Started a thread like this last year and it made for some interesting discussion. With the Howard depth chart expected to be out in the next few days, figured I'd make my predictions and see what others think.

I have to say, I expected back in February that most of this class would redshirt, but from the practice reports it sounds like quite a few of them are going to see the field this year.

(*I'll include the jucos too so there's no confusion, but I certainly expect them all to play.)

PLAY (11)

WR Zi Letman*
TE Collin Reed
OL Vic Johnson
DE Tee Sims*
DE Chris Favoroso
LB Anthony Flory
LB Dezmin Reed*
LB Akeem Davis
CB Mondo Williams*
CB Tae Hayes
S Josh Thomas


REDSHIRT (10)

QB Jake Easter
QB Daniel David
WR Mock Adams
OL Alex Taylor
OL Bo Alexander
DT Brody Barrett
LB Ed Davis
DB Desmond Franklin
DE Devin Papenheim
K Michael Rubino


Wish we could redshirt Johnson and A. Davis, as both need to bulk up. But it sounds like Johnson will be needed for depth, and Davis just won't let the coaches keep him off the field.

If anything, there might be a couple more guys who are ready to play (Adams and E. Davis), but I'm projecting they'll RS just based on depth. And Rubino sounds like he might be about 50/50 to play right now.

I think there is good possibility that Collin Reed redshirts.

Daniel David will be a wait and see. Its possible he is the second string QB. Just depends on the situation. I'd like to think the one of the Taylor/Johnson lineman will redshirt and one will be used for depth. Possible both shirt.

Michael Rubino likely will not redshirt. Based on what I have seen and heard, its still a dead heat between Matics and Rubino.

It sounds like Rubino is going to play as either the PK or KO. I've also heard on Scout that Alex Taylor may play although they hope to RS him. We're a little thin at Tackle so if anyone gets injured he'll be on the two deep.

Pretty sure David is behind Caruso right now, and even if he does pass him, I don't think they'll pull the shirt off him to be the backup as long as Lamb is healthy.

I may well be wrong about Rubino. I had him penciled in as the likely starter before the spring, but it sounds like Matics has had a good camp. I just don't understand why IF - and it's a big if - Matics wins the PK job, they wouldn't also have him on kickoffs, as he actually did very well at that toward the end of last season.

QB - Both David and Easter redshirt
WR - Adams redshirts
TE - Reed plays
OL - Johnson plays, Alexander and Taylor redshirt
DL - Barrett, Favoroso, and Papenheim redshirt
LB - Flory plays, Davis and Davis redshirt
DB - Hayes and Thomas play, Franklin redshirts
PK - Rubino redshirts unless he wins the starting job, but I don't think they'll hesitate to pull it if necessary.

I agree with those who say that the coaches won't pull the redshirt off of Daniel David to be the backup. If Lamb gets injured, they have a decision to make, but even then David would have to be clearly better than Caruso to pull the shirt. Let's hope that is not an issue!

All four of the JuCo's were brought in to compete and play immediately, not redshirt. The only true freshmen who for sure won't redshirt at the time are Hayes, Thomas, Vic Johnson and Rubino.

T-Dog wrote:All four of the JuCo's were brought in to compete and play immediately, not redshirt. The only true freshmen who for sure won't redshirt at the time are Hayes, Thomas, Vic Johnson and Rubino.

I think Collin Reed is more of sure thing than Rubino.