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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.