Early roster predictions before first scrimmage

[BisonNation11]

I put him at #1 first then pulled him off the list. I think you may be rigbt. One of the 3 frosh will probably play. Depends on how the starters fit in. I figure Smith will be the slot guy, thats probably the spot Warren plays. I think Vraa will replace Holloway but I dont know if hes fast enough to be the deep ball guy. Gebheart is the #3 guy playing outside opposite Vraa. He's fast but probably not tall enough to be the deep ball guy. Okland and Gray fit that mold the best. Deep balls is probably the easiest to learn too. Thats why I predict Gray and Okland. Gray apparently is a great blocker too. With Veldman gone we need tall targets in the redzone. I think Woods is a more balanced receiver right now but he would have to unseat Gebheart to see a ton of playing time. So that's possible. I could actually see all 3 playing if the injury bug hits.

I could see Woods being a Kole Heckendorf (forgive the spelling) type receiver. Not the biggest, not the fastest, but makes the big plays, necessary plays, and finds a way to get it done.

[BisonNeil]

Good stuff Gabe. Always fun to speculate.

As for starters who are on the verge of becoming superstars, I'm going with Jensen. I think he did a wonderful job managing the game last year as a Soph, but I think this year he has a chance to one of the top two QBs in FCS. This assumes, of course, that the coaches find some WRs and they stay healthy.

As for players who saw significant time and can become dominant starters, I'm going with Vaadeland. I personally think he will beat out Nelson simply because he is more of a receiving threat.

Walk ons who will contribute, the ones listed are good guesses, but I still think Luecke and Hushka will be serious contributors this year. They are juniors and its their time.

[phxbison]

Now this is the kind of thread that is enjoyable to read. Thanks gabe !

[Notorious]

Agree 100% about Jensen...he moves to "superstar" status!

What are the thoughts on Thornton? Can he make a big impact somewhere? Anywhere?


Sent from my iPhone.

[HerdBot]

Norman to DT? Good post though!

Sounds crazy but heres my train of thought

DE has 4 solid players in the rotation. Jirik, Emanuel, Hagen, Hardie,

NG has Drevlow and Juckem. Rock solid.
DT has Perry
The backup situation is unclear. We hace Horvath, Luecke, Schaetz, and Dan Wood
Horvath is a no brainer pick but he is academically inelligible so who knows if he ever comes back and hes missing valuable reps. We already lost Lisenby. Luecke and Wood are walkons. Schaetz was a late signing last year and a bit undersized.

Norman was a scholarship guy and is already big enough to play the spot. Plus moving from DE to DT is probably an easier move. The DT spot requires quickness and most DEs are quick enough.

But i think long term hes best at DE because we just signed Farnloff and Pierre. Either way we need some more DEs next year

[roadwarrior]

Players are on Dacotah Field warming up right now.

[westnodak93bison]

Players are on Dacotah Field warming up right now.

I'd appreciate some comments after practice today. Thanks in advance. Sucks to live 200 miles away and can't make practice.

[MarkyMark]

Agree 100% about Jensen...he moves to "superstar" status!

What are the thoughts on Thornton? Can he make a big impact somewhere? Anywhere?


Sent from my iPhone.

Thornton at Fullback.

I see Thornton making the biggest contribution by joining the fullbacks. We lost two FB contributers from last year, Thornton knows the offense, he looks strong enough to play the position and I know from the few times he ran the ball that he has the speed.

I know injuries can change everything but as I see it right now we will have great starters and depth at DB and WR and I would like to see him on the field next year.

[HerdBot]

Thornton at Fullback.

I see Thornton making the biggest contribution by joining the fullbacks. We lost two FB contributers from last year, Thornton knows the offense, he looks strong enough to play the position and I know from the few times he ran the ball that he has the speed.

I know injuries can change everything but as I see it right now we will have great starters and depth at DB and WR and I would like to see him on the field next year.

Esley doesnt really have the frame for an every down fullback. I could see him in an H back role. Maybe a hybrid fb/rb/te/wr who tinkers with the wildcat. I know he would be kick ass on halfback passes but i think defenses would key in on him.

If you put him in at fullback might as well put 2 running backs in.

[BisonNeil]

Sounds crazy but heres my train of thought

DE has 4 solid players in the rotation. Jirik, Emanuel, Hagen, Hardie,

NG has Drevlow and Juckem. Rock solid.
DT has Perry
The backup situation is unclear. We hace Horvath, Luecke, Schaetz, and Dan Wood
Horvath is a no brainer pick but he is academically inelligible so who knows if he ever comes back and hes missing valuable reps. We already lost Lisenby. Luecke and Wood are walkons. Schaetz was a late signing last year and a bit undersized.

Norman was a scholarship guy and is already big enough to play the spot. Plus moving from DE to DT is probably an easier move. The DT spot requires quickness and most DEs are quick enough.

But i think long term hes best at DE because we just signed Farnloff and Pierre. Either way we need some more DEs next year

Dom and Jeff mentioned that Schaetz looked good today at DT, but you are right, he is a undersized. Apparently he is a walk on, might have to add him to the list of walk ons who will contribute.