Depth Chart 2.1

[Oklahawg]

So, we have a depth chart that looks kinda/sorta like this:

QB (4) Wilson, Mitchell, Walker, Allen
RB (5) Johnson, Green, Wingo, Davis, Walker
FB (1) Small
OL (14) Oxner, Bailey, Swanson, Berna, GCook, Freeman, Feldt, Charpentier, BCook, Smothers, Danenhauer, Peacock, Oden, Beck
TE (7) Gragg, Tate, Ueckman, Peterson, Dean, Simek, Calendar
WR (12) Wright, Adams, Childs, Hamilton, Horton, Humphrey, Herndon, Wade, Funderburke, McKinney, Whitehurst, Minor
43 on offense

DT (10)- DDJones, BJones, Davis, Askew, Jackson, Thomas, Hodge, Beck, Flowers, Beachum
DE (8)- Bequette, Wright, Smith, Miles-Nash, Ollison, Kelly-Thomas, Gosha, Arkadie
LB (12) - Franklin, Moss, Nelson, Rasner, Williams, Harris, Marshall, Mitchell, Lake, Haman, Gilbert, Highsmith
CB (7) - Madison, Winston, Mitchell, Curtis, Gatson, Fisher, Mitchel 
S (8/9) - Thomas, Ford, Bennett, Carr, Turner, DSmith, Gaines, Wier, Sims

Specialists (2) - Camara, Hocker

45 defense, 2 specialists

3 Sign and Place Candidates: Sims, Dean, Minor
Prominent Walk-Ons: Breeding, Armbrust, JGreen, WColeman, Gunderson, Hurd, Deacon, Killebrew

Figured I would update and allow us to have new commentary.

EDIT 12/16: Fixed the numbers. 85 with this list.
EDIT 12/24: Fixed double listing of Jackson.
EDIT 1/18: Added Adams back; removed Sims, Minor and Riles from the list due to academics
EDIT 1/19: Added Oden back
EDIT 1/20: Removed Singletary
EDIT 1/24: Added Whitehurst; returned Minor and Riles, having them join Dean in a "sign and place" designation (this to be determined in time); players in bold were starters for bulk of the season
EDIT 2/1: Moved Beck to OL, since it appears that may be his destination (who really knows); added Flowers and Small
EDIT 2/3: Removed Barnett, added Peterson; Added Wier; performed better math ; removed Riles, added Sims in the "sign and place" designation; placed ALL recruits in the depth chart, pending academics of the signees
EDIT 3/20: Removed italicized entries for 3 recruits; removed Ray and Stadther (until they actually participate in team activities again); juggled positions to reflect positions they are working in spring drills
EDIT 3/22: Removed Hefley, out of football permanently due to concussions

[Pulled(PP)pork]

do we have another fb on the wish list?  do we need one?


PP

[ListenHereMister]

93?  So 8 will have to transfer, graduate, etc?

[wholehog92]

I thought I read where Tate was moving to full back?  I could easily be misremembering or could have been a temp situation.

[CurDog64]

So were going to take another TE?

[pigzwillrise]

93?  So 8 will have to transfer, graduate, etc?

and that's assuming Adams leaves, which I'm not so positive that he will.  I think the only player we lose to the draft is Mallett.

One interesting spot will be Kicker.  I'm not sure how Camara's scholarship will work out since Hocker has proven himself... That might be one spot where a spot is opened up

[Oklahawg]

These players seem to be holding offers, commitable or otherwise:

DB: Charles Jackson - CB (NU), Anthony Pierson - CB
LB: Ramik Wilson - LB, Cedric Cooper - LB, Anthony Wallace - LB (Oregon)
skilled offensive players: Jack Tabb - TE, Andrew Peterson - TE, Andrew Buie - RB
DL: Mickey Johnson - DT, Lonnie Gosha - DT, Kevin McReynolds - DT, Barron Dixon - DE, Horace Arkadie - DE, Jemauria Rasco - DE
OL: done? Cameron Clear - OT?
Deep Snapper: Bryce Haynes

Others might be out there, I'm not sure. Your guess is as good as mine.

I do know of 3-4 others whose names are purposefully not on the list. They are looking but nothing is certain. A couple are committed elsewhere (no sense getting too worked up just yet). Bottom line, I'm curious if they'll be offered an official visit. We appear to be wanting to rollover some official visits for next year's class. Perfectly legal and a good thing.

EDIT: Lanier removed, headed to TN
EDIT: Fahrenkrug removed, headed to FSU
12/16 EDIT: Coe removed, he removed UA from consideration
12/23 EDIT: Carson removed, commit to Oregon; Peacock and Mitchel removed, UA commits; added Andrew Peterson, TE from TX; added Horace Arkadie, DE from TX; added Jemauria Rasco, DE from LA; added Anthony Wallace, LB from TX; added notes for Wallace and Jackson as commits to other schools

[Oklahawg]

I thought I read where Tate was moving to full back?  I could easily be misremembering or could have been a temp situation.

