All of the players look exactly like their weights end in 0 or 5
.
Seriously, yes, I think the team looks bigger and stronger.
Several players were held out of the open practice I went to, so observation of the exact two deep would have been somewhat difficult.
The only players not listed somewhere on the two deep that I am surprised about are:
- Christian Davis. The fact that Davis, Armani Johnson, and Justin Guy-Robinson are running 3rd team corner positions right now should tell you a lot about how much the secondary has improved.
- if the frosh DTs and DEs don't push their way into the 2 deep, I think it is an indication that what we have is pretty good. A little surprised at the layout at DE, but I'll take it with a grain of salt.
- I bet we will see Jeanlys, Ellison, and JC Ripress at LB at some point. I think there is quite a battle going on for the second team spots.
- The two deep doesn't surprise me at OL, other than the Wilds transition, but I'm a little disappointed that Howerton and Dennis didn't just grab those jobs and run. Not sure if Todora and Barton have taken steps forward or if the other two have plateaued a little bit.
- Surprised Redding/Rau aren't in the TE two deep. I think there is still a lot of competition. I would say that what is listed has more of a blocking focus.
- Interested to see how they handle the depth at safety. There is a lot of athleticism there, and if I were a coach I would find ways to get more of those players on the field at once.
- Brooks-Weiss over Gilespie/Miles/Shelmire is interesting, but I think you will see a little less rotation at WR than we saw with Chad. Just a guess.
- All of the "ors" on defense tells me that they want to see who is going to have a motor and run after the ball. If you don't run to the ball and swarm, you are out, next man up. They feel like they have enough depth to throw players on the field and pick their starters moving forward based on how much they buy into team defense.
Against UNT, I'll be watching:
1) The interior OL - we need a push there for the power game to work and to be effective in the redzone. We need someone who doesn't just hold their own, but wins consistently. That will make us a really strong offense.
2) The interior DL - We need someone who will force a double team and free up Moore to make plays. McLaurin, Pono, and Gary all might have that ability.
3) DE. I think we have guys who are strong enough to defend the edge against the run. But can we generate a pass rush? If we get a pass rush, there is enough talent in the secondary to be a really good pass defense. Westerfield, Scott, and Neals need to be able to win on a consistent basis. Neals is the only one we have seen do that in a game situation.