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What position battles are you looking forward to this Spring?

Duff Man

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Junta Member
Offense: I want to see what happens on the interior line.

Defense: I want to see what happens at DE.
 
Offense: QB. - I'm rooting for Hansen, because I think he has the physical tools to bring the offense to the next level.

Defense: DT - who's going to replace Nicholas and TRG? This is going to be huge. Whoever it ends up being needs to strap on their helmets and play like men possessed, because we're going to need them.
 
Offense: QB (Hope Hansen comes out on top), WR (Finally we have some competition!!)

Defense: Safety (Can Perkins/Mahnke hold on or will Vigo, or others step up), Dline
 
Offense: Agreed that I think the battle for the Offensive Guard spots are going to be interesting. I also think there will be some good battles at the WR spot (assuming Simmons qualifies and gets in). I'm hoping it forces J-fly to become a much better player.

Defense: I'd have to say linebacker spot, as that's the place where we have ridiculous depth and I want to see how big a splash Katoa, Major & Rippy make
 
I'm interested in pretty much every battle. Each and every position has an interesting story line.

Good answer.:smile2:

I don't know how I forgot about QB on the offense, but that will be the one everyone watches. Hopefully we have a lot more answers than questions at the end of the spring.
 
QB: TH has the athletic skills, CH has the FB IQ. I am hoping for TH simply because CH has too much difficulty getting the ball to the middle third of the field on anything other than an under neath route. Too easy to defend that way.

S: Polk, Mahnke and A. Perkins shoudl be battling, Vigo may be in the mix too.

C/OG: Iltis, MTM, Behrens, Eastridge, Daniels, maybe even Givens and Tau. Nice to have some big athletes to compete there.

WR: Simas, Smith, Simmons (if he qualifies), Blackmon, McKnight

DL: Obi, Herrod, Kasa, Cunningham, Nuckols, Shields, Goree, should be interesting.
 
RB and Safeties.

I want to see if if Speedy can return to form after a broken leg and I also want to see if Scott took the off-season serious enough to contend this year for starting time.

I was impressed by both our back up Safeties late in the year when they were called upon. Having Polk and the greyshirt kid back there as well is very exciting to see if we can't get back to the days of great safeties like Michael Lewis, Figures, etc.
 
Good answer.:smile2:

I don't know how I forgot about QB on the offense, but that will be the one everyone watches. Hopefully we have a lot more answers than questions at the end of the spring.

I know it seems like a cop out answer but there are only three guys that I'd put money on being at the same starting position that they were last season, being Mohler, Miller and Solder.
 
Offense: Center. and WR. I am not as worried about QB as others, and RB will be solid. The tackles don't seem likely to change, and the guards aren't as important as the C, which we ALL know needs to play well to keep the offense from disastrous miscues. I am just excited that WR SHOULD have some competition finally.

Defense: Rush end. Who replaces Brad Jones? Are we even sticking with that wierd quasi 3/4 alignment we had last season? Yes, the DT's are important to stop the run, but I have a feeling they will at least be adequate. The opportunity for the greatest improvement over last year will be in getting to the QB. Is Kasa gonna take over? Or is Obi gonna get off his butt and kick ass?

I find it strange that only one person has mentioned LB. ALL of those spots are up for grabs, even mohlers due to the influx of injured/suspended talent.

Edit: Mohler seems more solid now that I think about it... but Major is coming! plus, if Katoa makes it in...
 
I know it seems like a cop out answer but there are only three guys that I'd put money on being at the same starting position that they were last season, being Mohler, Miller and Solder.

I don't think it is a cop out answer at all. There are a lot of open positions right now.
 
I find it strange that only one person has mentioned LB. ALL of those spots are up for grabs, even mohlers due to the influx of injured/suspended talent.

Edit: Mohler seems more solid now that I think about it... but Major is coming! plus, if Katoa makes it in...

Everyone talks about the redshirts/injured/suspended talent at LB, but Beatty was our second best LB at the end of the year IMO. If he can stay healthy, I think he can be a force.
 
QB: For obvious reasons.

RB: Some think this is Speedy's job to lose, but I think DS is really going to turn some heads. And of course we can't forget about the 8000x better Lockridge or Sumler.

S: Perkins and Mahnke did great last season when they had to step in, but are guys like Vigo or even Orms going to make a case for playing time? I would love to see Polk in the mix too but we won't know about him until after spring ball.

OL: I think pretty much every position is up for grabs, and it's going to be exciting to see who impresses. There are so many guys coming back off injuries, redshirts, and academic suspension hungry for a chance to show they've got what it takes, vs everyone last year who had to step in and picked up a lot of experience.

K: syke
 
Offense

QB- It looks like it'll be Hawkins and Hansen but I'm not quite ready to forget about Ballenger.

