2015 Pre-Spring Depth Chart (Updated to Include Walk Ons)***

[MuskogeeHogFan]

To begin, I am not saying that this is how it is going to start out or even work out, that will be up to the players and the staff to determine. And while this doesn't include every single player on our roster from last year, I think it does include the vast majority that are expected to make a contribution in the coming year. I might have left someone off, so if so, Mea Culpa.

There is surprising depth in some areas and an obvious need for more developed depth in other positions.

How do you think the depth chart will work out by the end of Spring? Who moves up, who moves down?

OFFENSE
1st                                2nd                             3rd                             4th                                5th
WR 4 Hatcher, K SR/3       80 Morgan, D JR/2          1 Cornelius, J SO/1       15 Antwine, A SO/0           Pettway, M FR/0 
                                                                                                                                            Stewart, D FR/0
WR    Reed, D JR/0           81 Hollister, C JR/1        17 Robinson, Jo SO/1      87 Edwards, K SO/1         7 Mitchell, D SO/1
LT 55 Kirkland, D JR/2       60 Wallace, B RFr/0           Jackson, C FR/0         62 Gibson, J  SO/0
LG 73 Tretola, S SR/1       72 Ragnow, F SO/1        59 Danenhauer, M JR/1   54 Koehler, JR/0
C   65 Smothers, M SR/3   72 Ragnow, F SO/1            Rogers, Z FR/0
RG 60 Wallace, B RFr/0      68 Beck, A SR/1               Merrick, J FR/0           66 Deacon, A SR/1
RT 76 Skipper, D JR/2        60 Wallace, B RFr/0          Jackson, C FR/0          62 Gibson, J SO/0
TE 84 Henry, H JR/3          46 Voelzke, A SR/3       36 Kraus, J RFr/0            49 Duncan, W SO/0
QB 10 Allen, B SR/3            8 Allen, A RSo/1           9 Peavey, R RFr/0              Storey, T FR/0
RB 32 Williams, J SR/3         3 Collins, A JR/2          25 Evans, D SO/0           39 Day, J RFr/0                 Williams, R FR/0
TE 83 Sprinkle, J JR/3            Gragg, W FR/0              O'Grady, C FR/0             Cantrell, A FR/0
FB 24 Walker, K SR/2        45 Colquitt, T SO/1        41 Jones, C SO/1               Cantrell, A FR/0

DEFENSE
SDE 6 Winston, J JR/2       48 Wise, D JR/2             95 Hall, J RFr/0             53 Brown, A SO/0               Bell, J FR/0
DT 93 Hodge, D SR/3        78 Jackson, B SO/1        90 Marks, K RFr/0              Froholdt, H FR/0
NT 94 Johnson, T JR/1      89 Loewen, M SR/3        49 Watts, A RFr/0              Froholdt, H FR/0
WDE 99 Lewis, B JR/2           Ledbetter, J JR/0        97 Beanum, T SO/1            Dean, D FR/0                Smith, T FR/0
SLB 18 Ramsey, R SO/1     35 Eugene, D SO/1             Graham, D FR/0             Heller, K SO/0
MLB 42 Williams, J JR/1      44 Hackett, K SO/1            Jackson, K FR/0             Thomas-Smith, N SO/0
WLB 51 Ellis, B JR/2           35 Eugene, D SO/1             Graham, D FR/0             Heller, K SO/0
CB 29 Collins, J JR/2          18 Ramirez, S SO/1         16 Floyd, C SO/1               Pulley, R FR/0                Keaton, B FR/WO
SS 28 Liddell, J SO/1         13 McKinney, D SR/3           Dalton, N FR/0
FS 26 Gaines, R SR/3         20 Coley, D RSo/1              Greenlaw, D FR/0           Dodson, M JR/0              Phillips, T FR/WO
CB 2 Dean, D JR/2             15 Toliver, H SO/1              Sykes, W FR/0              Krueger, G SO/0             Miller, R FR/WO
NB 30 Richardson, K RSo/1  13 McKinney, D SR/3

SPECIAL TEAMS
P 37 Baker, T JR/0                 Johnson, B FR/0
PK 48 McFain, A JR/1         22 Hedlund, C RFr/0        42 Sailing, L SO/0              Johnson, B FR/0
LS 32 Gorton, D SR/3         56 Emrich, M JR/2               Madden, G FR/WO
H 56 Emrich, M JR/2           37 Baker, T JR/0
PR 1 Cornelius, J SO/1          2 Dean, D JR/2
KR 3 Collins, A JR/2              4 Hatcher, K SR/3

[Theolesnort]

What I see is a pool of players with potential that hasn't been seen in years up there, including Petrino years.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

What I see is a pool of players with potential that hasn't been seen in years up there, including Petrino years.

I agree and look at the depth at WR (we should be able to find some good receivers out of that group), the TE's and at DE. Good grief, a LOT of depth to develop and choose from in putting together a line up.

