Originally Posted by FlyerIllini
As camp begins, and in no particular order, here are my top 5 questions that the Flyers will have to answer leading up to Central State. Feel free to comment or add your own.
1. Safeties: Having lost 2 experienced starters, who will step up to fill these important positions? Hopefully, there will be a spirited competition for these spots.
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Safety is a key position in our defense and we need this group to come through for us to be successful. That said, we have two R-Sr in Welsh and Nees. Nees played some last year and I believe Welsh was out last year. I have heard a lot of good things about Welsh.
Originally Posted by FlyerIllini
2. Flyer: See No. 1 above. It would seem that Chris Hagan is in the driver's seat given his experience the past couple of years. I'm sure the young guys will push him during camp.
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Hagan definitely the man here.
Originally Posted by FlyerIllini
3. Starting OG: The foursome of Vogel, Luallen, Toub and Gauthier are all returning and have great experience. Since my understanding is that Luallen likely will be moving to OT, that leaves an OG spot open. Wes Hegemann was moved from DL in the spring, so he may be the answer. Obviously, the underclassmen will also need to provide depth across the O-line.
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We have four very experienced guys to protect the QB and open holes for the RBs. It will be interesting to see who fills the 5th spot on the line.
Originally Posted by FlyerIllini
4. DT Depth: The likely 3 man rotation at DT will be: Ashleman, Carfagna and Scott. After those three, however, there is very little experience. Camp will be a great opportunity for the underclassmen to establish themselves.
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Agree with above. There is going to be a lot of competition in camp for the fourth spot.
Originally Posted by FlyerIllini
5. Back-up QB: While I don't love thinking about this one, it will be important for the 2 RS-Fr QBs to really compete in camp. Just like last year, they will both need to be mentally ready to step-in at any moment.
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This was definitely also on my list FI, as tough as it is for you! Though I heard from my sources that Jeske has gotten bigger, stronger, and faster in the off-season. Kudos to him.
In terms of some of the other positions, I think we are looking really good. We have a gaggle of very good RBs and TEs (led by Yinger and Captain Palin, respectively). At the CB position, we also look very good in terms of starters (obviously) and the backups. The LB core is stacked with experienced, very good players. The only other question I would have is at WR. Our starters, Euritt and Tumpane, are excellant players. I know Forcucci has some game experience and looks like he is going to contribute. Past that, I know some of the younger guys are talented, but have not seen them play.
Overall, I think with our starting players we are in really good shape and have a lot of experience returning. The question marks are at the backup slots and a couple positions that were mentioned above. Like every season, we need to stay healthy to compete at our highest possible level. Here's hoping for a healthy, productive season by all.