RB/FB-Probably the most talented spot on the roster, but still unproven for the most part. Speedy looked like the real deal up until his leg injury and D. Scott had flashes of living up to the hype. Sumler actually played really well towards the end of last year. Lockridge has been getting tons of love too. I really don't think there will be a true #1 TB as this will be a lot like 2001 when we had a 4 headed monster in the back field. Unless Sumler is moved, Jake Behrens will be the starting FB.

WR-Key player here is Simas. If he's got his head on straight he greatly improves this group. Smith is about ready to turn the corner, I'd be surprised if he's not the break out offensive player this year. McKnight will be the ever steady player he always is. The rest of the WRs participating in Spring ball are pretty pedestrian and we need to see something out of Chance Blackmon

TE-Should be a great battle between Geer, Devanney, Wallace and Deehan. I expect TE to be a strength of this team but run blocking is going to be the area of growth that needs the most improvement. With that said, I think Geer is the #TE coming out of spring ball.

T- One position where I think we can name the starters once spring ball is over. Solder and Miller should be the starters but Givens (who's listed at G as of now) and Tau will have to have stand out springs to move ahead of Miller and Solder.

G/C-As has been mentioned the most competition along the OL will occur here. Givens and MTM are the most talented guys, but Givens is a RS Frosh and MTM is coming off his second serious knee injury in three years. If head, Iltis or Behrens can't crack into one of the guard spots, I think one of them will be the C. I don't see Eastburn or Stevens being the starting center.

Starting lineup at the end of Spring ball

QB-Hawkins
RB-Scott
FB-Behrens
WR-Simas/McKnight
TE-Geer
OT-Solder/Miller
OG-Givens/MTM
C-Iltis
 
QB. We'll finally start having some legit competition as Hansen will have some PT experience and will be in his second year, Ballenger is now in his 3rd year in the system and Cody has the most experience and leadership abilities of the three.

RB. I'm looking to forward to seeing Scott break out. We all know what Stewart is capable of and Sumler was awesome in the last few games (esp when he caught screens/underneath passes). I'd like to see someone be the Thunder to Speedy's Lightning.

S. We have some depth, but a lot of inexperience. No one has a huge advantage over the others so it will be a close race. Elite speed at S (Polk) is what this team needs at Safety, but we'll have to wait until the fall for Polk to heal.

DL. The entire DL needs to perform and I'd love to see them perform well in the spring against our OL (which should be damn good and have good depth). I want to see the DTs eating up blocks and the DEs causing pressure off the edge.

LBs. After the DL I thought the LBs were performed the most poorly last year. I know we were spoiled with Dizon the year before, but the incoming guys and the guys who redshirted or had to take off a year have a great chance to earn PT. With a young DL this unit is going to have to pick up a lot of slack, IMO.
 
I would say first and foremost QB- Does hansen take over? Does cody do better with healthy starting 5?

OL- Many guys in the loop, What 3 besides miller and solder will emerge?

DL- I think cunningham is one guy and herrod, who are the other two? Does obi finally show something? Does pericak move up, goree? Do we start nuckols?

These are the 3 that intrigue me the most.
 
QB-Obvious reasons
RB-We're stacked, any way we go I think we will be solid
OG/C

Defense-Every position
 
Out in San Diego...
QB- Really looking forward to hearing if Hansen gets a fair chance or will Hawkins be given all the 1st team snaps?

RB- Want to see if Lockridge is given a fair opportunity.

TE- This is a great group, wondering how it will turn out with the red shirts and the experienced.

OL- Want to see how the new coach influences this talented area.

DB- Is Ewing going to make a difference? Interesting to see who will tackle well?

LB- Will Mohler be the leader.

Special teams...how will the kickers develope?
 
I have nothing new to add to talk of the race at QB, RB or S. In my opinion, if we get the trenches figured out and healthy, alot of our ills will be solved. Cody might be as good as Reesing if he gets the time. I expect Nuckols to start right away at DT alongside Cunningham, with Obi and Kasa on the ends.

KickerPunter - Not many have mentioned this - I want Grossnickle starting unless he suffers from the same psychological problems that Davis/Goodman went through. This position cost us more than any other last year. DiLallo was disappointing as well, I wouldn't mind Grossy doing those duties as well if he can do them consistently.

LB - I want the new blood (Major, Rippy, Katoa) to see the field alot. I know alot of you liked Mohler, but if you watch the long runs against CU last year (Florida St., Texas) that absolutely killed the team, Mohler was the guy out of position. Smart has guts but no speed. Beatty could be a real force. I really like Rippy's upside.

TE - The upperclassmen really need to step up here, or the young guys belong on the field. Geer and Devenney were relegated to blocking alot and Cody had trouble finding them over the middle, but they also appeared to regress. Thornton should redshirt, but he might be the specimen of the bunch.

I think we are great at RB, WR, CB, S, and T.
 
I've seen a couple Katoa references here. Guys, don't count on it.

Is that insider info on his grade situation...or just your believe by putting 2 & 2 together through his track record?

