SB Nation Dallas Editor's Pick
Early Predictions for Fall Depth Chart (Offense)
by sambunnell on Feb 3, 2012 3:55 PM CST
Email
PrintThe players have been assembled. Now roles must be cast. Let's take an admittedly premature gander at a possible two-deep offensive depth chart for the coming 2012 football season...
QB: David Ash - Case McCoy
RB: Malcolm Brown - Jonathan Gray
FB: Joe Bergeron - Ryan Roberson
TE: DJ Grant - MJ McFarland
WR: Jaxon Shipley - John Harris
WR: Marquise Goodwin - Miles Onyegbule
OT: Josh Cochran - Garrett Greenlea
OT: Donald Hawkins -Paden Kelley
OG: Trey Hopkins - Curtis Riser
OG: Mason Walters - Sedrick Flowers
C: Dominic Espinosa - Garrett Porter
K: Nick Jordan - Will Russ
Defense soon to follow...
All comments, FanPosts, and FanShots are the views of the reader-authors who create them.
46 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Bergeron
I thought he had made the switch to RB. I know we need FB, but he may be too good to be on the field without the ball in his hands.
he'll spend time at both per Major
"We are who we are. People say what they say. The outcome is the outcome. We are proud of ourselves." -DeLoss Dodds 9/21/2011
So glad that both have come to their senses about him.
We ain’t got no room for him at RB & he needs to get on the field to get better.
While Mike Davis was disappointing in 2011, he was still the top receiver
I don’t think he’s dropping to third, let alone fifth.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
ha! nice.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 4, 2012 12:51 AM CST up reply actions
I agree.
He’s maddening but he’s easily in the top 3. Marquis struggles badly with catchng the ball too.
I agree that
Marquis has struggled to catch the ball especially around defenders and especially outside his body. But that was a problem with everyone except Shipley. If Ash can just manage to hit him on those long play actions then anything else he contributes is gravy. However if Ash can’t develop the touch and accuracy on those throws he’s gonna need to step up and play like a real receiver.
I really think
that Davis is gonna step up this year. No reason for it but i’m feeling like the momentum and enthusiasm of the program will help get him where he needs to be. But if he continues to play like last year it’s only a matter of time before he drops to third, or fifth. Cayleb will not drop the balls that Davis does so if he wants to stay up there he’d better get some stick ’em or something
hard to know whether Cayleb Jones will or not
If you’re basing it on his HS performances, well, sure, except the same conclusion would’ve been logical about Davis.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 4, 2012 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
Id like to see...
a 3 back rotation featuring malcolm, grey and joe….as we saw last season, having 3 solid backs is very important in this offense…harsin has more playmakers than he’s ever had now, so it should be fun to watch
Fullback, anyone?
Ryan Roberson is the only fullback left on this roster, with the graduation of Cody and Berryhill. He is a solid, tough player, but he hasn’t shown himself to be starter material over the years. I see them using starting Bergeron as a FB, but using him more as a RB. He’s a nasty blocker and great in short yardage, but he can break a 4th and 2 for 30+ yards, too. Remember the Razorbacks’ three-headed monster of Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Peyton Hillis? Meet Malcolm Brown, Jonathan Gray, and Joe Bergeron, folks.
Position Switch Possibilities
Chet Moss. Maybe a fullback again? Alex De La Torre will be a part of spring drills…maybe a fullback? I mean, who can really predict this stuff?
Oh yeah, and check out my Fanshot, “Where in the world is Patrick McNamara???”
Riser won't be in the 2 deep at guard
at least not right away, RS-JR Ashcraft or RS-SR Poehlmann will get first dibs, they’ve put in their dues and have earned the chance, plus redshirting Riser would be awesome, he could be a redshirt freshman next year (2013) in the two deep and could possibly earn the starting spot and if not he could still grab the starting job in 2014 as a redshirt Sophomore.
"We are who we are. People say what they say. The outcome is the outcome. We are proud of ourselves." -DeLoss Dodds 9/21/2011
Riser is Rising
Couldn’t disagree more. Riser is absolutely ready for this level. In case you forgot, Ashcraft has not distinguished himself on the line, and Poehlmann is seen to be better as reserve tackle/jumbo tight end. Sedrick Flowers and Riser are the future of the interior, and they will spell Walters and Hopkins this year.