Tate has played FB. He'd be a great option there.

[Oklahawg]

93?  So 8 will have to transfer, graduate, etc?

I removed the "someone" labels. 88 as it stands now.

We will sign and place at least one, or so it appears.

[Oklahawg]

and that's assuming Adams leaves, which I'm not so positive that he will.  I think the only player we lose to the draft is Mallett.

I agree that he shouldn't leave. I think he chooses to leave, whether its best or not.

[wholehog92]

Bequette has to be licking his chops with the interior strength being what it is and some of the young guns available on the other side.  He is a guy that can really move up the boards next year.

We are kind of looking top heavy at RB.  We need to get one this year even though we are looking good for a couple of years.

I haven't seen this kind of depth on the OL ever at AR.

I like our TEs and don't really care if we get another one this year if Tate is really a TE and not a FB.  However, the athletes at TE are the most versatile to move if you need to.

I can't even believe this group of WRs.  What a comfort for a QB.

We have a lot of bodies at LB, but on the big LBs we have just now started building depth there.  We have a really good selection of the smaller quick LBs though.  We have a couple of guys that fit the larger role in this class.  I hope they mature early as they will almost certainly be called into action their first year.

Our CBs are talented and young.  I think 3 in that mold from here on out would be good.

I'm satisfied with our safeties at this point.  We are fairly well balanced on experience and talent.  I think 2 a year would be fine.  If you can get a stud, obviously take him.

Our most critical recruit position is MLB in my view.  If you took me into consideration, I would take a TE spot and the OL spot you have listed as someone and go after MLBs if there are any out there worth taking that are considering us.  Even if they are redshirt candidates, we are counting on a 100% hit rate on the two we have or we are going to be in a world of hurt at MLB.  That is a pretty vulnerable position all things considered.

[razorsharptusk]

Don't you guys think that Davis will move to #1 RB and Johnson #2 RB with more emphasis on Johnson taking kick off return duties?  Johnson returned kicks with such a no fear attitude. We need this back bad!

[Hogdomer]

I agree that he shouldn't leave. I think he chooses to leave, whether its best or not.

Do you have inside info on this? 

I compare him to Damien Williams, who also left early and was a third rounder.  If you are not going to be picked in the first round, especially given the uncertainty of the labor situation, you should really come back.

[Uncle_dad]

A bit off topic, but could Oxner see time at guard?  Even though he lost his starting position, he is still one of our most experienced lineman.  I keep hearing about how much of a hit our O-line will take, but I don't see any reason to be that pessimistic.  Our false start penalties should go down, anyhow.

[Oklahawg]

A bit off topic, but could Oxner see time at guard?  Even though he lost his starting position, he is still one of our most experienced lineman.  I keep hearing about how much of a hit our O-line will take, but I don't see any reason to be that pessimistic.  Our false start penalties should go down, anyhow.

Yes, Oxner at guard is a possibility. He cross-trained there this year. We are rich with guards, fine with center options, but a wee bit short on OTs.

[Oklahawg]

Do you have inside info on this? 

I compare him to Damien Williams, who also left early and was a third rounder.  If you are not going to be picked in the first round, especially given the uncertainty of the labor situation, you should really come back.

I think Joe wants to be "the guy". Hard for that to happen in this offense.

[wholehog92]

I think Joe wants to be "the guy". Hard for that to happen in this offense.

I think Knile Davis has proved this wrong.  Childs was as well before injury.  If you are the stud, you will get fed in this offense.  It's that simple.  If Adams can't seperate himself on a college roster, I'm not convinced he will be highly sought after on draft day.  I love him as a hog, but he really needs to come back and show consistency.  He is very talented and dangerous with the ball in his hands already.

[pigdj1]

Who is the DE Jackson?

[Hog Fan from Camden]

Yes, Oxner at guard is a possibility. He cross-trained there this year. We are rich with guards, fine with center options, but a wee bit short on OTs.

I would not mind seeing Bailey moved to OT (his pass blocking was very good at times), being that we are OG rich right now.  Not second guessing the coaches, just speculating.

[IronHog]

I think Joe wants to be "the guy". Hard for that to happen in this offense.

Correct.

If he wanted to be "the man" he should have played defense.  Actually he should strongly consider giving CB a shot in the spring if he wants to play NFL ball.


He is a very good College player but when you turn on Sunday football there are not many 1-2 receivers left under 6'1".  The Greg Childs/AJ Greens/Jefferies of the world have taken the WR spots in the NFL.  His best bet at pro ball would be nickleback/special teams type player.

