Depth Chart Issues

Yesterday I spent a lot of time talking about my NCAA depth chart. Granted, most readers probably care less about who I have where but the reality is that with the unveiling of the preseason depth chart we really need to wonder whats going on because there are some very weird things going on in there. So here's my position by position take, I'll spend a lot of time referencing my NCAA depth chart because I spent a lot of time updating it from things I've seen in games (Billy Flutie is a great runblocker, showed good catching ability and better route running than the EA programmers would tell you) heard from rumors or have found in scouting reports (mostly for freshman). While my research is far from complete and I will probably continually update it for the time being I will use it as my database, coupling it with other rumors I've heard. So here we go, another long post for your enjoyment.

QB: The fact that the 3 players are separated by "or" was lost on no one. I do however think that Boek only has about 20% chance of starting. He made some improvements over the summer he took that least number of snaps with the 1st team in spring, he didn't look as lost as Tuggle at times but overall I just don't know if he has the stuff. To be honest I think Tuggle actually has the best chance and it really comes down to just having something "click" for him. Shinskie, as I've said before, is the wild card. He's supposed to have a real cannon, and was a 3* player who's been training with professional outfits for 6 years, granted its baseball but they still have some fairly good conditioning. The issue comes down to just how quickly he can redevelop his football IQ.

RB: The only surprise you might get here is finding that Haden leap frogs Harris. I am actually a Haden doubter, one of the people who was not impressed with Haden last year and found Harris to be a revelation. The fact that he was injured almost all season is not lost on me though and the things I hear is that he can still be great. I think Harris has the advantage in the Tranquill offense though. Both should get a fair amount of playing time especially if its no huddle.

FB: Haven't heard much about McCluskey but I honestly feel that he might be one of the best FBs in the country, hopefully hes healed up or you'll probably see either Jarick Walker or some of the TE's in there. If Boek doesn't make it as QB he might be listed next on the depth chart but I didn't see him on the field much last year.

O-Line: Now this is really screwy and an area where EA epically failed. I think they just play the trend because they gave us good o-linemen but none of them were really right. we know 4 of the 5 so long as Tennant's healthy. Castonzo @ LT, Tennant @ C, Claiborne @ RG, Lapham @ RT. The preseason depth chart has Emmet Cleary @ LG but the rangy athletic Cleary has always looked like more of a tackle to me, especially in a run up the middle offense. The only info I could find on Richman was that he didn't receive much recruiting interest (Buffalo and Deleware). As far as backups go Spinney is definitely 2nd string @ Center, though I suspect you will see Claiborne there if Tennant goes down. I think Goodman is also a lock @ RT. I have a feeling Cleary was moved inside because incoming, unheralded freshman John Wetzel really impressed, although I wouldn't be surprised to see Goodman and Wetzel switch. I also feel like the 2nd string guards are a crapshoot. Halloran's another guy who seems more like a tackle to me but I might just be showing my ignorance.

TE: I was blown away by Pantale at the spring game. Maybe this is a lesson in hype or flukes or whatever but I have him as 4-year starter. Those with actual knowledge of what's going on have Lars Anderson and McMichael ahead of him. Anderson seemed to do alright as Purvis' understudy and also seems very reliable in the blocking game. McMichael has been a bit of a bust, the only 4* recruit in the 06 class McMichael was supposed to play like Pantale did @ the spring game, showing athleticism that the Basketball team would be jealous of. Maybe this is McMichaels breakout year as he finally gets over injury. I get the feeling that I'm wrong but I'm still rooting for Pantale.

WR:Gunnells are starter and Jarvis is our #2, no surprises. I think you'll see Megwa in the slot on 3 receiver sets. Clyde Lee and Momah are listed as the #3 and #4 receivers and Lee might be in the slot if Megwa's still hurt. To be honest I think you'll see a lot of situational sets. Sometimes you'll have Gunnell, Lee and Megwa, other times you'll have Momah, Jarvis and Flutie. Larmond is also another speedy guy who can be quite useful as well. Don't be surprised if Tranquil spreads the love. I do think you'll see a lot of Jarvis and Momah though, as it's hard to match up with their height and I have the feeling that a lot of our passing is going to come off of play action. Nothing says run like a former TE(Momah) mauling CBs.

LE: Giles played well when Albright went down but I fully expect Albright to have a breakout year this year (he was granted a medical redshirt last year because he only played in one game so he has 2 years of eligibility) he's also probably one of the most athletic players on the field.
RE: Ramella has the starter spot for a second year but don't be surprised to see Giles lining up on the right side and you should see a fair amount of Newman on longer drives.

DT: Only Scafe is definite, and he should be pretty good, he played a fair amount last year when Raji or Brace needed breathers. As to who's lining up next to him it could be anyone's position. My early favorite is Ramsey although Dillon Quinn could be as good as advertised and take his place as Raji's heir apparent (although my understanding is that he played more like Brace). Don't be overly surprised to see RFr Bryan Murray make a play for the position as well after battling turf toe last year.

LB: No area is more confusing. We know that Herzlich won't be on the field this year, but there's till no word on Captain McLaughlin. Honestly his health could be the single biggest factor to this years outcome. If Mac is back expect to see Will Thompson on the strong side and either Clancy or DiSanzo on the Weak. If Mac is still hobbling you get the depth chart the media guide gave you with Bagan behind Thompson. I have DiSanzo ahead of Clancy on my depth chart but again, those in the know have Clancy ahead.

CB: Media Guide is confusing but EA tells a different story. Gause is currently listed as second string field (I think). Don't be surprised if he reclaims first string boundary (I think) but I've also heard rumblings that his hip injury freshman year has hobbled him a bit and he doesn't have the speed he showed when he was backing up Tribble. If Donnie Fletcher has improved I wouldn't be surprised to see him and Roddy though he has moved to boundary (I think) don't be surprised to see a lot of Johnson and Okpara either.

S: We know who the starters are and Okoroha is the heir apparent @ SS. Wes Davis has another year of eligibility because of his back injury. Unless there's an entire unit substitution I think you might see Okoroha backing up Davis when he needs a break and you might see some of the bigger corners rotate in as well as Elliot and Atkinson.

K: Aponavicious has a nice straight kick, but you can't teach power, expect to see Sid Vicious on most PATs and the closer FGs but don't be surprised if Freese starts picking up some FG duty. Quigley will take care of the punts and probably the Kick off duties as well.