Sure we lose Lowry and Gibson and Smith and VanHoose. But the defense should be plenty good enough to beat the teams we need to for a successful season. What will help the defense the most, IMHO, is for the offense to carry some weight in 2016. And no matter how I slice this, I keep coming back to the obvious. Will our passing game improve to the point where defenses will need to respect it? For that to happen, I think the OL and QB play will be good enough. Will the WRs? That's my single key question for the season.
For that to happen newcomers to the offense will have to step up and make some plays. Will we get legit down field abilities out of Vault, McShepard and Lees? I see those 3 WRs as having the speed and overall athleticism to be a legit threat in the down field passing game. Will Vault adapt to the pressure of being a key target? Will McShepard make the transition well enough to contribute in our bigger games? I give him the edge over the other 2 in overall athletic dynamics, but would feel better if he had any college WR experience. Will Lees make the jump from HS to Power 5 football fast enough and well enough to make some plays with his speed and wiggle? Will we see him in jet sweep situations or as a Wildcat QB? I think all 3 have the tools to make plays. Hopefully, they can get coached up in a hurry. Making just enough big plays in the passing game to force defenses to defend more of the field would go a long way to improving our offense ... with all the benefits a better offense brings to the defensive side of the ball. I will add John Moten to this list of newcomers with the potential to help our passing game. I believe he can catch the ball. And I know he can make defenders miss ... and/or outrun them.
Will Taylor and/or Vitale add a jumbo rumbler to the passing arsenal. I have no idea whether Vitale will remain at superback. But if he does, will one or the other or both be able to lend balance to the passing game? Since we are unlikely to have even 1 consistent "go to" scoring threat at WR, having 3 to 4 options (outside WR, slot WR, TE/SB and RB) is probably the best we can hope for. Capable receivers at multiple spots would be a large improvement and likely be more than enough to energize the 2016 offense.
And how about a shout out for WR Charlie Fessler? I would really like that kid to make some plays in 2016. He too has the physical and mental tools to compete. Surprisingly quick feet for a jumbo sized 6-5+ receiver. Will he be able to outreach defenders in the red zone?
Carr and Nagel should be solid WR contributers in 2016. But will 1 or 2 or more of the above newcomers materially improve our passing game? I think they'll have to for the Cats to compete for the West Championship.
Your thoughts?
GOUNUII
For that to happen newcomers to the offense will have to step up and make some plays. Will we get legit down field abilities out of Vault, McShepard and Lees? I see those 3 WRs as having the speed and overall athleticism to be a legit threat in the down field passing game. Will Vault adapt to the pressure of being a key target? Will McShepard make the transition well enough to contribute in our bigger games? I give him the edge over the other 2 in overall athletic dynamics, but would feel better if he had any college WR experience. Will Lees make the jump from HS to Power 5 football fast enough and well enough to make some plays with his speed and wiggle? Will we see him in jet sweep situations or as a Wildcat QB? I think all 3 have the tools to make plays. Hopefully, they can get coached up in a hurry. Making just enough big plays in the passing game to force defenses to defend more of the field would go a long way to improving our offense ... with all the benefits a better offense brings to the defensive side of the ball. I will add John Moten to this list of newcomers with the potential to help our passing game. I believe he can catch the ball. And I know he can make defenders miss ... and/or outrun them.
Will Taylor and/or Vitale add a jumbo rumbler to the passing arsenal. I have no idea whether Vitale will remain at superback. But if he does, will one or the other or both be able to lend balance to the passing game? Since we are unlikely to have even 1 consistent "go to" scoring threat at WR, having 3 to 4 options (outside WR, slot WR, TE/SB and RB) is probably the best we can hope for. Capable receivers at multiple spots would be a large improvement and likely be more than enough to energize the 2016 offense.
And how about a shout out for WR Charlie Fessler? I would really like that kid to make some plays in 2016. He too has the physical and mental tools to compete. Surprisingly quick feet for a jumbo sized 6-5+ receiver. Will he be able to outreach defenders in the red zone?
Carr and Nagel should be solid WR contributers in 2016. But will 1 or 2 or more of the above newcomers materially improve our passing game? I think they'll have to for the Cats to compete for the West Championship.
Your thoughts?
GOUNUII