They're indicating his weight loss should help with that this season.
Yep. I think the hesitation is a product of him being a true freshman, and being a step slow. Lost 20lbs and cut his body fat % in half...one of his biggest assets in high school was hitting the hole with a head of steam. It's going to be such a luxury to have a bruiser to bring in at the end of games when the defense is gassed.
We've got to get Timmons catching punts properly, he will be a Cobb like punt returner if we can get him comfortable back there. Nothing quite like a big return to get the momentum going. Wouldn't mind seeing a guy like Badet back there as well but Timmons has the shiftiness, vision, and pure speed to really be a difference maker back there.
Jabari Johnson is a veteran that's getting overlooked. He's not going to get 10+ sacks but he will set the edge against the run as well as anyone we've got(and do it consistently). He was a bit pudgy last year if he's made the type of body transformation we've seen with the other guys then watch out.
OL has *got* to stay healthy. Talented but not deep, they were bad last year but when you return the majority of your line it's going to be way better the second time around.
I would like us to use Towles to run 3-5 times a game, he's too effective not to. Let him tuck it when it's wide open, and we're looking at stealing a few first downs a game. After the first one they'll have to bring someone up or assign a spy which will open up the rest of the field.
Boom, Badet, and Timmons are all guys that can break one any time they touch the ball. How long has it been since we've had 3 legit home run hitters? Locke and Cobb were close. Little/Burton/Johnson were all good but they were all 4.5/4.6 and could be caught from behind.
I expect to see a lot more interceptions this year, our top 4 int leaders will be back. Stamps is a ball hawk and has added good weight, same for Forrest. Seems like a couple of these freshman will come in and have opportunities..
Stamps - 6
Forrest - 4
McWilson - 3
Tiller - 2
5 guys with one or two, should put us over 20 for the year which is a fair number to expect with this bunch.
All things considered it seems like everyone is excited and for good reason...