Not sure what you disagree with...
I agree Riser is college ready, but he didn’t enroll early, and we don’t know if he’s coming in for summer school yet either, assuming he just shows up in August, he will still need time to earn the coaches trust. Remember Malcolm Brown the #1 RB, he came in and didn’t crack the two deep at Rice, he got some PT but not a ton until UCLA. It’ll take at least until game 3 before Riser cracks the 2 deep, and unless he is just killing it I doubt he’ll make it. Think of it like you’re playing PS3 NCAA fb, Riser may be a 90 as a freshman but Walters/Hopkins will be higher than that so they’ll start, however Askcraft/Poehlmann will be in the mid 80’s. So is burning a redshirt on Riser worth a couple of plays here and there as a second stringer? We don’t swap the OL like we do the DL, so it would be very wasteful baring any injuries to Walters/Hopkins. A redshirt seems like the smartest move, we used to RS every lineman, and I bet we’ll see be back on track doing that in 2013 once we recover from the McWhorter era. Riser potential in year five far outweighs Riser’s potential in year one, NTM we don’t really have to worry that much about interior OLinemen going pro early because that rarely happens…
Now I’m not a betting man, but I would tell a guy that was to bet you that Riser doesn’t crack the official two deep roster until conference play begins…
"We are who we are. People say what they say. The outcome is the outcome. We are proud of ourselves." -DeLoss Dodds 9/21/2011
Poehlmann is now a tight end
I have an uneasy feeling that Ashcraft won’t be with us much longer. No insight, just reading the tea leaves.
He’s had three years in the program and was not really a second-teamer this season. He was listed there, but Flowers was already ahead of him before Flowers was injured. If Hopkins moves to guard, and one of last year’s redshirts makes a move in the spring, Ashcraft is around fifth in the guard rotation. Sixth, if Riser jumps him.
Riser’s a stud. I wouldn’t mind him redshirting, but I won’t be at all surprised to see him running No. 2, and playing, come September.
I really want Riser to get a 'shirt
Just for depth mainly. He is still a bit raw too but if Ashcraft doesn’t pan out, Riser will have to burn the ’shirt. This is the most questionable position for me on OL.
Agree 100%
Would love to see every OL shirting for a couple of years.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
I think a few guys have said that the team's a year or two away from the automatic redshirt
I’d like to think this depth chart could mean otherwise, and that they’ll be able to do that for most of this class, at least for OL and QB. Snow and Allen graduate from the two-deep, but the other eight return, plus other depth. Of course Buchanan graduates as well.
2012 RS-freshmen: Hutchins, Greenlea, Doyle
2012 sophs: Cochran (7 starts, 12 games as true FR), Espinosa (13 starts as RS-FR), Flowers (unless he somehow gets a redshirt for 2011),
2012 juniors: Walters (25 starts as FR/SO), Hopkins (13 starts as FR/SO), Kelley (1 start as RS-Fr, 20 total games), Porter (25 games played on OL/ST in 2011), Ashcraft (4 games on OL in 2011, plus more on ST), Kriegel (3 games as SO)
2012 seniors: Poehlmann (28 games as OT/TE)
As you can see, Walters and Hopkins will be the elder statesmen of the line next year, despite being just true juniors. Only Poehlmann, who’s now basically the new EBS, will be a senior. With 13 returning players, further attrition aside, I do wonder if they might be able to get away with a blanket redshirt for the 2012 OL recruits. Also, if Hawkins turns out be a quality starter, that makes it even easier, as he takes a tackle job and Hopkins probably slides into Snow’s spot. I wish Walters could be good and consistent enough to play LT, given his natural talent and size for the position, but it doesn’t appear to be in the cards. Anyway, with four returning starters (totaling 58 starts!), one juco who could start, six guys more guys with game experience, and three coming off 2011 redshirts, it would seem unlikely that one of the true freshmen this fall would be a good enough option to make it worth burning a redshirt.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 5, 2012 11:08 PM CST up reply actions
Cochran, Walters, Espy, Hopkins, Hawkins
That’s who I have starting next season. Cochran did a great job at tackle with limited time to develop. I think he will have a standout season next year. Searels loves him.
