My thoughts: Kill is going to try and balance things out class wise, splitting alot of this class and last years. It also allows him to integrate "his" guys into the systems early and should pay off with better performances this year and next versus just redshirting the lot and taking his medicine W/L wise like he did last year trying to put everything together. IMO Kill has been very calculating and smart about how he goes about setting the program up structurally. He knows what he's doing.
-Recruited lots of OL/QB in his first 2 classes
-got quality JUCO help for key spots
-found alot of Hback/ATH types who could play multiple spots if they settle into them.
As far as this year goes:
Antonio Johnson-Likely play, Kill's said before he expects safety depth to be improved when Johnson and Travis come into camp. One or both may play.
KJ Maye-Play, brings a slotback/speed/playmaker element to the offense
Damarius Travis-Play, see Johnson.
Maxx Williams-Play, little depth at Hback behind Rabe, Goodger will be more of a blocker, Williams can backup Rabe and start for 3 years. Very strong athlete who was in the huddles at spring camp, should be ready to contribute.
Rodrick Williams Jr.-Play, unless Kirkwood/Cobb are healthy. Kill/Limegrover have always used alot of runningbacks in their O, I think Williams may surprise people with his size, especially since he was a wrestler in HS, and will have been training for a football body full time for the first time.
Scott Ekpe- Play, DT depth isn't great and he's been enrolled/working out already
Jamel Harbison- Play, WR core is fairly deep but very unproven, talent will rise to the top regardless of age
Andre McDonald-Play, see Harbison. Best WR's will play, nobody's earned a starting gig yet.
Jordan Hinojosa-Likely play, see Ekpe minus being here already, we need DT depth, a RS would be a nice luxury, especially after watching guys like Kirksey/Edwards/Tinsley/Mcknight just begin to emerge their "upperclass" years, and then be done(edwards by his own stupidity, but still)
Philip Nelson-The great debate, I think RS, but if Shortell goes down, even if Gray is healthy, i think he could be called upon.
Jonah Pirsig-RS, needs time to season and fill in his frame.
Lincoln Plsek-RS, big athlete type i think will get a shot at a few positions before settling in
Yoshoub Timms-RS, Hinjosa/Ekpe will fill in depth, Timms will sit and grow, balance out the classes at this position a bit.
Nick Rallis-Likely RS, but could be a special teamer
Eric Murray-RS, good athlete that will need to learn, nice to have depth here and allow a kid like Murray to RS(Theret, Collado, Carter could have used another year)
Isaac Hayes- RS, although I'd bet had this been last year he'd have played like Tommy Olson did
Alex Keith-RS, DE depth is ok, and Keith is a bit light with a high ceiling, much like Theiren Cockran was last year.
Mitch Leidner-RS, won't be the backup, hit the bench and learn
Jack Lynn-I think RS, but only because of our senior depth, he seems like he could be a special teamer right off the bat, but let him learn behind some good senior leaders.