[Razorbacker79]

I hope you're right about the O-line--Skipper's feet aren't quite quick enough for LT, so putting him on the right and moving our best O-lineman (Kirkland) to LT is a good move, IMO.

On the D-line, I think Wise will be first team by the end of spring and Ledbetter by the end of fall camp.  I also think Jackson will make a big push for first team.  And interesting to see Loewen on the interior--wouldn't surprise me to see him take T. Johnson's job, either.

The rest looks good to me, will all shake out--nice post, thanks.

[PORKULATOR]

There are more players i trust on the two deep than in, well ?.?.? Along time.
Wps

Build it Bret

[Dominicanhog]

Skipper was best LT we had last year and I think he stays there... Kirkland may move out to the RT... I hope Wallace is ready and Kirland stays at RG...

[Peter Porker]

Skipper was best LT we had last year and I think he stays there... Kirkland may move out to the RT... I hope Wallace is ready and Kirland stays at RG...

Coach Bielema wants Kirkland at Tackle.

[SamBuckhart]

Spring game should be awesome. Wallace is who I look forward to the most. QBs next w/Enos.

[presidenthog]

You forgot him but I think lowoen will be playing at de and possibly starting
Nvm I see you have him In the DT spot. Not sure if I'm reading that correctly tho

[MuskogeeHogFan]

You forgot him but I think lowoen will be playing at de and possibly starting
Nvm I see you have him In the DT spot. Not sure if I'm reading that correctly tho

I can't remember for sure, but I thought that there were times last year when they moved Loewen down inside. There is so much depth at DE, both current and future, they might be able to use him inside for experienced depth at that "Tilt" Tackle, just can't recall as to whether it was at DT or NT(Tilt). That might give them time to bring Watts and Froholdt along more slowly rather than having to throw them into the fire early.

[Dominicanhog]

Coach Bielema wants Kirkland at Tackle.

I heard him say that as well about moving them around.. my thought is RT where the position is open and we have a RS Freshman slated to move into.. He may want DK on the left side but we'll have to see.. How many sacks did DS give up.. as a true soph? 

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I heard him say that as well about moving them around.. my thought is RT where the position is open and we have a RS Freshman slated to move into.. He may want DK on the left side but we'll have to see.. How many sacks did DS give up.. as a true soph?

Short of the staff, I'm not sure that anyone knows that for sure unless they only watched Skipper last year. What I do know is that we were second in the SEC last year with 1 sack allowed in every 25.6 passing attempts, second only to Alabama at 28.3. So we were pretty good in that category.

[RebelW]

Reid Miller, the IMG Academy walk on will suprise a lot of folks at the safety position. I'm ready to see who develops on that LB group. I also wonder if they might use Austin Cantrell on defense at the MLB since there is so much needed talent and physical need at the LB position. With his physicality I, truly would be surprised if he didnt work out there.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Reid Miller, the IMG Academy walk on will suprise a lot of folks at the safety position. I'm ready to see who develops on that LB group. I also wonder if they might use Austin Cantrell on defense at the MLB since there is so much needed talent and physical need at the LB position. With his physicality I, truly would be surprised if he didnt work out there.

Miller is a nice looking athlete. The question is, can he play bigger than his actual size at this level? It's one thing making plays at the HS level as a smaller athlete, but at this level it is a different challenge. We'll see. I'd love to see the kid make it.

I've wondered the same thing about Cantrell with his size and athleticism but I wouldn't be surprised to see him utilized in more of an H-Back role on offense rather than defense. Maybe we will know more after the Spring.

[TejasPete]

I assume Tolliver will be starting again by the time season rolls around.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Skipper was best LT we had last year and I think he stays there... Kirkland may move out to the RT... I hope Wallace is ready and Kirland stays at RG...

I may be totally wrong but looking at the O-Line and knowing that we are losing Tretola and Smothers after the coming season, I think the Spring is going to focus on bringing the new O-Linemen plus Wallace and Ragnow along. We may not need the new kids this year, but if we get some leads in games, I hope we see them being inserted to gain some experience. Losing 2 players off your starting OL may not seem to be a big deal, but when you have so little experienced depth behind them, it could really hurt us in 2016.

Same might be said at the DT and NT positions as we will lose Hodge after this coming season along with Loewen, which means it is time for Jackson, Marks and Watts to step up. Hopefully Froholdt will also make great strides this year and see some game time as a true Freshman.

[SoCal Hog]

He did a good job with it last year, but I would like to see someone else besides Alex Collins returning kick-offs. I think putting him back there is playing with fire. If he got injured that would throw the offense off pretty seriously. This coming year there are likely others who could fill that role just as effectively.

[BatesvilleHOG]

He did a good job with it last year, but I would like to see someone else besides Alex Collins returning kick-offs. I think putting him back there is playing with fire. If he got injured that would throw the offense off pretty seriously. This coming year there are likely others who could fill that role just as effectively.

I expect to see JoJo Robinson get a good shot at being our return specialist this season.

[farhog]

Coach Bielema wants Kirkland at Tackle.