[IronHog]

Figured I would update and allow us to have new commentary.

Green needs to get leaner and cross train at FB.

He has NFL skills...just not as a every down runner.  Also needs to get faster at the point of attack.

[Hogdomer]

Correct.

If he wanted to be "the man" he should have played defense.  Actually he should strongly consider giving CB a shot in the spring if he wants to play NFL ball.


He is a very good College player but when you turn on Sunday football there are not many 1-2 receivers left under 6'1".  The Greg Childs/AJ Greens/Jefferies of the world have taken the WR spots in the NFL.  His best bet at pro ball would be nickleback/special teams type player.

There is no doubt Joe Adams will play in the NFL at receiver.  Smaller guys are very successful, especially in the slot, e.g. Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson.  I just don't think he will be a first rounder (and probably not a second rounder) so he should come back for one more year.

[Oklahawg]

Who is the DE Jackson?

FR Jeremiah Jackson. Could (probably will )grow into a DT.

[Oklahawg]

I would not mind seeing Bailey moved to OT (his pass blocking was very good at times), being that we are OG rich right now.  Not second guessing the coaches, just speculating.

The test of true OL depth is having a 2-deep of usable OT. UA has had just a handful of prototypical OT in the last 20 years and had two at once this year. Nutt had two in one year, but one played TE for crying out loud!

I think the reason you are seeing a scramble for OL right now is getting more options at OT. Oden appears out until someone who knows better than I do can correct me. While I like the thought that we might have just out-researched others on our OL recruits I'd also like the comfort of knowing other high-major programs are coveting the same OT!

Brey Cook cannot play both OT.

[IronHog]

Brey Cook cannot play both OT.

Can he play one OT spot?


BP is probably going to be forced to not flip his line next year.  Everything but left OT will work itself out, but I don't see him being able to flip his line as he did this year...........

[Oklahawg]

Can he play one OT spot?


BP is probably going to be forced to not flip his line next year.  Everything but left OT will work itself out, but I don't see him being able to flip his line as he did this year...........

I think BP will find one OT from the current crew who can handle the backside OT and we'll continue to flip.

[Hog Fan from Camden]

I think BP will find one OT from the current crew who can handle the backside OT and we'll continue to flip.

Felt, Bailey, Freeman, and Simek (sp) should all be candidates.

[Oklahawg]

Felt, Bailey, Freeman, and Simek (sp) should all be candidates.

I'm really curious about Charpentier. At one point I thought he was going to be the next center after Swanson. But, we'll need him before Swanson graduates, so he might fit the bill at OT. Charpentier played vs better competition in HS than did Denton Simek who will force a looksee this spring.

You have really good options at guard: Bailey, Grant Cook, Feldt and Oxner cross-trained there. NWA fans are waiting on Berna to develop. Smothers will push for playing time as a RS FR.

I can see UA hoping for a 3-man OT rotation with Brey Cook being #4 - he trains as a 2nd teamer and travels but they'll hope to retain the redshirt.

[Oklahawg]

93?  So 8 will have to transfer, graduate, etc?

Finally fixed the numbers. 85 currently committed or enrolled.

If the numerologists are correct, we'll sign a total of 29 who'll see campus next August + up to 3 who are sign-n-place guys. 24 right now, so 5 more players. Anything beyond five and we are rolling the extras into the 3 SNPlace slots or are pulling an offer. I suspect that we are really at 22 commits and 2 sign-n-place commits right now.

That means we are 5 over our limit in the OP list of names. The depth chart is a bit bloated in a spot or two, providing logical places to look for attrition.

[hoosier]

Don't we also have Jared Green as a DT for next year?

[The Hogfather]

He is a very good College player but when you turn on Sunday football there are not many 1-2 receivers left under 6'1".  The Greg Childs/AJ Greens/Jefferies of the world have taken the WR spots in the NFL.  His best bet at pro ball would be nickleback/special teams type player.

Disagree.  I think he is Percy Harvin 2.0 (WR, put him in the backfield, slot, whatever).  He even returns punts and could return KOs as well.  He might not go as high as Percy, but I think he's just as good.

[Oklahawg]

Don't we also have Jared Green as a DT for next year?

Don't think he gets a scholarship. He walked on.

[Oklahawg]

I added Peacock and Mitchel to the depth chart.

87 by my count, assuming two go pro.

EDIT: tweaked the post with the commitable offers in it.

It appears we'll try to land a TE and an offensive skilled player with the remaining slots. Maybe?

[Tim Harris]

Don't you guys think that Davis will move to #1 RB and Johnson #2 RB with more emphasis on Johnson taking kick off return duties?  Johnson returned kicks with such a no fear attitude. We need this back bad!

I think you have to list Knile as the #1 back.  IMO he has definately shown he is the top back on the roster.

