Morris was very tempted to pull redshirts but did everything possible not to waste someone's year. I am disappointed that the LBs didn't start at the end of the year. We probably could have used them on special teams as well.
K Smith was the closest to play. In the fall you could tell he moved well for a big guy, but he just didn't have a punch. But I agree with Stallion - the fact that they weren't renewed indicates that the coaching staff feels like the others are ready to go.
The other thing I would point out is that Hicks looked awful at practice and during the first several games. The staff were the ones saying that Hicks was going to be good, even though nobody else who watched would have made that assessment. Hicks ended up having a pretty decent second part of the year, and the staff moved up a notch in my book in terms of projecting players.
I think your lineup is:
Pursley/Natour, Frosh/Hyder, Brown/JUCO, Frosh/Frosh, Frosh/Wilds.
So, if the frosh aren't ready, we should all be scared. But the fact that starters were not renewed indicates that the frosh are ready. I would expect us to be much more physical in the run game up the middle of the field next season.