Starting Lineups - 2008

[PonyKai]

Well isn't that a reasonable request.

[mrydel]

I worry about Morestead's leg. Especially if we let him handle kickoffs. Can we get him some rest somehow? How about letting Cunningham handle extra points?

Hopefully he can rest at times he had to punt last year.

[GeorgiaMustang]

well said

[smitty329]

One thing to note is that while Jones didn't use TEs much last season in his UH offense, we actually have some TEs with height that might compliment our shorter wideouts. Patrick Fleming made a few nice plays late last season and is 6'4". Sanders represents probably the best combo of talent and height (6'1") at WR. Vincent Chase will be a senior and is 6'5" - maybe more of a blocking TE, but still can make a nice catch when called upon.

Could Martin play TE or slot receiver?

[SMU_is_bowling]

I think Martin could do very well as a RB in JJ's system . . . just for the love of God do not run a sweep every other play! straight ahead he is going to get 3-5 yards more times than not!

[Get_Some_Ponies]

You have two redshirts starting on the O Line: Turner and Leribus. I've heard Leribus is killing the weights five days a week. Would still be surprised if both of those guys were starting last week. Turner was at HP with Stafford which is run and shoot but Leribus was Berkner and they ran a run offense. Thoughts with JJ?

[Stallion]

other than Mccann assuming he's eligible I don't think there is a single player on the defensive side of the ball who has earned the right to be definitely penciled in as a starter. I'm serious-let 'em fight it out. Is there another player mentioned above who was anything more than mediocre last year? I hope we have a long list of "starters" beaten out for jobs.

[Get_Some_Ponies]

other than Mccann assuming he's eligible I don't think there is a single player on the defensive side of the ball who has earned the right to be definitely penciled in as a starter. I'm serious-let 'em fight it out. Is there another player mentioned above who was anything more than mediocre last year? I hope we have a long list of "starters" beaten out for jobs.

You're right...this might be a why bother post. Spring ball is going to be intense.

[Junior]

I know it's still a pretty premature topic given the needs that will be addressed through recruiting, but does anyone have projections as to what we'll look like on both sides of the ball next year? Seems like we lost more than a handfull of starters.

I agree to some extent. Please see the post that began this thread. Fully acknowledges that a lot is still to be worked out. Just helps people like me figure out what spots are going to be the best battles to watch.

[Get_Some_Ponies]

I know it's still a pretty premature topic given the needs that will be addressed through recruiting, but does anyone have projections as to what we'll look like on both sides of the ball next year? Seems like we lost more than a handfull of starters.

I agree to some extent. Please see the post that began this thread. Fully acknowledges that a lot is still to be worked out. Just helps people like me figure out what spots are going to be the best battles to watch.

And with all the injuries and coaches taking a look at the end of the year who knew WHO was spotted in. I'd even speak the blasphemy that I wouldn't have been surprised if L Turner gets a bunch of snaps this spring. The QB was TERRIBLE by the end of the year, and I don't think JJ is necessarily sold on him.

[Stallion]

TERRIBLE at the end of the year? Like when we scored 50 against a bowl team(Memphis), scored 42 against Rice or almost beat a good Tulsa team? TERRIBLE? Don't think you've watched too much SMU football if you think Justin is TERRIBLE! We've had guys that couldn't complete a screen pass at this school. We've had guys routinely hand other teams TDs with Ints and fumbles. We've had QBs that struggled to average double figures in points or get more than 200 ypg in total offense. SMU scored enough points that it could have won 7-8 games with a competent defense. Must not have watched those guys at SMU. Think you might be related to Turner. There is no way in hell he starts over Willis.

[jtstang]

Look, however you describe Willis last year, he had a sophomore slump. He played nowhere near the level as the year before. Look at turnovers alone. Now, you can debate whay that was--whether is supporting cast was worse or whatever--but he was down as a spophomore from a freshman.

The bottom line is that--no matter what you think of his past performance, by all accounts the job is open for anyone, including him, to take this year. So step up Willis.

[Stallion]

Unless Craft comes here, Justin Willis is going to start and it really ain't going to be a tough decision.

[jtstang]

Clearly I must defer to your great personnel knowledge, but what of the rumblings of some good Juco QB perhaps coming in, or did I just imagine that?

[Stallion]

that's Craft-he visited-his mother said he wasn't sure-haven't heard a thing since although the second term is well under way. So if he comes, like I pointed out, he will have a shot-the rest ought to expect to ride the bench for two years. In fact, if I had to guess why Craft hasn't committed the presence of Justin Willis would be at the top of that list