On offense Ehlinger returns but there is always the question of his ability to stay healthy. Beuchele could bolt if he graduates before next season instead of electing to play behind Ehlinger. Humphrey, Duvernay, and Johnson are quiet a Junior trio but it might be hard for Johnson and even Humphrey to pass the opportunity to get paid depending on their draft grades. If one should leave early, Eagles will be a weapon for them next year. Their offensive line graduates three which could be problematic in trying to keep Ehlinger upright and healthy. They don’t have anyone to write home about as a difference maker at TE or RB but do have a decent TE on the way who will most definitely see action next year. If all their WRs return next year, it would be hard not to think they will possibly have the best passing attack in the conference with WVU, OSU, and us retooling at QB.
The UT defense graduates 8 and much like us last year will need to replace lots of productivity with their pass rush attack as well as their secondary. The future looks very bright for the UT secondary as they absolutely killed it last year in recruiting elite DB’s. The secondary could be special for them if they can stay healthy. The front seven however will be average at best next year and lots of questions going into the spring of who will step up and emerge.
Overall, when you look at our depth for next year on both sides of the ball, even with losing the best QB and maybe Brown, we might be a more dominant team with a young OL that could really be special with Walker, Ealy, Creed, Hays, and possibly Ford. Sermon, Brooks, and Pledger will be a nightmare and could lead the league in rushing as we ease in a new QB. WR/TE ............well it always seems like it’s next man up and next year will be no different. This will be another elite group! On the defensive side of the ball, what more needs to be said. We are young for the most part and really with the right coach could easily be a top 25 defense next year. Safety is still a huge concern but if we can simply not bust assignments and keep the ball in front of us and TACKLE we will easily see maybe one of the biggest turnaround in College next season. All in all, even with all the question marks between us and UT, there is no reason we shouldn’t both be ranked in the top 12 to start the season next year.
The UT defense graduates 8 and much like us last year will need to replace lots of productivity with their pass rush attack as well as their secondary. The future looks very bright for the UT secondary as they absolutely killed it last year in recruiting elite DB’s. The secondary could be special for them if they can stay healthy. The front seven however will be average at best next year and lots of questions going into the spring of who will step up and emerge.
Overall, when you look at our depth for next year on both sides of the ball, even with losing the best QB and maybe Brown, we might be a more dominant team with a young OL that could really be special with Walker, Ealy, Creed, Hays, and possibly Ford. Sermon, Brooks, and Pledger will be a nightmare and could lead the league in rushing as we ease in a new QB. WR/TE ............well it always seems like it’s next man up and next year will be no different. This will be another elite group! On the defensive side of the ball, what more needs to be said. We are young for the most part and really with the right coach could easily be a top 25 defense next year. Safety is still a huge concern but if we can simply not bust assignments and keep the ball in front of us and TACKLE we will easily see maybe one of the biggest turnaround in College next season. All in all, even with all the question marks between us and UT, there is no reason we shouldn’t both be ranked in the top 12 to start the season next year.