[southeasthog]

Don't you guys think that Davis will move to #1 RB and Johnson #2 RB with more emphasis on Johnson taking kick off return duties?  Johnson returned kicks with such a no fear attitude. We need this back bad!

I think you have to list Knile as the #1 back.  IMO he has definately shown he is the top back on the roster.

Eventhough Oklahawg titled this "Depth chart" I believe his main focus is looking at the team being at the 85 man scholarship limit and didn't put the starters first necessarily. 

[Hogger]

Correct.

If he wanted to be "the man" he should have played defense.  Actually he should strongly consider giving CB a shot in the spring if he wants to play NFL ball.


He is a very good College player but when you turn on Sunday football there are not many 1-2 receivers left under 6'1".  The Greg Childs/AJ Greens/Jefferies of the world have taken the WR spots in the NFL.  His best bet at pro ball would be nickleback/special teams type player.

Have to disagree.  7 out of the top 10 and 4 out of the top 5 in receiving yards are 6 foot and under:
http://www.nfl.com/players/brandonlloyd/profile?id=LLO154116
http://www.nfl.com/players/roddywhite/profile?id=WHI472686
http://www.nfl.com/players/reggiewayne/profile?id=WAY456953
http://www.nfl.com/players/gregjennings/profile?id=JEN480468
http://www.nfl.com/players/mikewallace/profile?id=WAL468678
http://www.nfl.com/players/deseanjackson/profile?id=JAC127681
http://www.nfl.com/players/hakeemnicks/profile?id=NIC726593

[Oklahawg]

Eventhough Oklahawg titled this "Depth chart" I believe his main focus is looking at the team being at the 85 man scholarship limit and didn't put the starters first necessarily. 

Correct. I didn't attempt to parse out 1st, 2nd, etc., or predict exact positions (various WR, OL, DL, etc). Knile is THE #1 guy right now and for the future.

[IronHog]

Have to disagree.  7 out of the top 10 and 4 out of the top 5 in receiving yards are 6 foot and under:
http://www.nfl.com/players/brandonlloyd/profile?id=LLO154116
http://www.nfl.com/players/roddywhite/profile?id=WHI472686
http://www.nfl.com/players/reggiewayne/profile?id=WAY456953
http://www.nfl.com/players/gregjennings/profile?id=JEN480468
http://www.nfl.com/players/mikewallace/profile?id=WAL468678
http://www.nfl.com/players/deseanjackson/profile?id=JAC127681
http://www.nfl.com/players/hakeemnicks/profile?id=NIC726593

Fair enough.


He still looks small compared to most NFL WR's though.

[Nuttcracker, Sweet!]

other than DeSean Jackson, all those guys are 194 lbs or bigger...Adams will need to add weight and strength w/o losing speed...

[the razorback cheesehead]

Just two questions that I am curious about on our depth chart? First, is Tevin Mitchel a definite corner, or might he play saftey. Second, will Fisher most likely defense or offense?

[Fatmanhog]

Where is Jervohnte Riles fitting in?

[VenturaHog]

Thanks for this list, very helpful!

Oden is enrolled for spring, BTW

[Oklahawg]

Just two questions that I am curious about on our depth chart? First, is Tevin Mitchel a definite corner, or might he play saftey. Second, will Fisher most likely defense or offense?

Mitchel will be a corner. Fisher will play defense, probably corner. That remains to be determined by the end-game over the next couple of weeks.

[Oklahawg]

Reminder: I am not placing players in their pecking order, just listing them. I'll highlight returning starters in a day or two.

[cardinalandwhite]

What about Caleb Evans at DE?  Did I miss something there?

[Oklahawg]

What about Caleb Evans at DE?  Did I miss something there?

Gone. Left the team last fall, I believe.

[Oklahawg]

Based on adding Flowers and Small, three more on signing day (with no attritution from those counted in the scholarship list) means we have oversigned by six.

[MS_HogFan]

Maybe you could put Winston, Williams and Ford in bold. They started some of the games at the end of the year I believe.
Basically are entire D is back. Winston played for Broadway as he missed the 2nd half of the year. Williams played really well in place of Juice. Ford played well as always for Crimm. Wright will be the other DE.
We are set for a really good D this year.

Im ready for Spring Practice

[PoormansRobbyHampton]

Disagree.  I think he is Percy Harvin 2.0 (WR, put him in the backfield, slot, whatever).  He even returns punts and could return KOs as well.  He might not go as high as Percy, but I think he's just as good.

Hogfather, how you can be so clueless about the basketball Hogs, yet still be well informed everywhere else is beyond me.

I too think Percy Harvin when I look at Joe. We've seen what kind of impact Harvin's had on Minnesota.

[tusksincolorado]

I Am Ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!!!


GO HAWGS!!!!!!   :razorback: