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Way back in January, we put together a way-too-early depth chart for the offense. How did we do? Let’s take a look.
OFFENSIVE LINE - Original
Left Tackle: *Rasheed Walker (RS SO), Des Holmes (RS JR)
Left Guard: Mike Miranda (RS JR), Juice Scruggs (RS SO)
Center: *Michal Menet (RS SR), Nick Dawkins (FR)
Right Guard: *C.J. Thorpe (RS JR), Anthony Whigan (RS JR)
Right Tackle: *Will Fries (RS SR), Caedan Wallace (RS FR)
OFFENSIVE LINE - Actual
Left Tackle: *Rasheed Walker (RS SO), Des Holmes (RS JR)
Left Guard: Mike Miranda (RS JR), Sal Wormley (RS FR)
Center: *Michal Menet (RS SR), Juice Scruggs (RS SO)
Right Guard: *C.J. Thorpe (RS JR), Anthony Whigan (RS JR)
Right Tackle: *Will Fries (RS SR), Caedan Wallace (RS FR)
I mean, not bad, right? The five starters were kind of gimmes, I’ll admit. But ya boy also got four out of five backups correct as well. Yeah yeah, I had Scruggs at LG and the coaching staff has him at OC, but I think that’s perfectly acceptable, don’t you? Good, moving on.
OL: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
QUARTERBACK - Original
QB: *Sean Clifford (RS JR), Will Levis (RS SO)
QUARTERBACK - Actual
QB: *Sean Clifford (RS JR), Will Levis (RS SO)
This one goes in the “yeah no crap” category. Clifford will lead this team in 2020 (or maybe 2021) and as he goes, so will the team.
QB: 2/2
Overall: 11/12
RUNNING BACK - Original
RB: *Journey Brown (RS JR), Noah Cain (SO), Devyn Ford (SO)
RUNNING BACK - Actual
RB: *Journey Brown (RS JR), Noah Cain (SO), Devyn Ford (SO)
Dadgumit I am so excited to just run the ball all over some fools. Absolutely giddy.
RB: 3/3
Overall: 14/15
TIGHT END - Original
TE: *Pat Freiermuth (JR), Zack Kuntz (RS SO)
TIGHT END - Actual
TE: *Pat Freiermuth (JR), Zack Kuntz (RS SO)
Kind of another “no crap” category, but this is the Freiermuth show, and much like the running backs, I cannot wait to watch him wreck some fools.
TE: 2/2
Overall: 16/17
WIDE RECEIVER - Original
WR-X: Daniel George (RS SO), Cam Sullivan-Brown (RS JR)
WR-H: Ricky Slade (JR), Mac Hippenhammer (RS JR)
WR-Z: *Jahan Dotson (JR), John Dunmore (RS FR)
WIDE RECEIVER - Actual
WR-X: Daniel George (RS SO), Cam Sullivan-Brown (RS JR)
WR-H: TJ Jones (RS FR), John Dunmore (RS FR)
WR-Z: *Jahan Dotson (JR), Isaac Lutz (RS SR)
Given that the top two I had listed in the WR-H position have transferred out of the program, I’m going to put at least some of the onus on the players. But still, receiver was hands down the hardest position to prognosticate, and I’m just happy that I didn’t actually completely embarrass myself.
WR: 4/6
Overall: 20/23
Well, there you have it. Not too bad overall! Out of 23 players listed in the 2-deep (3-deep at RB because Penn State loves to rotate its backs so much), I got 20 right! That’s an 87%! B’s get degrees, ifyaknowwhatImean!
Uncertainty around the 2020 season aside, how does everyone feel about the offense? I am still worried about the receivers. There is still talent there - I plan on doing a bit more of a dig on starzzz and experience in the coming weeks - but with how bad things have been in the passing game, I am really hoping the Lions lean into the run. Use all of the star backs to your advantage - not to mention both Clifford and Levis have wheels - and then use the rush to set up the pass.
We shall see!