Yep, read where he already lost the weight for the move from guard to tackle.

[carolinahogger]

To begin, I am not saying that this is how it is going to start out or even work out, that will be up to the players and the staff to determine.

I appreciate the fact that you have chosen to leave it in the hands of the coaches.

[rricha]

Yep, read where he already lost the weight for the move from guard to tackle.

is his feet good enough to play either tackle. I don't believe he is quick enough.  Guard will be his future.

[tampahog]

Only 5 seniors in the 2 deep on both O and D.   Stay healthy and 2016 could be special.  Need to build experience this year in our future QB rather than riding BA for 4 quarters every game.  hopefully we don't have too much drop off in D so we can hold leads this year and build depth at QB

[Steef]

Only 5 seniors in the 2 deep on both O and D.   Stay healthy and 2016 could be special.  Need to build experience this year in our future QB rather than riding BA for 4 quarters every game.  hopefully we don't have too much drop off in D so we can hold leads this year and build depth at QB

Will be interesting to see if Ty gets a redshirt, or if he (along with all the other backups) gets some PT. Especially in our first few games.

[Cave City Joe]

Where is Hunter Henry?

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Where is Hunter Henry?

At TE. There are two sets of TE's.

[Lake City Hog]

Muskee, I think your O'Line should have Beck and Danenhauer as backups at a couple of spots.
I see it as:
      LT                     LG                 C                  RG                    RT
  Kirkland             Tretola        Smother     Ragnow/Wallace     Skipper
  Wallace          Danenhauer Koehler/Rogers    Koehler              Beck

I think that Ragnow may be too good to be 2nd team, but who sits? I think that it will be Wallace, backing up Kirkland and Ragnow. I think that Koehler could find a spot backing up Smothers. And I really believe that Danenhauer and Beck will see spot duty giving guys a short breather. I simply refuse to believe that we will lose a RS year to play kids that aren't ready if we have 5th year seniors on the bench.

[bennyl08]

Several of these guys won't be on the roster until the summer.

With the OL questions, I'm a bit hesitant. I feel like moving Kirkland to tackle and playing Wallace at guard is more out of necessity than being where they should play. Wallace is definitely a tackle, through and through, but it can be tough playing tackle and you usually have a bit more leeway as a guard. Hence, the move to start off as guard and as he progresses move him out to tackle. Similarly, I feel like Kirkland's natural position would be at guard more than tackle. However, in order to get the best five on the field, we could see the two guys switched. Nonetheless, I say play Wallace at tackle in the spring, going up against our best DE's. If he shows he can handle it, allow him to be a tackle and let Kirkland stay inside. If not, then he can move inside over summer while Kirkland moves out. Granted, Kirkland needs reps at tackle this spring as well if there's even a chance he plays the position this fall.

[PonderinHog]

Wasn't Skipper nursing an injury (knee or ankle) most of the season?

[bennyl08]

Also, the talk got me thinking a bit with the depth of the roster. So, thought I'd do a bit of comparison to this roster vs the 2010 roster.

QB: BA, AA, Peavey, Storey
Mallett, Wilson, Mitchell, Walker

Edge: 2010. I think Storey will be a great one, and BA is underrated by many, but that was a strong qb group.

RB: Williams, Collins, Walker/Evans, Day
Knile Davis, Dennis Johnson, Green, Wingo Jr

Edge: Slight 2015. Williams and Collins are both NFL caliber backs; however, neither of them have quite the size speed freakishness of Knile. Granted, at the collegiate level, Williams and Collins have both solidly outperformed Knile. However, Green and Wingo Jr had shown a lot more than Walker, Evans, and Day have. Wingo even made the NFL and received carries in the regular season as well as being called back to the falcons at the end of this season.

FB: Walker, Colquitt, (Cantrell as an H-back possibly).
Van Stumon

Edge: push. Walker is a better all around football player, but Stumon was the better pure fullback.

WR: Hatcher, Reed, Robinson, Hollister, Morgan, Cornelius, Antwine, Edwards, Mitchell, Stewart, Pettaway,
Adams, Wright, Childs, Hamilton, Wade, Herndon, Horton, Ray, Holmes, Curtis

Edge: Strong 2010. 5 of those WR's went on to be in the NFL Wade had the tools, but not the character. Many of the 2015 guys still have plenty of time to prove themselves, but there's no doubt 2010 was the peak of our receiving.

TE: Henry, Sprinkle, Gragg, O'Grady, Cantrell, Voelzke, Krauss
DJ Williams, Chris Gragg, Ben Cleveland, Austin Tate, Garret Uekman

Edge: 2015 for sure, but 2010 was not exactly wanting for talent either. Henry is a better overall TE than DJ williams was, but Chris gragg was probably better than Sprinkle. The real edge goes into the talent behind the top 2 in in 2015 with guys that are all very good as well.

