2018 projected lineup

[bison_by_blood]

We are close enough to fall camp; guesses at the 2 deep:

QB - 1st Easton Stick(duh) 2nd ??? Open competition, my opinion it’s Hotchkiss but Trey Lance will be the guy if it’s late season and they don’t have to pull his shirt
RB - 1st Bruce, 2nd Dunn, 3rd Brooks, 4th Wilson Nothing to complain about here!!!
1WR - 1st Christian Watson, 2nd Dallas Freeman Fingers crossed Watson is legit
2WR - 1st Shep, 2nd Dez Cain
Slot - 1st Dmitri, 2nd Cain Hopeful more young kids step up at receiver but for now it isn’t great depth
TE - 1st Ellefson, 2nd Nate Jenson The young’ens will get snaps but the old guys will hold down top 2
FB - 1st Brock Robbins, 2nd Malstrom Not much to see here other than FB is a thin position so look for a possible position move to here
LT - 1st Radunz, 2nd Collin Conner Both coming off injury...
LG - 1st Conner, 2nd Luke Bacon Conner is an injury concern but Bacon can back up anything
C - 1st Tanner Volosin, 2nd ??? Someone needs to step up or else it will be Bacon or Zach Kubas
RG - 1st Bacon, 2nd Kubas Should be a good battle between vet and up and comer
RT - 1st Zach Johnson, 2nd Cordell Volson Is Volson too good to keep off the field and if so, does that move ZJ to guard?
Kicker and Punter - We love you, I promise, as long as you do your job. Lol, serious Cam is legit and Punter will be fine
NG - 1st Steidl, 2nd Blake Williams We need a young guy to step up as an option here
DE - 1st Menard, 2nd Caleb Butler
DE - 1st Tuszka, 2nd Stanley Jones. And we got Waege, Mccormick and Sundt. Best DEs in FCS by far
DT - 1st Cole Karcz, 2nd Blake Williams We will definitely play several DEs at DT against passing teams
SLB - 1st Jabril Cox, 2nd Dan Marlette We are thinnest at LB i think
MLB - 1st Marlette, 2nd Cox. Maybe Kennelly or Begley here but IMO we’d move JC if DM was out
WLB - 1st Levi Jordheim, 2nd Aaron Mercadel Merc has shown flashes. Hope he can put it together
1CB - 1st Jalen Allison, 2nd Marquis Bridges
2CB - 1st Bridges, 2nd Jaylaan Wimbush
Slot corner - 1st Wimbush, 2nd Josh Hayes I think I can confidently say this is the deepest we’ve been at CB in history
FS - 1st Robbie Grimsley, 2nd ??? Could be Bachmeier but frankly if Robbie was out, we’ll rethink 3/4 of our secondary
SS - 1st Hendricks, 2nd Grimsley

Thoughts...???

[Vet70]

Don't count Michael Tutsie out of the safety rotation. Klieman said if the new redshirt rule had been in effect he would have played against JMU. With some experience, the kid is going to be good. Dom Davis can help at corner and when we started to get thin at safety last year he started getting practice there. At linebacker, I think we are inexperienced and not necessarily thin. Both Pauley and Begley should hopefully get some playing time in the first three games.

[wisco4]

Tutsie and Jaxon Brown in mix at safety. Bachmeier moved to receiver. I'd put Cain and Freemen ahead of Watson.

[wagsabison]

Izzo thinks Wimbush will be at FS. Plenty of depth at corner to have someone move over to a safety position either to provide depth or be a starter. If Hendricks isn't the starter i'd imagine he'll still see plenty of snaps

[Professor Chaos]

I'm pretty sure they moved Wimbush to FS in the spring. Tells me that they know they got something special with Bridges at CB. I'd guess that Wimbush either starts at FS (which means Grimsley stays at SS) or becomes the "nickel safety" a la Bryan Shepherd.

O-line is the area I think there's the most uncertainty about who will play where (that's not to say it's a bad thing - there's loads of talent it's just a matter of figuring out who fits where). I'd guess that the starters left to right will be Radunz, Conner, T Volson, Z Johnson, C Volson.

