that's what's fun about it!

Here's my early stab at the defensive starters for our opening game vs North Texas:

DE's:
Tyson Jackson, Sr. (I think he comes back)
Kirston Pittman, Sr. (if he gets a medical redshirt)...if not, Ricky Jean-Francois, Jr.

DT's:
Marlon Favorite, Sr.
Charles Alexander, Sr.

MLB:
Darry Beckwith, Sr.

OLB:
Perry Riley, Jr.
Jacob Cutrera, Jr.

FS:
Curtis Taylor, Sr./ Chad Jones, Soph.

SS:
Danny McCray, Jr./ Chad Jones, Soph.

CB's:
Jai Eugene, Soph.
Chris Hawkins, Jr.

Nickel back:
McCray/Jones (at least to start...IMO, either Patrick Johnson or Phelon Jones or both rotating in and will assume this role before the season's up)

Top reserves that could possibly get close to 50% of playing time (obviously, LOTS of guys will see playing time in the first few games, but the following names are players that I expect to be big contributors all season):

DE's:
Rahim Alem, Jr.
Tremaine Johnson, Sr.
Sidell Corley, Fresh.

DT's:
Al Woods, Jr. * (possibly a starter over Favorite)
Drake Nevis, Soph

LB's:
Kevin Sheppard, Soph.
Shomari Clemens, Fresh.

*incoming freshmen Prater and Baker could be forced into early and extensive action due to depth*

DB's:
Patrick Johnson, True Fresh
Phelon Jones, Fresh

Good analysis...I agree Jackson comes back. Also think RJF will be a starter no matter what the case is with Pittman medical....he may be moved to DT and start over Favorite. Also, I think Patrick Johnson is a strong possibility to start at CB.

Sorry if this is a dumb question... do we have a pretty good idea about who the next DC is going to be? That guy from Georgia Tech (Tenuta?)?

Thanks for the info!