OT: Skipper, Wallace, Jackson, Beck, Merrick, possibly Kirkland
Demarcus Love, Dominguez, Freeman, Deacon, Oden

Edge: 2015. Granted, I feel like if we had Love on our team today, he would be starting today. The 2010 team had a solid OL, but there's no denying the difference in top to bottom talent.

OG: Tretola, Ragnow, Kirkland, Koehler, possibly Wallace, Hannah
Baily, Cook, Berna, Grayson, Feldt, some others...

Edge: Strong 2015. Alvin Bailey has gone on to start at LT for a team that went to the superbowl and was a standout guard, but the rest of the position group does not really compete with the guys we have at guard now.

C: Smothers, Ragnow, Rogers
Swanson, Oxner, (charpentier, listed at tackle at the time, but he grew up to be center/guard eventually).

Edge: 2010. Smothers is a solid center, and ragnow did well though coaches say that center is not a natural fit for him. However, Swanson was a beast at center, oxner was decent, and charp was a good backup for his time here.

DE: Winston, Wise Jr, Lewis, Ledbetter, Loewen, Hall, Brown, Beanum, Bell, Smith, Dean
Bequette, Tank wright, Chris Smith, Ambrose, Miles-Nash

Edge: Strong 2015. On the bright side, how far back do you have to go to find a team where one of it's starting DE's wasn't drafted? I think the 2007 team.

DT: Jackson, Johnson, Hodge, Marks, Watts, Froholdt
Al Davis, B. Jones, DD Jones, Stadther, Jared Green

Edge: Slight 2015. There was some good beef in the DT rotation for the 2010 hogs. 2015 gets the edge because I think these guys are a bit more athletic.

LB: Ramsey, Williams, Ellis, Eugene, Hackett, Graham, Jackson, Greenlaw
Franklin, Nelson, Leon, Powers, Burton, Lake, Mitchell, Love, Harris, Moss

Edge: 2010. Ellis is a solid LB. We know Eugene, Hackett, Ramsey, and Williams have the speed and athleticism to play LB, but so did Spaight in 2013 and that didn't net him much playing time. This LB group is mostly an unkown. Contrast that to Franklin and Nelson who were already established big time playmaking LB'ers, along with Leon who had started/played a good bit the previous year albiet at safety and went on to have a great year. However, the perceived athleticism of the entire group for 2015 keeps it from being a strong difference. Post-2015 it may be a different diagnosis. However, going into the season even before knowing what Leon would do, the presence of Franklin and Nelson outweighs the presence of Ellis.

CB: Dean, Toliver, Collins, Dalton, Pulley, possibly Ramirez who may switch to safety (no idea why you have dalton listed as a safety, he has cornerback written all over him).
Crim, Madison, Arbrust, Winston, Broadway, Gatson, Stewart

Edge: push. Madison and Broadway were pretty good corners and Gatson even had a short NFL career with the Chargers. Winston may not have been the 5* he was pegged as, but he was still a good corner. If not for the emergence of Toliver as one of our top corners, this would probably be a slight edge to 2010. Ever since Eric Bennett was a true freshmen, we have had to play true freshmen at corner out of necessity, and I think this year the trend continues with Dalton being the guy.

S: Gaines, Liddell, Coley, McKinney, Sykes, possibly Ramirez
Tremain Thomas, Elton Ford, Alan Turner, Eric Bennett, Ross Rasner

Edge: slight 2010. Tremain Thomas was a really good safety who had some injury problems his senior year. Ford was also pretty solid, with Turner and Bennett being long term starters later with Rasner being a playmaker and making the NFL for a brief spell. Gaines is a solid safety and Liddell and Coley have great potential, IMO, but both have had some opportunities and neither has really taken hold of them yet. Granted, it's a bit unfair to compare hindsight to projections.

K: McFain, Henson
Tejada, Hocker

Edge: Strong 2010. Need I really say more?

P: Baker, Johnson
Dylan Breeding

Edge: 2010

KR/PR: tough really do this one given that we don't know who will be doing the returning.
However, whoever does this year is competing against Lance Ray and Dennis Johnson at KR and Joe Adams as a PR.

Edge: Again, we don't know really know who we are comparing to; however, for exactly that reason, I give the edge to 2010. We knew what he had coming into the season, and what we had was good (DJ got injured, but Lance ray did pretty well and obviously very hard to beat out Joe, plus, for all we know our starting KR could get injured early in the season too).

Now, trying to quantify things, push gets zero  points, slight gets one, strong gets 3. However, the K, P, KR/PR would count as 7 to 2015, but is being modified down to 5 total points to represent that ST is still important, but perhaps not weighted quite the same as offense and defense.

2015: 12 (offense: 8, defense 4)
2010: 15 (offense: 7, defense 3, ST 5)

The problem with this is it is hard to not take into account all the information at hand and instead, compare the 2010 team as if it was only spring of 2010. For example, RB would be strong 2015 based on the resume's heading into 2010, but knowing what we know about Knile, how does one not take that into account? At the same time, will this 2015 team be as successful as the 2010 team? Our road schedule is very tough this year.