[runtheoption]

bison_by_blood -- you have NG, NT and DT all listed. Other than that, I see 7 for 8.

[mtoutfitter]

Wouldn't consider FB a thin position. Besides Robbins and Malstrom there is Kuntz and Leopke in his RS year. Interior Defensive line also has Darnell who saw quite a bit of time with the injuries of the 16 year....also Tucker, he was thought of as a fairly good recruit, in addition to Alo, Biegler and Kelly.

[17>1]

Good list! Man, we're deep, what a nice problem to have.

I would include Dom Davis in the CB 2 deep and he'll continue to be used at nickel as well. I would also keep Robbie at SS, and let Wimbush, Hendricks, Brown and Tutsie battle it out for the FS spot. As far as Dline, an abundance of riches there. Gonna be rolling them in and out like 2013. What a scene that was, 4 in and 4 out constantly.

Edit: Added Hendricks, thanks EC8CH!

[EC8CH]

Wouldn't count out Hendricks contending for starting Left Guard.

[bison_by_blood]

bison_by_blood -- you have NG, NT and DT all listed. Other than that, I see 7 for 8.

Fixed that. Was bound to screw something up, lol.

[CaBisonFan]

Having a healthy Radunz back is a big deal. He's a unique talent.

[bison_by_blood]

Tutsie and Jaxon Brown in mix at safety. Bachmeier moved to receiver. I'd put Cain and Freemen ahead of Watson.

Bachmeier to WR is confirmed? I hadn’t heard that. Still listed at SS on the roster.

[Vet70]

Are there any rumblings about any of the running backs switching positions? It's a crowded backfield.

[ndsubison1]

Butler will start.

[HerdBot]

Having a healthy Radunz back is a big deal. He's a unique talent.

Yep. Especially when it allows us to slide Collin Connor to LG. It makes our entire unit stronger

[wisco4]

Bachmeier to WR is confirmed? I hadn’t heard that. Still listed at SS on the roster.

He played at WR in the Spring. Either way, not in the mix to play any significant snaps, his knees don't like him anymore. Too bad, year around training can do some bad things to these guys bodies. No rest for the wicked.

[ndsubison1]

Depth is pretty good overall. Concerns at LB and WR. I wouldnt be surprised if 1 or 2 backup LBs step up

[Alsen]

Wow! The only legitimate concern for this team is backup QB in case of a catastrophe.

The young talent across the board is all next level. If the young guys see some snaps they might make a mistake a two, but this team could win the MVFC with Stick and the 2nd and 3rd teams.

Hendricks could easily backup either OLB position and IMO, should be converted. The young talent at safety is just ridiculous.

[Twincitybizon]

Wow! The only legitimate concern for this team is backup QB in case of a catastrophe.

The young talent across the board is all next level. If the young guys see some snaps they might make a mistake a two, but this team could win the MVFC with Stick and the 2nd and 3rd teams.

Hendricks could easily backup either OLB position and IMO, should be converted. The young talent at safety is just ridiculous.

Dude.... Just no...... shhhhhhhh obnoxious amount of arrogance and disconnect. Our second and third teams win the valley is off the reservation. Other teams give scholarships too. and Hendricks is a great player but really undersized in the valley at OLB. I I realize he's almost 210 but I don't see him holding up in the run game over the course of a season.

[tony]

Dude.... Just no...... shhhhhhhh obnoxious amount of arrogance and disconnect. Our second and third teams win the valley is off the reservation. Other teams give scholarships too. and Hendricks is a great player but really undersized in the valley at OLB. I I realize he's almost 210 but I don't see him holding up in the run game over the course of a season.

Dunno about Hendricks being too small to play OLB. Travis Beck and MJ Stumpf seemed to do OK.

[thebigund]

Wow! The only legitimate concern for this team is backup QB in case of a catastrophe.

The young talent across the board is all next level. If the young guys see some snaps they might make a mistake a two, but this team could win the MVFC with Stick and the 2nd and 3rd teams.

