The month of August is almost over, and with a week of fall camp left, it’s time for the experts to start making their projections as to who will be where.
Quarterback
1: Bo Nix
2: Ty Thompson
There was no competition for the starting QB, so there are no changes in projection.
Running Back
1: Bucky Irving/Noah Whittington
2: Jordon James
No changes in projection,
Tight End
1: Terrence Ferguson
2: Casey Kelly/Patrick Herbert
I doubt we’ll be seeing much of Kenyon Sadiq, which is why I put Kelly ahead of Herbert
Wide Receiver
X:
1: Troy Franklin
2: Kris Hutson
Y:
1: Tez Johnson
2: Gary Bryant Jr.
Z:
1: Traeshon Holden
2: Kyler Kasper
This can vary greatly depending on how they decide to line up the WR position depending on personnel and whether they want to go for a less traditional 10 personnel for that boost in speed.
Linebackers
MLB:
1: Jestin Jacobs
2: Devon Jackson
WILL:
1: Jeffrey Bassa
2: Jamal Hill
SAM:
1: Mase Funa
2: Connor Soelle
There are a couple changes, but it’s otherwise pretty up in the air; mostly moving players around.
Defensive Line
DE:
1: Brandon Dorlus
2: Blake Purchase
DT:
1: Casey Rogers
2: Keyon Ware-Hudson
NT:
1: Popo Aumavae
2: Taki Taimani
EDGE:
1: Jordan Burch
2: Matayo Uiagalelei
The big addition is Purchase’s spot as DE2, since the rumors ever since the scrimmage games that he’s a promising player.
Offensive Line
LT:
1: Josh Conerly Jr.
2: Faaope Laloulu
LG:
1: Junior Angilau
2: Marcus Harper II
C:
1: Jackson Powers-Johnson
2: Marcus Harper II
RG:
1: Nishad Strother
2: Steven Jones
RT:
1: Ajani Cornelius
2: George Silva
Admittedly this was difficult to pin down, but we feel confident on Cornelius and Conerly Jr.. Outside of those who, it still remains to be seen.
Cornerbacks
FIELD:
1: Nikko Reed
2: Dontae Manning/Jahlil Florence
BOUNDARY:
1: Khyree Jackson
2: Trikweze Bridges
No real changes save for Florence.
Safeties
FIELD:
1: Bryan Addison
2: Kodi DeCambra
BOUNDARY:
1: Evan Williams
2: Steve Stephens IV
STAR:
1: Tysheem Johnson
2: Cole Martin/ Nikko Reed
My confidence absolutely lies in Williams and Johnson, but other than that, it could play out several different ways.
Special Teams
K:
1: Camden Lewis
2: Andrew Boyle
P:
1: Luke Dunne
2: Matt Rigney
LS:
1: Luke Basso
2: Nick Duzansky
PR:
1: Tez Johnson
2: Gary Bryant
KR:
1: Bucky Irving
2: Noah Whittington
The only real change other than Matthew Rigney replacing Ross James as the backup punter.