Spring is almost here, no matter what mother nature tells you. We’ll continue to look at this depth chart as we progress through spring, summer and fall, but there’s been some more changes since January, and it’s time to look at it again as spring ball gets going.
Here’s who might be penciled in with the two-deep as it stands right now. Disclaimer — it can and will change.
Quarterback
1. Justin Fields
2. Matthew Baldwin
You know the deal by now. Fields is a dynamic wonder that is immediately eligible. It’ll be hard to keep him off the field, but Baldwin will get a shot as well.
Running Back
1. J.K. Dobbins
2. Demario mccall
No change here from right after the Rose Bowl win. Dobbins is the unquestioned starter and feature back here. Master Teague could push for playing time, but we’ll give the backup spot to McCall who has been in the program and shown flashes of ability to separate himself.
Next … the pass catchers
Slot/H-Back
1. K.J. Hill
2. Jaealen gill
Hill’s going to get the first crack, but we’ve heard some good things from players and coaches about Gill.
Wide Receiver
1. chris olave
2. austin mack
1. binjimen victor
2. garrett wilson*
You can mix and match here. It’s still a talented group despite the key departures. I think Wilson immediately jumps up for playing time.
Tight End
1. Luke Ferrel
2. roshod berry
This is the call for now because of experience, but watch for Jeremy Ruckert to get in on the action as time wears on. He’s that good and could eventually be a star at the position.
Next … the tough calls on the offensive line
Center
1. jonah Jackson
2. Josh Myers
I think Rutgers graduate transfer Jonah Jackson will be moved to center to allow the best five to get on the field. It’ll also allow Harry Miller to be red-shirted. It’s a tough call though, Jackson could very easily move to one of the interior guard spots.
Left Guard
1. Wyatt Davis
2. Max wray
Davis has the experience from getting on the field at the tail end of last year. Wray has been right there and will figure in.
Right Guard
1. brandon Bowen
2. Gavin Cupp
If Bowen can stay healthy, he’ll likely get the nod because of the experience. If not, Cupp will be right there to push for playing time.
Left Tackle
1. thayer munford
2. Nicholas Petit-Frere
This spot is probably the most certain. Munford is the lone starter returning so he’ll almost certainly be the blind-side protector. Look for Petit-Frere to take a major step in development.
Right Tackle
1. joshua alabi
2. matthew jones
Alabi will probably figure in somewhere, so we’ll slot him at right tackle for now. Don’t be surprised if the starters appear up and down the line based on team need. Jones will add depth.
Next … a deep and talented defensive line
Defensive End
1. chase young
2. tyler friday
1. jonathon cooper
2. jashon cornell
This will again be a talented and deep group. There’s some known commodities here, but watch out for my man Tyler Friday. His name came up many times from players in prep for the Rose Bowl. Also, how soon can five-star Zach Harrison factor in?
Defensive Tackle
1. davon hamilton
2. tommy togiai
1. robert landers
2. haskell garrett
The entire D-line has guys that can step in and be a star. These guys will rotate in, and we’ll have to see if anyone behind them also gets in on the action.
Next … an improved linebacker group?
Strong Side Linebacker
1. malik harrison
2. dallas gant
Harrison might be one of the most improved players in 2019, but the loss of Keandre Jones will mean Gant has to step up to provide depth. Also, Justin Hilliard might be a part of things at some point.
Middle Linebacker
1. Tuf Borland
2. baron browning
Borland never quite seemed himself last year and looked a step or two slow recovering from an Achilles injury. He’ll be the man in the middle as long as he can get back to 100 percent. If not, Browning is ready to step up.
Weak Side Linebacker
1. pete werner
2. teradja mitchell
Werner will be there to start, but watch out for Mitchell to come on. His upside is bigger if he can put it all together.
Next … a seasoned secondary
Cornerback
1. Jeffrey Okudah
2. shaun wade
1. damon arnette
2. Sevyn Banks
Sheffield’s departure to the NFL leaves an open spot for Okudah who could be the next first-rounder out of the secondary. Arnette returns and will most assuredly get his spot opposite Okudah. Banks and Wade will also likely find their way into the rotation.
Safety
1. Jordan Fuller
2. isaiah pryor
Safety
1. Brendon White
2. josh proctor
Depth and experience is back here as well and the way things ended in 2018 should be relatively the same for 2019. Getting Fuller to come back instead of declare for the NFL was a huge win for the defense.
Next … the specialties
Punter
1. Drue chrisman
2. jake metzer
Chrisman will be one of the best punters in the country — again. Nothing to see here except some more bottle flips.
Field Goals
1. blake Haubeil
2. Zach hoover
Haubeil took over for Nuerenberger because of injury and kept the job through the end of the year. He’ll be the guy with no question in 2019 with the junior-to-be Hoover as the likely backup.
Kickoffs
1. Blake Haubeil
2. zach hoover
Same call here.
* Freshman
