We’ve already gone through this exercise just after the season ended, then again right before spring, then after spring. But we’ll continue to revisit it as we go through the offseason and on towards real, live American football in the fall — hopefully.
We now know the early departures for the NFL, and there’s a couple of dismissals to make note of. In addition, some early enrollees will have a chance to make their mark, and a big-time graduate transfer has arrived to provide immediate depth for the backfield. We are in the throws of summer and it’s time for another look at what things might look like in 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown some uncertainty into the whole equation, but we at least have an approved six-week preseason plan approved by the NCAA, so yeah — there’s hope.
We’ll kick things off in the backfield.
Next … the quarterback/running back combination
Quarterback
1. Justin Fields**
2. Gunnar Hoak
Of course Fields is the guy here. The real question is if anyone steps up to challenge Gunnar Hoak for the backup spot. Can C.J. Stroud get in the mix? We think Hoak’s experience wins out.
Running Back
1. Trey Sermon
2. Master Teague
It’s still possible that Teague is healthy enough to challenge the Oklahoma transfer Sermon for the No. 1 spot. But right now, it looks to be Sermon’s job to lose, with Teague also getting plenty of carries.
Next … the pass catchers
Slot/H-Back
1. Demario Mccall
2. Jameson Williams
The coaching staff could go so many different ways here with so many talented options at wide receiver. We think McCall finally gets his time to shine here, but wouldn’t be surprised to see the coaching staff get the speedy Williams into the fray here. This one will continue to be in flux, but with Jaelen Gill transferring out, this is the call for now.
Wide Receiver
1. Chris Olave**
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba*
1. Garrett Wilson
2. Julian fleming*
This is where we had things after our last edition of the depth chart, and we still like it. Wilson and Olave might be the best wide receiver tandem in the conference, but there’s so much talent here, several guys are going to factor in. Even C.J. Saunders could get involved if he gets notice of another year of eligibility. This unit is going to be crazy good. Also, don’t forget about Jameson Williams here either.
Tight End
1. Luke Farrell**
2. Jeremy Ruckert
This is really 1A and 1B. Interchange both of these guys with Ruckert being more of a playmaker downfield, and Ruckert the possession guy will also be used in blocking schemes.
Next … the offensive line
Center
1. Josh Myers**
2. Max Wray
Myers’ decision to return makes this an easy pick. Harry Miller’s natural position is center, but based on the spring, we believe Miller will slide over to left guard to get the five best guys on the field. That leaves an opening for someone else like a Max Wray or another to slot in as the backup. It could, and likely will change.
Left Guard
1. Harry Miller
2. Enokk Vimahi
Miller is a star in the making to fill the shoes of the departed Jonah Jackson. Vimahi will probably factor in somewhere along the line, and we’re shuffling him here for now.
Right Guard
1. Wyatt Davis**
2. Matthew Jones
Davis is an All-American waiting to be a potential first-round NFL draft pick. Others will be in play based on depth and need, and we have Matthew Jones backing him up for now.
Left Tackle
1. Thayer Munford**
2. Paris Johnson, Jr*
Paris Johnson might push for playing time elsewhere, but we have him backing up the clear starter Munford here for now.
Right Tackle
1. Nicholas Petit-Frere
2. Dawand Jones
This could play out either way, with Jones coming on and impressing the coaching staff last season. We think Petit-Frere makes that jump and realizes his talent though.
Next … another talented defensive line
Defensive End
1. Jonathon Cooper**
2. Tyreke Smith
1. Zach Harrison
2. Tyler Friday
There may be some talent lost here, but this is still a deep and talented group. Tyreke Smith may eventually show a need to keep him on the field more with his upside, but with Cooper’s experience, coming back as a fifth-year guy, he gets the starring nod at this point.
Defensive Tackle
1. Tommy Togiai
2. Taron Vincent
1. Haskell Garrett
2. Jerron Cage
Togiai might be a star in the making, and the leader of this group. The other tackles are solid and will rotate around each other.
Next … the linebacker group
Strong Side Linebacker
1. Pete Werner**
2. Justin Hilliard
Middle Linebacker
1. Tuf Borland**
2. Dallas Gant
Weak Side Linebacker
1. Baron Browning
2. K’Vaughan Pope
This might be the most versatility this group has had in a long, long time with little drop off between the rotation. All three starters are severely seasoned and underrated. This group could end up being the sneaky strength of the defense.
Next … a rebuilt secondary
Cornerback
1. Shaun Wade**
2. Marcus Williamson
1. Cam Brown
2. Lejond Cavazos*
Cornerback
1. Sevyn banks
2. Tyreke johnson
Safety
1. Josh Proctor
2. Marcus Hooker
This position group will be the biggest rebuild, and we haven’t changed anything since our last look at the depth chart. Getting Shaun Wade back for another year is a huge table-setter. He’ll be the No. 1 lockdown corner this year. Thre are options for others to jump up, like speedster Cam Brown, especially with the dismissal of Amir Riep. Also, don’t count out guys like Cavazos and Hooker stepping up in a rotation. Things morphed into the use of three corners last year, and it worked so well that we’ll likely see the same this season.
Next … the specialties
Punter
1. Drue Chrisman**
2. Jake Metzer
Field Goals
1. Blake Haubeil**
2. Dominic DiMaccio
Kickoffs
1. Blake Haubeil**
2. Dominic DiMaccio
This is probably the easiest position group to figure out. They are all veteran and all coming back, even though Chrisman did indeed flirt with leaving early. This could be the best special teams unit in the Big Ten.
*Freshman
** Returning Starter
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