Hendricks could easily backup either OLB position and IMO, should be converted. The young talent at safety is just ridiculous.

Preach brother! I mean you guys are just loaded. Been killing it with recruiting for damn near a decade straight. If you put the 2nd stringers in the Big Fluff they’d win the Autobild. Same for the 3rds in the CAA. Put the fr in the SOCON and I think you know what the semifinals would look like in the tournament.

[thebigund]

Dunno about Hendricks being too small to play OLB. Travis Beck and MJ Stumpf seemed to do OK.

How dare you compare Beck to a mere mortal.

[Bison Dan]

Preach brother! I mean you guys are just loaded. Been killing it with recruiting for damn near a decade straight. If you put the 2nd stringers in the Big Fluff they’d win the Autobild. Same for the 3rds in the CAA. Put the fr in the SOCON and I think you know what the semifinals would look like in the tournament.

Let's put it this way - our 2's and 3's would kill your team this year.

[HerdBot]

Wow! The only legitimate concern for this team is backup QB in case of a catastrophe.

The young talent across the board is all next level. If the young guys see some snaps they might make a mistake a two, but this team could win the MVFC with Stick and the 2nd and 3rd teams.

Hendricks could easily backup either OLB position and IMO, should be converted. The young talent at safety is just ridiculous.

I think our 2 young QBs have some great potential, especially when they get regular reps with the first team. Both will have had 2 full training camps

[thebigund]

Let's put it this way - our 2's and 3's would kill your team this year.

Let’s put it this way - you’re fucking stupid.

[aces1180]

Let’s put it this way - you’re fucking stupid.

Make fun of any cancer patients/Make-a-Wish kids lately?

[El_Chapo]

Let’s put it this way - you’re fucking stupid.

why am I moderated? but this guy isnt?

[Farmer63]

We are close enough to fall camp; guesses at the 2 deep:

QB - 1st Easton Stick(duh) 2nd ??? Open competition, my opinion it’s Hotchkiss but Trey Lance will be the guy if it’s late season and they don’t have to pull his shirt
RB - 1st Bruce, 2nd Dunn, 3rd Brooks, 4th Wilson Nothing to complain about here!!!
1WR - 1st Christian Watson, 2nd Dallas Freeman Fingers crossed Watson is legit
2WR - 1st Shep, 2nd Dez Cain
Slot - 1st Dmitri, 2nd Cain Hopeful more young kids step up at receiver but for now it isn’t great depth
TE - 1st Ellefson, 2nd Nate Jenson The young’ens will get snaps but the old guys will hold down top 2
FB - 1st Brock Robbins, 2nd Malstrom Not much to see here other than FB is a thin position so look for a possible position move to here
LT - 1st Radunz, 2nd Collin Conner Both coming off injury...
LG - 1st Conner, 2nd Luke Bacon Conner is an injury concern but Bacon can back up anything
C - 1st Tanner Volosin, 2nd ??? Someone needs to step up or else it will be Bacon or Zach Kubas
RG - 1st Bacon, 2nd Kubas Should be a good battle between vet and up and comer
RT - 1st Zach Johnson, 2nd Cordell Volson Is Volson too good to keep off the field and if so, does that move ZJ to guard?
Kicker and Punter - We love you, I promise, as long as you do your job. Lol, serious Cam is legit and Punter will be fine
NG - 1st Steidl, 2nd Blake Williams We need a young guy to step up as an option here
DE - 1st Menard, 2nd Caleb Butler
DE - 1st Tuszka, 2nd Stanley Jones. And we got Waege, Mccormick and Sundt. Best DEs in FCS by far
DT - 1st Cole Karcz, 2nd Blake Williams We will definitely play several DEs at DT against passing teams
SLB - 1st Jabril Cox, 2nd Dan Marlette We are thinnest at LB i think
MLB - 1st Marlette, 2nd Cox. Maybe Kennelly or Begley here but IMO we’d move JC if DM was out
WLB - 1st Levi Jordheim, 2nd Aaron Mercadel Merc has shown flashes. Hope he can put it together
1CB - 1st Jalen Allison, 2nd Marquis Bridges
2CB - 1st Bridges, 2nd Jaylaan Wimbush
Slot corner - 1st Wimbush, 2nd Josh Hayes I think I can confidently say this is the deepest we’ve been at CB in history
FS - 1st Robbie Grimsley, 2nd ??? Could be Bachmeier but frankly if Robbie was out, we’ll rethink 3/4 of our secondary
SS - 1st Hendricks, 2nd Grimsley