Walters was inconsistent but I think it’s because his natural position is OG. Moving him back inside for good should do wonders for his ability to play at a high level all the time. I’m confident he will have a good season.
Hawkins, if he steps up, is a blessing. He essentially allows the OL to fill out in their natural positions.
I hope Flowers stays healthy because he will give quality depth at OG. Same goes for Greenlea at OT. Ashcraft needs to step up his game. Hughes is the only guy that I’m not sure about as far as redshirts are concerned. We may need him
Kind of confused
Walter played G all year. You mean Hopkins moving back inside? Would like to see Texas experiment with a ‘from the left’ of Cochran, Flowers, Hopkins, Walters, Hawkins. Hopkins has good natural athleticism for a center, is stronger than Espo, and would give us great versatility if somebody gets injured on the interior of the line. Agree about the starting line.
Follow me on Twitter @GoHornsGo90
I think STLaw was talking about the the Walters-to-OT projections
He came in with most people’s expectations being that he would play tackle, despite having been a center in HS. It made sense, given his size, but he just doesn’t seem to have made his case out there. I’m glad he’s playing some solid guard sometimes, though.
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 6, 2012 12:04 PM CST up reply actions
Hopkins..Yes. Walters projections
Hopkins is the biggest move. Walters projections were OT and he got some play in practice at OT when Searels was trying to piece together the line.
I’m not sure I want Flowers starting yet unless he blows away everyone in the spring. Good point about Hopkins at center though…might happen if Espy doesn’t improve.
Would Give Poehlman More Credit
With the original EBS you had a day at the office, with Luke you got a 60 minute bar fight with a red neck that has nothing to lose.
Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen
Ha! Yeah, I'm sure you get what I mean, though.
He’s an offensive lineman who is providing that extra blocking surface, as GD called it. He’s a bit better at the blocking part, and perhaps not quite as good at the receiving part yet. Gotta love that kid. I will always love this: 
"Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'"
― Isaac Asimov
by burntorangehorn on Feb 6, 2012 9:23 AM CST up reply actions
would like to see an interior line of
Walters Flowers and Hopkins
hopefully one of those three can show some aptitude at center this spring
Espinosa needs to live in the weight room
Surely
it’ll be Hopkins-Espinosa-Walters. I don’t know what’s up with Ashcraft but I think we’d rather not rush Flowers and Riser into action just yet. Ideally our OL would be in the program for 2 or 3 years before they start. It’s one of the most mentally and physically demanding positions in the game and the jump from HS ball to college is the greatest they will experience.
Take a look at a HS depth chart sometime. A DL will often go: 190-200-230-180, at a premium program. It’s a big jump to go from pushing around a guy that’s barely 200 pounds to trying to move an Oklahoma 1-tech off the ball.
with the poll question above...
Mike Davis will be in the 2 deep if not starting…regardless (!)…cayleb can really help us as a true fish…kendall sanders looks like the truth but i say we “Saban” his ass (put our best athletes on defense)…Our 3 WR formation should be Shipley, Cayleb and Davis…god knows who throwing them the ball (but for our sake, hopefully well).
God Bless Texas and Hook Em
Agreed
I’m not ready to sell on Mike Davis yet. He was a Gilbert-meltdown away from being a downfield weapon last year. He’s still one of the most talented guys on the roster. With focus and strength training he could be All-conference before we know it.
Disagree on a few
FB: JB will not be at FB. Roberson and either DLT or Moss. JB is in rotation with MB and it will probably stay that way.
OG: Riser will redshirt (and needs to). Good ability but needs to work on technique. Ashcraft will get into the rotation. I hope OT stays that way…is we can ’shirt Hughes and Riser, we will be building serious depth at OT.
TE: I think McFarland starts and we run a lot of 2 TE sets as well. McFarland was being raved about last spring but ’shirted because of depth issues. I think he gets the nod. Grant really needs to work on his blocking abilities. Also, he needs to be more consistent catching the ball. TE will be interesting to watch this season.
WR: push. I think all four of those guys rotate and we might even sees some Sanders too. I bet we see a lot more Harris than people think…
Fullback
I’m not sure if we necessarily continue to use FB as a place to store our least talented players. If we can use Bergeron there in some packages we could take advantage of his strength, receiving abilities, and potentially running skill in option series.
