Strong Recuiting class will provide solid depth
Coming off the strongest defensive recruiting class in recent memory and an overall stellar recruiting class for Brian Kelly’s first off-season in blue and gold, I feel the depth chart could be shaken up this upcoming season. Here is my projections for starters and back-ups for the offense for the 2011-12 season.
QB- Dayne Crist
Tommy Rees
Everett Golson-Fr.
Andrew Hendryx
Nate Montana
Photo of Everett Golson Courtesy of UHND.COM
For the Quarterbacks: I feel Tommy Rees did enough to be named the starter for the upcoming season in the last four games of the season. Rees showed a lot of maturity in every start he made, but I think the abiliy/upside of Crist will be enough in the end to get the starting nod, but Rees is no joke for a backup and should Crist go down no Irish fan will have to worry. As far as 3rd, 4th and 5th string. Golson is an unbelieveable prospect. He is an athlete that fits in perfectly in Brian Kelly’s style of offense. Project him to be the future starter down the road. As for Hendryx and Montana, we didn’t get to see Hendryx play last season and when we did see Montana he didn’t WOW anyone although his time was limited.
RB- Cierre Wood
Jonas Gray
Cam Roberson
Cam McDaniel-Fr.
For the Running Backs: Not the strongest suit of the team and only signed on running back in this class after having a few de-commitments from Amir Carlisle (USC) and Justice Hayes (Michigan). It also hurt not being able to sign Savon Huggins (Rutgers), but look for Cierre Wood to get a bulk of the carries. I’m excited to see what Roberson and McDaniel can do, Roberson gained a lot of praise on the scout teams. As for McDaniel, although he wasn’t a highly sought after recruit he could be the hidden gem in this class.
WR- 1. Michael Floyd
2. Theo Riddick
3. TJ Jones
Reserves:
Davaris Daniels-Fr.
John Goodman
Robbie Toma
The Wide Receivers: Having Floyd come back for his senior season can help all Irish fans rest easy. He gives so much to this receiving core and should help guys like Jones and Riddick find open space in the secondary. The coaching staff has pondered with the idea of moving Riddick back to running back, but I feel he could be somewhat of a utility man and waver back and forth between the two. Jones wasn’t spectacular, but very solid in his Freshman season. Expect Davaris Daniels to see significant playing time in his freshman season. The recruit from Illinois was a highly touted prospect and should provide nice depth to an already solid group of receivers.
Photo Courtesy of midwestsportsfans.com
TE- Tyler Eifert
Ben Koyak-Fr.
Mike Ragone
The Tight Ends: It hurts to see Kyle Rudolph leave, but Eifert was sensational when he was thrust into the starting role. Koyak is a nice prospect that should see significant playing time especially if Mike Ragone isn’t able to come back for another season. Even if Ragone does come back I have as the third tight end on the depth chart because of what I have seen on Koyak’s game film.
The Offensive Line: Returning will be the whole group, except Chris Stewart. This may be the strongest group on the offense. No major weaknesses and having Taylor Dever get a 5th year is huge. Look for a few freshman to provide solid depth and possibly make the two deep for next season. One guy who sticks out the most is Matthew Hegarty from Aztec, New Mexico. He is a great athlete and will be starting for the Irish soon.