Incoming Players Who Can Contribute Immediately

[b_dog]

I'm not talking about throwing our current commitment list out there. I'm talking about players we didn't see last year due to redshirting or grayshirting, or exceptional players who figure to be a factor immediately, or players who are in a position of need where they'll get an unusually quick opportunity.

On offense, it's mostly the linemen:
Michael Eletise 6-4 300 Fr
Keenan Walker 6-6 280 Fr (Grayshirt)
Cody Creason 6-4 285 RS-Fr
Nathan Eldridge 6-5 270 RS-Fr
Alex Kosinski 6-5 275 RS-Fr

Other than Levi Walton, the afore-mentioned gentlemen will likely be competing for snaps in relief of the starting line.

I also think we've got an incoming grayshirt who may get a shot to contribute at that tall receiver position:
Jamie Nunley 6-3 195 Fr

I honestly believe that personnel will dictate that we finally play the tight ends more, but Nunley at least physically fills the bill. But, he figures to have a lot of "smurf" WRs in front of him.

On defense, a lot of it has to do with physical maturity. First, the line:

Josh Allen 6-4 250 Jr
Anthony Fotu 6-4 285 Sr
Finton Connolly 6-5 250 RS-Fr

I'm being optimistic that we'll re-land Allen, and it's understood Fotu will be suspended for the early part of the season.

Linebacker:

Michael Barton 6-0 240 Sr
John Kenny 6-2 235 RS-Jr

More optimism on Barton, the graduate transfer from Cal. He was a four-star recruit out of high school, and he was a significant contributor in Cal's rotation. Kenny is the transfer from Iowa who sat out last season.

In the secondary, there's plenty of opportunity, but it may be more a case of looking for improvement as younger players mature. I'm curious about Dane Cruikshank, at 6-2 and 190, who was a JC transfer for us last year. Not sure if he had some kind of physical issue, or if he just didn't pan out.

In any event, you always bring in a number of players with the thought that they'll have to put on weight and muscle and work on their technique before they play much. But, these are the guys I think we might see get some time this coming season. Here's hoping we close the deal on Allen and Barton, and we pick up a few more contributors down the stretch.

[wild cat-fan]

What about our freshman TE who missed last year due to injury. I don't remember his name.

[Black Oaks]

What about our freshman TE who missed last year due to injury. I don't remember his name.

Trevor Wood will be a good one I think. I am also interested in seeing how Matt Stag does. He is athletic and can play middle or strong side lb. Also can play on kick coverage teams.On the defensive line, lets us not forget Holt and Griffin, both can be contributors.

And I think we may see some surprises on signing day.

Bearing Down on pieces to the big puzzle

[Stu Gotz]

What about our freshman TE who missed last year due to injury. I don't remember his name.

Trevor Wood is the guy you're thinking of. Was expected to play as a freshman. Really talented kid.

Hey b_dog, what about Marcus Griffin? Will he be an impact guy or a bust (or something in between)?

[b_dog]

I only put in players who were ineligible to play for us last year, not guys who were injured or stacked-up on the depth chart. So, yeah, I've got Trevor Wood as a starter for us at 6-5 270. (And best wishes to his dad, Big Dave.) Josh Pollack figures to be the kicker, and possibly also the punter. I didn't mention Khalil Tate as a true freshman at QB with Anu and Dawkins returning, but that's a possibility. Defensively, Cody Ippolito comes back from injury at LB, and he may start. And, it depends on what they want to do with Parker Zellers, but I'd have Marcus Griffin as the backup to Sani at NT.

[Iggy]

Back to football mode for a bit here. I think the starting OL will be (from left to right): Friekh, Tagaloa, Hemmila, Alsadek, deBeer. I'm basing Hemmila based on experience within the system (starter last year at LG until Tagaloa got shifted over from LT) and the fact he was the one who came in and played center when Bundage thought Zeus or Ristic were playing QB. All in all, pretty good returning experience. Pretty much 4 returning starters if you look at total games started. Recall that deBeer started 2-3 games at RG when Alsadek was hurt. Be interesting to see if one of the young guys, namely Eletise or Walker, can challenge for a starting spot. If I'm not mistaken, Walker is enrolled by now and eligible for spring practice, right? And I heard good things about Eldridge and Kosinski last fall as well. I recall Eldridge being as strong as an ox and Kosinski made the travel squad each road trip.

My biggest question for 2016 is can Nick Wilson stay healthy for at least 10 games next season? After seeing Wilson getting banged up what seemed like every other snap the last two years, it really made me appreciate Kadeem's durability.

[Wildcat Jones]

My biggest question for 2016 is can Nick Wilson stay healthy for at least 10 games next season? After seeing Wilson getting banged up what seemed like every other snap the last two years, it really made me appreciate Kadeem's durability.

Agree. I love Nick Wilson, but he's certainly not as durable as Kadeem was. Glad we have Orlando Bradford backing him up, as he looked like he has really nice potential.