The single-back offense took the FB out of the equation for reasons such as DLT, Moss, and Roberson. Why have that guy on the field for 60 snaps a game when you could put someone out there who can score?
Forced because of depth
I agree that last season the FB position was decreased. However, I think if Harsin sees that it can work, he is more likely to use it. I get the feeling we will be running more of a power game with PA mixed in.
If Roberson, DLT, Moss find a way to excell at FB then I see Harsin utilizing them. Main reason being decreasing the amount of reps taken by MB, JB, JG. Plus, DLT and Moss likely get lost in the depth chart if not moved. I think Harsin will at least give it a shot to see if he can utilize them.
I don’t disagree with you but I don’t agree either. I’m thinking this will come down to what happens during the spring honestly. It has already been said by the coaches that JB will not play a FB role so I’m just reading between the lines.
BTW, good to see you on here Nickel…really enjoy your stuff at BC
Thanks
and I suppose I agree.
I watched a presentation of Joe Gibbs on his zone runs and he had a stat that basically amounted to
FB in the formation, no negative runs, few explosive runs.
Single back formation: more negative runs and explosive runs.
In his mind, if the offensive avoided negative runs and broke some long ones, everything else would work out fine. If a fullback helps you achieve that even if he can’t do anything else, I suppose that’s still valuable.
I’m thinking that what the coaches mean is that Bergeron isn’t going to just be a blocker because the dude is a special runner, however I still wonder if he ends up playing some fullback.
Good point
I honestly don’t know what will happen. I can’t remember a time when we had 3 loaded RBs able to play. I’m not complaining at all, just wonder how they will each be utilized. JB maybe a Ricky Williams type FB? Ricky was still pretty deadly before he was moved to RB. JB’s skillset would allow him to gain serious yards that way too.
It has already been said by the coaches that JB will not play a FB role
They said he will not “exclusively” play full back, they did not say he would not play full back, that just means he will get some carries. Mack went on to say that their would be some opportunity to get 2 of these backs in the game at the same time…i.e FB and TB
"We are who we are. People say what they say. The outcome is the outcome. We are proud of ourselves." -DeLoss Dodds 9/21/2011
or split back
Harsin will find a way to get all 3 on the field at some point as well. Multiple formations and not just a power look.
agreed
Diamond formation would blow my mind
-
-——-Gray
Brown—-Bergeron
-——-Ash
Offensive Line———————-DJ Monroe——-Shipley
"We are who we are. People say what they say. The outcome is the outcome. We are proud of ourselves." -DeLoss Dodds 9/21/2011
Go no huddle out of this package, and motion Gray out to TE/slot receiver when necessary.
The defense has to respect the multiple-back look and play 3 LBs, with the result that a LB has to cover Gray now — good effing luck.
Oh. Aggies, I apologize; I forgot you were there. You may go now.
by pleaseplaykindle on Feb 6, 2012 1:04 PM CST up reply actions
And oh my god the screen passes to Gray..
drool
Oh. Aggies, I apologize; I forgot you were there. You may go now.
by pleaseplaykindle on Feb 6, 2012 1:06 PM CST up reply actions
I'm picturing...
and DJ jet sweep toss to Gray
"We are who we are. People say what they say. The outcome is the outcome. We are proud of ourselves." -DeLoss Dodds 9/21/2011
all fine and well
but this means Brown and Bergeron have to block people. Blocking is a learned skill that took CoJo half the year to master, and it exposes you to punishment.
I don’t see these types of formations being primary packages for us next year.
blocking...
is a learned skill, but it also requires toughness and willingness…a lot of RBs don’t block well because they don’t like it.
I think the overall point here is that Texas has a boatload of offensive talent. It can be used in many ways, but here is the thing….
Someone has got to get them the ball
I'm roving with Nickel Rover
I agree with you on Bergeron. If you have an influx of talent at one position, and they are all around the same age, then you find a way to get them all on the field during the course of the game. With a playbook as open as Harsinwhite’s, there’s no reason not to have five studs who can house it on the field every down…especially when the talent is there. I mean, Shipley, Gray, Brown, Bergeron, Monroe, Davis, Goodwin, Hales, Harris, Grant, McFarland, Onyegbule, Sanders, Daje, Mykkele, Duke, Overstreet, and Colbert could all drop six on any given touch.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Burnt Orange Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
