Looking forward: Football Depth Chart

So, to take a quick look forward at what BG's depth chart looks like at the end of the 2015 season...here it is:

A few notes.

On offense, 5 starters are lost for sure and probably 6.  Now, that's big, because they are three all-time greats and maybe four...Matt Johnson and Travis Greene each had record-setting careers and Roger Lewis was as good a deep threat as we have ever had.  Lewis is an unknown at this time and told The Blade he hadn't made a call yet, but I think it is better than 50% that he goes to the draft.

Furthermore, Alex Huettel was a multiple All-MAC performer, as was Ryan Burbrink.

Having said that, all is not lost.  BG returns 4 of its 5 offensive linemen, two starting WRs, as well as backups like Miller, Redding, Coppet and Folkerstma.  At QB, there is unofficial talk of a guy coming up from Texas Tech, and if not BG would have Knapke, highly touted R-FR James Morgan and highly touted true FR Elijah Cunningham.  If QB is solidified, this team can still score points.

On defense, BG loses 5 starters from a really young defense.  They include both safeties and 3 d-lineman.  These areas are both concerns, but the D-line is the most serious.  BG has been on a non-stop depletion program of recruited D-lineman to various issues, most recently Mike Minns.  If our new coaching staff has any JUCO contacts (or graduate transfer contacts), this is an area where help could be used right away.

As for safety, Jamari Bozeman looks to me to be a player, and Ben Hale did get some playing time.  Also, I think Gourdine or Ballew could be moved back to Safety for depth or assistance.

The good thing is that the linebackers are all back.  This was a question mark this year due to losing Martin and Lynch and I think they really performed and are something to build on for '16.

Also, the corners are back, which is important.  They made some plays and they missed some plays, but with another year's growth they could both be really solid.

On special teams, this biggest loss is Tate.  I know he didn't have a very good year, but for his career he was our best kicker since Shaun Suisham.  He stabilized a position that had been a virtual nightmare for years.  I don't know anything about Nick Fields or any other backups...but it is a nice safety blanket to have a guy who can hit a FG when you really need it.

We also lose Burbrink at PR, and he was excellent for his career at this, but with the speed we have in our receiving corps, I think we will be OK there.  Usually only have a few good return opportunities in a season, anyway.

So, look.  This is a three-time MAC East Champion that won 2 of the last 3 MAC titles.  Given that, this is a pretty good talent base.  I don't think BG will be an overwhelming favorite in the East next year, but they should still contend.  With a QB, there just aren't very many big question marks....mostly on the d-line...and on a new coaching staff adjusting itself to what is a new role for almost everyone.