Also, take into account that I think the 2015 team could beat the 2010 team in a head to head game. However, that 2010 team was one of the best teams we had had in decades.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Muskee, I think your O'Line should have Beck and Danenhauer as backups at a couple of spots.
I see it as:
      LT                     LG                 C                  RG                    RT
  Kirkland             Tretola        Smother     Ragnow/Wallace     Skipper
  Wallace          Danenhauer Koehler/Rogers    Koehler              Beck

I think that Ragnow may be too good to be 2nd team, but who sits? I think that it will be Wallace, backing up Kirkland and Ragnow. I think that Koehler could find a spot backing up Smothers. And I really believe that Danenhauer and Beck will see spot duty giving guys a short breather. I simply refuse to believe that we will lose a RS year to play kids that aren't ready if we have 5th year seniors on the bench.

You may be right and Beck was listed as a #2, just not at RT.

Koehler will be a JR, I believe, and has yet to really show anything though I know that some of that has been because of injuries.

Danenhauer has played on a limited basis and should be a Junior next year. Maybe he sees more signficant playing time this year. At 6-5, 315 he has the size to play.

I think that they want to see Wallace in the starting OL, but as a virtual newby (though a RS/Fr), I have to believe that they will want to put him in a position where he will have some help as he acclimates to SEC play and that could mean on the inside. I do think that they want him to learn the RT position as well, but how he performs in the Spring will have a lot to do with determining whether they choose to put him inside, or let him go ahead and play the RT spot. I'm sure they would prefer that he excels so they feel comfortable putting him at RT, but we will see.

In any case, this is nothing more than idle chatter while we wait for Spring drills to open and none of us know for certain what is going to happen. I just enjoy the conversation and speculation with other fans. Is it August yet?

[Wildhog]

I don't think they so much *want* Kirkland at tackle as much as he's just the best available.  He's been dominant at G, and Pittman himself said himself that we don't have enough bodies on the OL. 

But, for the time being, tackle sounds like where he'll be if we put the best five on the field.  And I think he'll be good there.  Would prefer to see him slide out to RT, though.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I don't think they so much *want* Kirkland at tackle as much as he's just the best available.  He's been dominant at G, and Pittman himself said himself that we don't have enough bodies on the OL. 

But, for the time being, tackle sounds like where he'll be if we put the best five on the field.  And I think he'll be good there.  Would prefer to see him slide out to RT, though.

I agree. Pittman is playing the role of mad scientist, trying to fit all of the pieces together to achieve the best possible formula for success in 2015. The good news is, he has more and better pieces to work with than he did when he arrived in 2013. The bad news is, everyone knows that we are coming after them in a very physical way running the ball, so he has to concoct the right formula this year. Hopefully Enos will find a way to get more efficiency and less predictability out of our passing game this year to help take some of the pressure off of the O-Line.

[bennyl08]

I don't think they so much *want* Kirkland at tackle as much as he's just the best available.  He's been dominant at G, and Pittman himself said himself that we don't have enough bodies on the OL. 

But, for the time being, tackle sounds like where he'll be if we put the best five on the field.  And I think he'll be good there.  Would prefer to see him slide out to RT, though.

I think if we were to play Bama today, we would see Wallace at guard and Kirkland at tackle, though I imagine he'd be at RT.

However, if we could keep all these players for 2-3 more years, I think we would see Wallace at LT, Skipper moved to RT, and Kirkland at guard. Then, the major controversy would be with Tretola, Ragnow, and Smothers. All three would surely play, but who would be starting and who would be backup would be interesting.

[hawginbigd1]

Skipper needs to play guard, but if he plays T he will move to the right, Wallace or Kirkland will be at LT. They need better feet at LT.

DL T Johnson and a healthy Wise are locks.

Secondary Dean and Gaines are the absolutes, as long as Gaines minds his self.

Lots of depth all over the place.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I think if we were to play Bama today, we would see Wallace at guard and Kirkland at tackle, though I imagine he'd be at RT.

However, if we could keep all these players for 2-3 more years, I think we would see Wallace at LT, Skipper moved to RT, and Kirkland at guard. Then, the major controversy would be with Tretola, Ragnow, and Smothers. All three would surely play, but who would be starting and who would be backup would be interesting.

That's part of the problem, we can't keep Smothers or Tretola beyond this coming season and should Skipper and Kirkland have really productive years in 2015, we may not keep them either. There is a definite need to develop experienced depth across the O-Line as a whole this year.

[bennyl08]

That's part of the problem, we can't keep Smothers or Tretola beyond this coming season and should Skipper and Kirkland have really productive years in 2015, we may not keep them either. There is a definite need to develop experienced depth across the O-Line as a whole this year.

Very true, though Kirkland/wallace at tackle/guard does nothing to change that.