Thoughts...???
Same as you except,

RB -- Red shirt Wilson... use him for his 4 games only. Give the other guys his reps for this year.
WR -- I'm not sure Watson will start, but he'll contribute.
OL -- I've got Johnson at RG, C. Volson at RT. (as you mentioned)
DT -- Williams in front of Karcz
LB -- MLB Marlette, Cox. WLB Jordheim, Mercadel. SLB Cox, Begley
CB -- Dom Davis will be on the 2 deep
S -- Tutsie will be on the 2 deep

[Twincitybizon]

Dunno about Hendricks being too small to play OLB. Travis Beck and MJ Stumpf seemed to do OK.

Beck, at 6' 214 was not exactly a picture of health during his career and MJ was 220 who didn't play a ton before his senior year. went from 12 tackles (Sophomore) to 17 tackles (Junior) to 81 as a senior.

[Vet70]

Beck, at 6' 214 was not exactly a picture of health during his career and MJ was 220 who didn't play a ton before his senior year. went from 12 tackles (Sophomore) to 17 tackles (Junior) to 81 as a senior.

Beck wasn't a "picture of health" but he played in 56 games (missed only 5) and was in on 308 tackles. He was tough as nails and the only player I ever saw who had a dislocated shoulder popped back in and go out and play.

[Twincitybizon]

Beck wasn't a "picture of health" but he played in 56 games (missed only 5) and was in on 308 tackles. He was tough as nails and the only player I ever saw who had a dislocated shoulder popped back in and go out and play.

lol you act like i insulted his honor. Dude was a GREAT Football player. Fact remains without ALL WORLD levels of bad ass toughness he misses may more than 5 games not to mention productivity from being injured and playing. It is physically so hard on our guys to play through the valley gauntlet without being undersized. Play Hendricks like a hybrid safety LB if you want but not a true lb unless nickle package/passing situation. Thoughts?

[Vet70]

lol you act like i insulted his honor. Dude was a GREAT Football player. Fact remains without ALL WORLD levels of bad ass toughness he misses may more than 5 games not to mention productivity from being injured and playing. It is physically so hard on our guys to play through the valley gauntlet without being undersized. Play Hendricks like a hybrid safety LB if you want but not a true lb unless nickle package/passing situation. Thoughts?

Not at all. Just saying I don't think his size was a problem.

[Twincitybizon]

Not at all. Just saying I don't think his size was a problem.

Cool, my bad if i misread it i just know you have a special place in your heart for him as a bison. Hard to argue weather or not he'd have been healthier with an inch of height and 20lbs. I just was pointing out that, though a great player, maybe not the best example for someone who played tons of snaps and was healthy throughout as a slightly undersized player. We have the ability to use prototypical sized players now with our fantastic recruiting. Though I understand that coaches are going to find the guys with the heart and football smarts to play regardless.

[wisco4]

Bachmeier to WR is confirmed? I hadn’t heard that. Still listed at SS on the roster.

https://twitter.com/DomIzzoWDAY/status/1025404286656765957

[bison_by_blood]

Wouldn't consider FB a thin position. Besides Robbins and Malstrom there is Kuntz and Leopke in his RS year. Interior Defensive line also has Darnell who saw quite a bit of time with the injuries of the 16 year....also Tucker, he was thought of as a fairly good recruit, in addition to Alo, Biegler and Kelly.

So are we thin now with Kuntz gone? Ching or Avery would be most likely to move. Not that either would have to switch positions but seems likely one or both would learn multiple positions.