I agree he hasn't been a ray of sunshine & hope since he arrived, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he's getting things done until I'm told otherwise....It would be an awful waste of talent & potential to just throw it away like that
 
I've seen a couple Katoa references here. Guys, don't count on it.
I feel the same about Tau, what has he done to show us he'll get ont eh field? and if he does that he'll be any good?
 
I have nothing new to add to talk of the race at QB, RB or S. In my opinion, if we get the trenches figured out and healthy, alot of our ills will be solved. Cody might be as good as Reesing if he gets the time. I expect Nuckols to start right away at DT alongside Cunningham, with Obi and Kasa on the ends.

Curious why you think Herrod will be left out at DE. I know people like Obi, but Herrod has a huge experience edge here (and I actually think he's better).

LB - I want the new blood (Major, Rippy, Katoa) to see the field alot. I know alot of you liked Mohler, but if you watch the long runs against CU last year (Florida St., Texas) that absolutely killed the team, Mohler was the guy out of position. Smart has guts but no speed. Beatty could be a real force. I really like Rippy's upside.

Actually, the guy who was regularly out of position on long plays was Dykes IMO. Mohler was the most consistent LB on the field last year, I don't think putting a young, inexperienced guy is an upgrade whatsoever. Also, as sackys says, counting on Kotoa to contribute this year is hoping for quite a bit.

TE - The upperclassmen really need to step up here, or the young guys belong on the field. Geer and Devenney were relegated to blocking alot and Cody had trouble finding them over the middle, but they also appeared to regress. Thornton should redshirt, but he might be the specimen of the bunch.

I think you're a little harsh on Geer here. Remember he missed the first couple games due to knee troubles, not to mention his legal troubles last Spring. I think a more focused Geer should be just fine as the starter.
 
The positions where the Buffs have talent/depth will be interesting, but my curiosity lies with those positions where real question marks live.

Center: I have no clue who has the inside track as of right now. I'm not sure any of us do. The team really needs someone....anyone....to step up here.

Tight End: On the surface, the team seems to be in good shape here, but the offense will use a more downhill running style this year - this will impact this position a lot. Are they ready for it? On the personnel-side -- Geer sat out some games last year and was finally visible again late. Devenney has been steady when there, but didn't see the field a great deal last year. Deehan showed some real flashes, but again, didn't see the field alot. Wallace, a RFR, is an unknown. The competition here, along with the offensive changes, is really intriguing.

Defensive Tackle: Cunningham and Goree have the most experience of the returning DT's. Kaynor has played some, then there's.......who???? All eyes will be on the interior of the D this spring.

Special Teams: Who will have the best practices of the place kickers and punters? Dunno. Somebody needs to. Last year, the Buffs suffered from: a. inconsistent punting; b. inconsistent punt returns; c. horrific field goal unit; d. lackluster kickoffs and kick coverage. The only constant (and one of the only bright spots) has been Drescher, but he's a senior so it begs the question - who is being groomed to take his place? Lots to watch on this front.
 
Curious why you think Herrod will be left out at DE. I know people like Obi, but Herrod has a huge experience edge here (and I actually think he's better).



Actually, the guy who was regularly out of position on long plays was Dykes IMO. Mohler was the most consistent LB on the field last year, I don't think putting a young, inexperienced guy is an upgrade whatsoever. Also, as sackys says, counting on Kotoa to contribute this year is hoping for quite a bit.


I think you're a little harsh on Geer here. Remember he missed the first couple games due to knee troubles, not to mention his legal troubles last Spring. I think a more focused Geer should be just fine as the starter.


Mohler made more plays than most last year. You are correct, it was dykes who was out of position. Mohler, beatty and why is nobody mentioning SIPILI?
 
Punter:
DiLalo, The Moose, or D.Scott?


DarrellScott.jpg


Darrell Scott had a better day as a punter than a running back. He was kicking the heck out of the ball. The crowd was ooohing and ahhhing on every punt. Him punting on the occasional play is going to be a great advantage for the Buffs.

Obviously, he's just wasting that punting talent as a running back, waiting for DiLallo to graduate. :smile2:
 
I would say first and foremost QB- Does hansen take over? Does cody do better with healthy starting 5?

The quarterback battle is the most interesting to me. Oddly enough, I really want to see Ballenger break out and show us something special this spring.
I don't want it to be a two-way race; want to see all three competing their hearts out.

Each one of those guys has something to contribute, just can't tell which one of them will emerge from the pack as the clear QB leader.
 
The quarterback battle is the most interesting to me. Oddly enough, I really want to see Ballenger break out and show us something special this spring.
I don't want it to be a two-way race; want to see all three competing their hearts out.

Each one of those guys has something to contribute, just can't tell which one of them will emerge from the pack as the clear QB leader.

Ballenger's arm, Hansen's feet and cody's knowledge of the offense, clone it now.
 
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