Best case scenario, skip and kirk stay, and we return essentially 4 of our starting linemen (assuming Smothers and Ragnow share a similar amount of playing time if not more, Ragnow is essentially a 6th starter) and will play a new starter at one of the guard spots. Worst case, we return Wallace and Ragnow, and have to replace 3 OL. More likely, one of them might go pro, but I doubt both. Regardless, I expect to see one of our new tackles, Merrick IMO, to get some playing time this year as well as somebody, hopefully Koehler, at guard.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Very true, though Kirkland/wallace at tackle/guard does nothing to change that.

Best case scenario, skip and kirk stay, and we return essentially 4 of our starting linemen (assuming Smothers and Ragnow share a similar amount of playing time if not more, Ragnow is essentially a 6th starter) and will play a new starter at one of the guard spots. Worst case, we return Wallace and Ragnow, and have to replace 3 OL. More likely, one of them might go pro, but I doubt both. Regardless, I expect to see one of our new tackles, Merrick IMO, to get some playing time this year as well as somebody, hopefully Koehler, at guard.

As I said before, we will see about Koehler, to date there hasn't been a lot of production though a lot of that may have been due to injury. I know he was highly thought of when signed.

And again, I think that a lot of the youngsters need to see some playing time this season. The only question is, with a slightly different play calling scheme, can we maximize our potential to a greater extent than in the past, that we can open up some big leads and feel comfy giving some of these kids playing time when we have a lead? If we have more close games than games with wider margins there probably will not be the feeling that we want to insert reserves.

I think that while we are in a great position heading into this season, it is just as important for the future that we submit some kids to as much playing time as possible, for the future.

[bennyl08]

Which leads to, looking at the 2016 depth chart in an effort to predict where we need to be grooming.

QB: Austin, Rafe, Storey: wide open qb competition with none of them having any meaningful PT to date

RB: Collins Evans, Day, RW3, McPherson. Regardless, we will need a new 1.b at the position (IMO RW3 fits that role the best). However, if both Collins and Williams are gone after the season, we will need at least two guys to step up. Hopefully they feel comfortable RS'ing Williams 3rd and Evans or Day can be a reliable third option this year. Plenty of PT available for a high level recruit this year though.

FB: Colquitt, Jones, Slaughter. All 3 are probably closer to the pure fullback than Walker is, who is more like a big Juan Day or Peyton Hillis who just happens to play FB. None really have much playing time yet, though.

WR: We return everybody but Hatcher, who happens to be the only reliable guy we have to date. However, plenty of opportunity for guys to earn their places this year and be in place to be the top hawgs next season.

TE: Henry, Sprinkle, O'Grady, Cantrell, Gragg, Kraus, Voelzke. Henry could potentially leave as a junior. If he does, we are in good hands (literally) and there should be plenty of time for newer guys to play in the second and third TE spots this year.

OT: Skipper, Kirkland? Wallace, Merrick, Jackson. We could be looking at anywhere from having 5 guys who play tackle to 3 guys in 2016. Those 3 guys are pretty good, but not enough for a 2-deep. Moreover, there's a chance in 2016 we could be replacing both tackles, just 1 tackle, or possibly but doubtfully neither.

OG: Kirkland, Ragnow, Wallace?, Hannah, Koehler, Rogers. So Long as Koehler gets some backup reps, we shouldn't be too bad off at the position next year regardless. Slim chance Wallace plays at guard next season no matter where he plays this year. Kirkland is more likely to leave early than Skipper, IMO, which could mean replacing both starters next year.

C: Ragnow, Rogers. From the coach's talks, I doubt Ragnow is the future at center and that will probably go to Rogers. Which begs the question, do we RS Rogers this year and keep the same Smother/Ragnow relationship, or do we transition Ragnow more to guard and let Rogers get some PT at centre?

DE:  There's a good chance we could return everybody here. Winston probably isn't good enough to declare early. Wise Jr might have had the chance if he wasn't injured last year and mostly played as a backup. IF he wins the other starting job, one year starter as a JR shouldn't send you to the pros. However, with the complete glut of talent we have at the position, there could be some guys who transfer out. I mean, we could sign no more DE's between now and the start of the 2017 position, and still have 6 DE's who are all pretty good. I bet somebody or two transfers out. But it won't be until 2016 that we need to start making sure we have younger guys getting experience.

DT: Johnson, Jackson, Marks, Watts, Froholdt, Ledbetter? We don't need to worry much about prepping for the future at DT this year as I doubt Taiwan declares as a junior. However, 2016 we will need to make sure guys like Marks and Watts have seen some snaps as Jackson could declare depending on what happens the next two years.

LB: Ellis, Williams, Eugene, Hackett, Ramsey, Graham, Jackson, Greenlaw. Ellis is the only real threat to declare here, and even if he does, we'd only be losing one of our LB's for 2016. If he doesn't, we should return our entire two deep at the position.

CB: We won't lose anybody to graduation this year, and doubtful to have anybody declare early. However, come 2016, we will need to look towards younger guys with Dean and Collins leaving.

