......it should be pointed out none of them (right now) are being asked to start.
That said, a lack of depth is part of the story, here. The Jacks could pull up to three redshirts on the defensive line – likely Xavier Ward, Krockett Krolikowski and
Daniel Callender – and that’s at least partially depth-related. (Blake) Whitsell was slated to start at one tackle, but injuries forced him to retire. On the other hand, Callender, Ward and Krolikowski were all viewed as potentially being ready early even before Whitsell went down.
At linebacker, season-ending injuries to Jake Harms and Kyle Tuttle certainly affected the team’s depth, and now Seven Wilson and
Noah Urbanek are second on the depth chart on the outside. Again, depth is a factor here, but so is talent. Wilson and Urbanek were both strong candidates to play right away regardless of injury issues.
Tight end Skyler Cavanaugh and defensive back Jordan Velez are possibilities to play, in large part to make an impact on special teams. Brookings’ own Eddie Miller seems a sure thing to have his redshirt pulled, while at least one other O-lineman could play as well.