We have a decent sample size, being 5 games into the season. We've had one cupcake (PVAM), one monster (OSU), a challenging home game opener (FAU), and two away games against equal opponents (MD and BD).
Takes on Each Position
Offense
QB: Chiles is the quarterback now and for the future. We need to live through the growing pains. He is as talented and dynamic a quarterback as we've ever had. He is young. He needs experience, but he is a difference-maker.
He's thrown for 1,000 yards through 5 games (200 average), a 56% completion percentage, and 5:8 TD:INT ratio. He's also rushed for 85 yards and 3 TDs.
The turnovers are a problem; he's had 2+ TOs in 4/5 games. And the comp % makes drives stall or, at the very least, clunky at times.
He's a true sophomore and young for his grade. He's 5 starts into his career. I'm buying any stock people are selling.
The RB Room: I think it's clear KLA is the better runner than Carter. The eye-test and stats confirm this. They are pretty equal in carried, but the yards and YPC tell a different story. KLA averages 5.3, while Carter is 4.4.
True Freshman Tullis and Frazier have seen live action. Tullis has played in 4 games (the redshirt limit), so would need to be shut down to redshirt, which is unlikely at this point. Frazier has only played two games and will likely redshirt.
Looking Ahead - With KLA graduating, we only have Carter, Tulling (who will be a Sophomore) and Frazier (RS-FR). We only have one RB commit, and I expect them to sign another. But I still think the staff will hit the portal to add more depth and experience to the room again.
WR/TE: Tough to judge with so many injuries. Those injuries and lack of overall talent have made life harder for Chiles and the run game. Foster has been decent, averaging almost 4 receptions per game, but he's our WR1, when he should be WR2 or WR3 in a good offense. Marsh is a stud with WR1 potential but still a true freshman. Credit to Johnson for stepping up this year as the next man up and getting valuable reps. I'd love to see more from Velling, who only has 13 catches for 185 yards and 0 TDs. Glover has been banged, playing in only two games, but in those games, he's gone 4-53-1 and 6-84-1. So he can be a plus player when on the field and a strong paring with Marsh and Chiles for a few years.
Looking ahead - Marsh will burn his redshirt and be a True Sophomore next year. Glover will be a Junior. Johnson will be a RS-Sophomore. Gates will be a RS-Junior. Alante Brown could get a medical waiver and return for one more year. We have a few other younger and talented players in Smith, Clay, and Brown who will all be RS-So next year. Velling hasn't done enough to go pro, so could return as a Senior next year. Parachek and Masunas will both be Juniors. In a lot of ways, this is a 2-3 year group that can become the strength of the offense.
Defense
Defensive Line: I've been impressed with this group. We had a few key players transfer out this offseason, but credit the staff for bringing in good players and unlocking a few already on the roster.
Edge: Bogel is having a breakout year, with 20 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 3 sacks. Jones has 2.5 TFLs and 3 QB hits. Thompson has 2 QB Hits. Dunnigan has 2 TFLs and 1 sack. Talley has 2 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and 2 QB Hits.
DT: Douse has 2.5 TFLs and 1 sack, AVS has 1 sack.
Overall this group has been solid. It's not an elite unit, but they've shown they can stop the run and get pressure on the QB.
Looking Ahead - We have some good pieces for next year and beyond in Jones, Thompson, AVS, and Talley.
LB: Our quartet of Turner, Haladay, Matthews and Hall has been solid. Turner was an excellent transfer pickup: 31 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 1 INT, and 2 QB Hits. Haladay racks up the numbers, but still struggles in the passing game and can get lost in the run. Between the eye-test and PFF Grade (see Al's post below), I think it's time for Matthews and Hall to play more.
With Haladay and Turner graduating. The keys go to Matthews and Hall, with Pretzlaff up next. Snow has another year, and with more time removed from injury could take a bigger role. But I expect the staff to supplement in the portal.
DB: Spencer (2 PBU), Grose (1 PBU and 1 INT), Woods, Martinez (1 INT) and Brantley (2 INT and 5 PBU) are getting the most work and playing well. Spencer, Woods, and Grose each have 20+ tackles, all top 5 on the team.
Interesting nugget: Besides Bogel, the next DL is on the tackle leaders list is ranked 11th. The DL isn't getting stops up front, so there's been equal responsibility between the LBs and DBs to make tackles.
Looking Ahead - Woods, Grose and Martinez graduate. Tatum will take a medical redshirt and be a RS-JR next year. Spencer will be a SR, assuming he doesn't go pro. Brantley and Rucker can return. And a player like Hughes could step up. Not a bad core.
A handful of true freshmen on defense have played 1-2 games, including Beeler, Pretzlaff, Brinson, and Burnett. I expect them to redshirt.
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