S: Liddell, Coley, Sykes, Ramirez? We need to make sure if Gaines starts this season that either coley or liddell is getting reps behind him (whoever isn't starting beside him). For the future, we will be fine in 2017 minus the fact that this is still a position we really need to build depth at.

[Arthur pigby sellers.]

Way to early prediction based on this depth chart.  Not this coming season but the next will be the best defense the Razorbacks have fielded in the past twenty years.  It will be even better than last years.  :razorback:

[bennyl08]

As I said before, we will see about Koehler, to date there hasn't been a lot of production though a lot of that may have been due to injury. I know he was highly thought of when signed.

And again, I think that a lot of the youngsters need to see some playing time this season. The only question is, with a slightly different play calling scheme, can we maximize our potential to a greater extent than in the past, that we can open up some big leads and feel comfy giving some of these kids playing time when we have a lead? If we have more close games than games with wider margins there probably will not be the feeling that we want to insert reserves.

I think that while we are in a great position heading into this season, it is just as important for the future that we submit some kids to as much playing time as possible, for the future.

IMO, I feel fine letting some of the youngsters in as far as playing goes. The bigger dilemma is with redshirts. I'd love to redshirt one of Jackson and Merrick as well as Rogers and Allen. I'd bet that Merrick and Allen won't in order to prep for the future as well as they be better better players than other potential backups.

[bennyl08]

Way to early prediction based on this depth chart.  Not this coming season but the next will be the best defense the Razorbacks have fielded in the past twenty years.  It will be even better than last years.  :razorback:

Gaines is literally the only projected starter we will lose on defense b/w this season and next. It could be an extremely dangerous defense.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Gaines is literally the only projected starter we will lose on defense b/w this season and next. It could be an extremely dangerous defense.

Hodge and Loewen in the 2 deep front four and Gaines and McKinney in the Secondary.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

IMO, I feel fine letting some of the youngsters in as far as playing goes. The bigger dilemma is with redshirts. I'd love to redshirt one of Jackson and Merrick as well as Rogers and Allen. I'd bet that Merrick and Allen won't in order to prep for the future as well as they be better better players than other potential backups.

Just my opnion but I cant see anyone getting a R/S on the O-Line this year short of injury. Too much ground that needs to be made up in terms of experience. We hope that guys like Danenhauer and Koehler can step up and provide depth, but they haven't so far. No knock on them, it just hasn't happened for a variety of reasons. Johnny Gibson and Adam Deacon haven't emerged so far, nor has Hannah, not to say that they won't. What we do know is that apparently, Jackson, Merrick and Rogers are our OL of the future. Not sure how the staff will evaluate all of this and we will know more after the Spring, but I just believe that we are building for the future and the younger players may get more reps.

[bennyl08]

Hodge and Loewen in the 2 deep front four and Gaines and McKinney in the Secondary.

That is your projected depth chart. There is no official spring or 2015 depth chart out there. Of course, that might weaken my use of the word literally, but technically by the null hypothesis it holds true. All the same, Jackson played more last year than Hodge did and by most accounts is better player. Other than the year they are, is there any reason to suspect that Hodge would jump Jackson on the depth chart to assume a starting position?

Loewen is only on your subjective 2-deep, not a starter, which my post referred to. He did play a lot at the end of the season, and more than that, played pretty well. However, we rotated a lot of guys, with one of the better ones coming off a bad injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see him still in the two deep, especially to start the season, but as par as being one of the major pieces of the puzzle, I do have my doubts.

Again, with McKinney, cross apply the two-deep vs starter argument with Loewen. Moreover, I would project that Dean probably moves to nickel with Collins and Toliver at the outside corners, which would push McKinney out of the two deep there, though I can't think of any reason why he wouldn't make the 2-deep at safety. However, that would be like complaining that we lose Cameron Jefferson this year. Sure, he made an impact on the team and even started a game as an extra TE, but losing McKinney off the two deep isn't really a counter to the idea that there's a good chance that Gaines will be the only starter we lose on defense between this year and next, and even he could be replaced by Coley before season's end.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

That is your projected depth chart. There is no official spring or 2015 depth chart out there. Of course, that might weaken my use of the word literally, but technically by the null hypothesis it holds true. All the same, Jackson played more last year than Hodge did and by most accounts is better player. Other than the year they are, is there any reason to suspect that Hodge would jump Jackson on the depth chart to assume a starting position?

Loewen is only on your subjective 2-deep, not a starter, which my post referred to. He did play a lot at the end of the season, and more than that, played pretty well. However, we rotated a lot of guys, with one of the better ones coming off a bad injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see him still in the two deep, especially to start the season, but as par as being one of the major pieces of the puzzle, I do have my doubts.

Again, with McKinney, cross apply the two-deep vs starter argument with Loewen. Moreover, I would project that Dean probably moves to nickel with Collins and Toliver at the outside corners, which would push McKinney out of the two deep there, though I can't think of any reason why he wouldn't make the 2-deep at safety. However, that would be like complaining that we lose Cameron Jefferson this year. Sure, he made an impact on the team and even started a game as an extra TE, but losing McKinney off the two deep isn't really a counter to the idea that there's a good chance that Gaines will be the only starter we lose on defense between this year and next, and even he could be replaced by Coley before season's end.

