A closer look at our 14

by Kevin , Thursday, April 23, 2009, 11:35 (6306 days ago) @ FunkDoctorSpock
edited by Kevin, Thursday, April 23, 2009, 12:23

Clausen: I'm happy with him. Not perfect, but he's on his way.
Sam Young: I'm happy with Sam.
Aldridge: Could emerge as a fullback, but I've never felt he's been at 100%
Allen: Hasn't yet been great, but he's shown some good signs.
Walls: I love Walls -- hope he's the same as in 2007.
Floyd: Thrilled with Floyd.
Rudolph: Same
E. Johnson: Same
Trevor Robinson: May not start this year; hasn't put it together yet
Kamara: Ditto
Romine: Hasn't really played, won't start this year
Crist: n/a -- hasn't had his chance yet
Te'o: Incoming freshman
Zeke Motta: Freshman, heard good things so far

In sum, eight starters, two freshmen, the backup QB, and a couple guys who haven't quite lived up to the top-60 expectations. Not a terrible yield, and maybe the freshmen will pitch in right away.

I'm feeling pessimistic. I'll be perfectly honest: I didn't like what I saw at the Blue and Gold game. I know I should think those games are useless, but I do not like either one of our lines. I thought our offensive linemen looked inept in pass protection, regressing from the progress made last year. I thought our defense looked terrible against the run -- not just the front guys, but the linebackers, too.

Right now, I feel really confident in Kyle McCarthy, Ethan Johnson, Walls, Blanton, McNeil, and maybe Harrison Smith. I think we have some issues at linebacker, and I hope we answer the MLB question with someone other than Brian Smith. I like Sergio Brown, but I want to see more consistent, smart play from him. I hope the light comes on for Filer, that Neal and Fleming are physically ready to go, and that we can put true DTs at the DT spots. I think that's a lot to hope for over the summer.