Depth Chart....

We've had a couple of mentions of the new depth chart, which is the first once since the media guide came out...it is now officially out with the Troy game notes, so let's take a look.

The biggest point of interest is on the defensive line, where we are bringing in all new players. Here is what we show.


The surprise is Brandon Jackson starting on the end. He was listed as a LB on the roster on the web, and has played a total of 9 games over his previous seasons with four career tackles. Coach says he had a great camp and knows what he is doing, so we're all hoping he can help to bring some senior leadership to the line.

Coach said Magnone had the job coming out of the Spring, and that there will be a lot of rotation, so I think you can expect to see most of those guys in and out. Chris Jones, btw, is a true freshmen and is backing up at one position, merely adding a counterpoint to our need for bodies.

The rest of the depth chart is at follows, and contains far fewer surprises.

The defense is pretty much as expected. The good camp of Keith Morgan has allowed Calvin Marshall to move down to be a backup at linebacker. True freshmen Tim Moore is also on the two-deep at safety.

On offense there are also few surprises. The set we chose to illustrate in the chart is a two RB, Two WR, one TE formation. With that in mind, Barnes and Pronty are the WRs, with Hutson and Chris Wright in reserve. Probably the only interesting part of this is that Willie Geter is listed as starting at TB and Chris Bullock is at FB.

There are a couple of things that are interesting about that. First, when we use that formation, we are getting our two best RBs on the field. And, Bullock is a clear threat to run out of the FB position, and would not be a one-dimensional blocking FB. Secondly, I think it shows how much Willie Geter has shown this Fall. He certainly has the speed to be a game changing back, if he can stay healthy. Finally, it does not preclude him getting touches at TB.

We have four redshirt FR on the two deep, and they are some good sized young men. If they develop and mature, we are going to have a very strong line during their junior and senior seasons.

Finally, as I noted previously, Jerry Phillips is listed as the K and Willie Geter will be returning punts--another spot where he could be an absolute game-breaker as well.