Positional Competition

[Dan71268_rivals210055]

Reading lots of comments about Barker and him being named starter for next season. My thoughts are that if there's a better QB on the roster, they'll start over DB. Same for any position be it offense or defense. You have to push these guys to impove each week. With new position coach and coordinator in staff, the QB race should be open.

I understand that to create continuity you want the first string guys practicing together during the week but the pressure is on and mistakes like appointing a starting QB in January might be foolish. I think Barker wins the job but do not think that this staff will hand it to him. He's going to have to earn it.

Go Cats

 

[akaukswoosh]

Look forward to Gran and Hinshaw comments Monday.

 

[UKCatNnc]

We should always look to recruit better players at each position. Every player should always expect to compete for their position. Go Cats!!

 

[trumpetcat]

I thought this was going to be a competition to guess the starters and depth.

 

[docholiday51]

Look forward to Gran and Hinshaw comments Monday.

I don't think they will go very far down the QB road because Barker is the only game in town right now. They can't afford to shake the apple cart that has only one apple in it

 

[3kidsandme]

I thought this was going to be a competition to guess the starters and depth.

I was hoping. Who starts at backer and on the dline should be interesting. Does Dubose start to be able to help us. Does guys like Allen Ware Walker start to compete.

 

[jauk11]

I was hoping. Who starts at backer and on the dline should be interesting. Does Dubose start to be able to help us. Does guys like Allen Ware Walker start to compete.

I agree, QB the most important, especially with the possible lack of depth there, but the EXCELLENT news is that we do have legitimate competition at almost all the other positions. Something often overlooked, and something we have been sorely missing for a long time.

 

[merrimanm]

I agree, QB the most important, especially with the possible lack of depth there, but the EXCELLENT news is that we do have legitimate competition at almost all the other positions. Something often overlooked, and something we have been sorely missing for a long time.

It has definitely gotten better, but still a long way to go.

 

[Dan71268_rivals210055]

Depth is much better with more on the way.
I think we see either current starter live up to press clippings or younger guys taking thier spots. Pay attention to the WR starters at the beginning of the season, I bet it changes drastically by mid season. No time for drop balls or head cases.

 

[Beatle Bum]

I am looking forward to seeing how the true frosh on defense get that played this year and the RS frosh get bigger and improve with a spring. KD, Allen, Jones, Westry, and Baity all need to be stronger to compete. They should all really improve thru the spring and into the fall. Brown, Walker, Beck, Jackson ... Looking forward to their development. Also, the RS frosh (Ware, Edwards, West, Middleton) who played minutes this year will be ready to really compete this spring now that they have taste the SEC.

Also, Miggins and Bell will benefit from a spring. Hard for Jucos to transition that first year without a spring. Lassiter and Love are two I want to hear about, as well as a healthy (I hope) Kobie Walker. And, will Hatcher approach his senior year like he did the end of the season, with more fire? Will Elam drop more weight and become more mobile?

The defense is my focus for the spring. I realize the offense will have a new look and players trying to identify with the new OC, but I think the key is in defense improvement.

 

[LawCat1989_rivals]

Looking forward to seeing the immediate impact from our JUCO additions: Leavitt and Bonner. Really think they can shore up some problem areas for us.

I think in year 2 Westry will emerge as an elite corner and likely honorable mention all SEC.

Would love to see if Kayuane Ross (6'6) can provide a red zone target and also see a HUGE increase is usage of Conrad as H-back.

Lots to look forward to (have said this for many years though lol).

 

[gobigblue812_rivals29381]

Will the OL and front 7 on D see some shake ups? We are replacing a lot of LBs. I think we're ok at the S and CB positions.

 

[Mr Schwump]

I was hoping. Who starts at backer and on the dline should be interesting. Does Dubose start to be able to help us. Does guys like Allen Ware Walker start to compete.

Thought Dubose had to have knee surgery?

 

[3kidsandme]

Thought Dubose had to have knee surgery?

He may have I'm not sure. But I remember Stoops mentioning him as a guy who may help out at nose behind Elam. If he got hurt after that then I'm not sure.

 

[jauk11]

He may have I'm not sure. But I remember Stoops mentioning him as a guy who may help out at nose behind Elam. If he got hurt after that then I'm not sure.

Dubose has always intrigued me, a basketball player in HS that only played two years of football. He was a 5.4 when he committed and improved to a 5.6 by they time he signed, also gained over 40# by this season.

Both he and Meant have had some high praise from the coaches, not sure if injuries, inexperience, or whatever has kept them from their potential, but time for them to live up to it.