As I said when I began this thread, what I am projecting isn't at all meant to be written in stone. It is just who we have, but also who moves up and who moves down. That will be determined by the players and the staff evaluations of the players throughout the Spring.

But that is why I started this thread, for individual conversation and opinion. If we had fact and accurate analysis we would be the coaching staff.

None of us know for certain how things will turn out at the end of Spring. It is all speculation for the most part at this point.

[bennyl08]

As I said when I began this thread, what I am projecting isn't at all meant to be written in stone. It is just who we have, but also who moves up and who moves down. That will be determined by the players and the staff evaluations of the players throughout the Spring.

But that is why I started this thread, for individual conversation and opinion. If we had fact and accurate analysis we would be the coaching staff.

None of us know for certain how things will turn out at the end of Spring. It is all speculation for the most part at this point.

I know you said that, but it sounded like you were starting to interpret your depth chart as something more than subjective. Hence, my debate about certain pieces of it on defense.

While there are several areas of the depth chart I disagree with, it is quite hard to argue many of them due to confusion of mine. I believe Voelzke will be on the second string of TE to start the spring, but then I'm confused why O'Grady and Cantrell are listed as well. I think he will not be second string come the first game when those players are with the team. Similarly, I think TJ Smith will be very, very hard to keep off the field his freshman season, granted, we could lose our starting 2-deep and still have another 2-deep of DE's ready to play and produce in the SEC, so it would also be hard not to RS him. IDK, mainly it is confusing what you want this thread to be. If it is a pre-spring depth chart, only include players who will actually be here in the spring and debate who will move up and down in the spring, but not include guys who won't be here til summer.

[Lake City Hog]

Benny, I disagree with you on Loewen! I think that kid will be a BIG part of the DE rotation.
As far as the spring goes, I think that we will see kids moving are all over the field as coaches try to find homes for some of these guys.

We have a SOLID starting group on the O'Line, but who plays where? I think two spots are pretty much set, Smothers at Center and Tretola at Left Guard.
Does Skipper stay at Left Tackle and Kirkland at Right Guard? Does Ragnow take the Right Tackle spot or does he swap that spot with Kirkland? Where does Wallace fit in? Koehler? Beck and Danenhauer?

Linebacker is another position that will see "musical chair" movement during the Spring. We have 5 or 6 guys with talent, but where does each piece fit?

[razorback44]

Reid Miller, the IMG Academy walk on will suprise a lot of folks at the safety position. I'm ready to see who develops on that LB group. I also wonder if they might use Austin Cantrell on defense at the MLB since there is so much needed talent and physical need at the LB position. With his physicality I, truly would be surprised if he didnt work out there.

Austin Cantrell is going to be used as an H-Back as the coaching staff has said time and time again. He isn't going to be used on defense.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I know you said that, but it sounded like you were starting to interpret your depth chart as something more than subjective. Hence, my debate about certain pieces of it on defense.

While there are several areas of the depth chart I disagree with, it is quite hard to argue many of them due to confusion of mine. I believe Voelzke will be on the second string of TE to start the spring, but then I'm confused why O'Grady and Cantrell are listed as well. I think he will not be second string come the first game when those players are with the team. Similarly, I think TJ Smith will be very, very hard to keep off the field his freshman season, granted, we could lose our starting 2-deep and still have another 2-deep of DE's ready to play and produce in the SEC, so it would also be hard not to RS him. IDK, mainly it is confusing what you want this thread to be. If it is a pre-spring depth chart, only include players who will actually be here in the spring and debate who will move up and down in the spring, but not include guys who won't be here til summer.

A kid has to start somewhere on a depth chart and kids that have yet to take a single game snap generally start out behind those who have. That's my logic in that. It doesn't mean that they are going to stay there. Now JC transfers are a different thing. They usually don't sign those guys with the idea in mind of sticking a RS on them for a year, they expect them to play immediately and to be contributors, which is why I had Reed on the 1st team and Ledbetter on the 2nd.

Don't get too hung up on where a new kid is positioned or even on where other players might be placed on this depth chart. You and other posters are great about having conversations about this type of thing, that is why I started it. None of us are going to always agree on everything.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

All the same, Jackson played more last year than Hodge did and by most accounts is better player. Other than the year they are, is there any reason to suspect that Hodge would jump Jackson on the depth chart to assume a starting position?

As far as these two players go, you can see their production here. I don't see Jackson seperating himself as the dominant player, yet. Doesn't mean he won't in the future.

                   Hodge     Jackson
Games             11           13
Tackles           3.5            6
TFL                  1             1
ATFL                1             0
TFL Yds            7             2
Sacks               0             0

If anything, it would seem that Hodge was as productive during his time on the field as Jackson was when he was on the field.