Post Spring Depth Chart: Who Cracks the Two Deep?

Offense

Quarterback: Ty Storey OR Cole Kelley

It’s fitting that the two ended the spring game with near identical numbers. The competition should continue into fall practice and most likely both players will see the field at some point. With Daulton Hyatt and Austin Aune on the roster Chad Morris seems to ideally want Connor Noland to redshirt this upcoming season.

Running Back: Devwah Whaley / T.J. Hammonds OR Chase Hayden OR Maleek Williams

Easily the most crowded spot on the roster. Whaley was the most productive back during the spring game so he’s still the likely number one. The other three have all had bright spots but are all going to get reps. We’re definitely past ranting about Hammonds getting two touches per game, but he’s definitely not getting 20.

Wide Receiver 1: Jonathan Nance / La’Michael Pettway

Wide Receiver 2: Michael Woods / Deon Stewart

Wide Receiver 3: Jared Cornelius / Brandon Martin (INJ)

Cornelius and Martin were both out of the game with injuries, but should have their roles when healthy. Michael Woods has stepped on campus and is already getting reps with the first and second team. Expect him to get the most time this year among incoming freshmen.

Tight End: Cheyenne O’Grady / Jeremy Patton OR Austin Cantrell

The tight end position is definitely still going to be a factor this year and O’Grady had the biggest moments of Saturday’s game. Patton and Cantrell should also get significant reps with Grayson Gunter and Will Gragg also potentially getting in the mix.

Left Tackle: Colton Jackson / Shane Clenin

Left Guard: Hjalte Froholdt / Kirby Adcock

Center: Dylan Hays / Ty Clary

Right Guard: Johnny Gibson / Jalen Merrick

Right Tackle: Brian Wallace / Dalton Wagner

It sounds like the plan is to redshirt the incoming freshman. That plan could change very quickly if there are any injuries. This group has pretty consistently been the five throughout the spring so I wouldn’t expect much to change come fall.

Defense

Defensive End 1: Gabe Richardson / Michael Taylor

Defensive End 2: Randy Ramsey / Jamario Bell

Richardson, Ramsey, and Bell all had very good moments during the spring game. With Sosa moving to the tackle position, theres increased opportunity here and they look to be taking advantage.

Defensive Tackle: McTelvin Agim / T.J. Smith

Defensive Tackle: Armon Watts / Austin Capps (INJ) OR Briston Guidry

Agim wasn’t at the spring game due to a funeral but is about as strong of a lock to start that this team has. It was pretty clear there is going to be a lot of rotation among the defensive line so expect to see some of everyone on this list.

SLB: Hayden Henry OR D’Vone McClure

MLB: De’Jon Harris / Grant Morgan

WLB: Dre Greenlaw / Dee Walker

Greenlaw and Scoota are both very comfortable locks to start come game one. There’s also the question if Kevin Richardson gets another year of eligibility, that could add another player to the SLB/Nickel group.

Cornerback 1: Ryan Pulley / Britto Tutt

Cornerback 2: Chevin Calloway / Nate Dalton

Strong Safety: Kamren Curl / Reid Miller (INJ)

Free Safety: Santos Ramirez / Montaric Brown

Moving Curl to safety makes this one of the deeper groups on the team, definitely the most talented. It was clear with Pulley back on the field how much the secondary missed him last season. Ramirez looks as active as ever and should be one of the top tacklers this season.

Special Teams

Kicker: Connor Limpert OR Chris Lopez

Punter: Blake Johnson

Kickoff Returner: De’Vion Warren / Gary Cross

Punt Returner: Jared Cornelius / Deon Stewart

Get ready for another year of special teams struggling. Limpert had a poor game in the weather. Future Heisman winner Chris Lopez hit both of his field goals, although one bounced off the post. While weather conditions were bad both had bad days along with Blake Johnson. Warren continues his role as kick returner and Cornelius should likely slot in at punt returns.