Depth Chart

[LuciousGameWinner]

Any updates? Is LJ Scott guaranteed the starting spot or are we going to utilize all 3 backs? Is Delton Williams the starter at FB?

 

[Spartanmack]

The most recent depth chart I've seen has Holmes ahead of Scott. I'm definitely gonna miss Pendleton at FB - not one of our best players but definitely one of my favorites.

 

[Spartanmack]

I'm most concerned about how O'Connor handles the QB spot and who is going to be his playmaker and/or his backup if he gets hurt. I wouldn't mind if we put the game on the D's shoulders and ran the ball 3 straight plays for 4 quarters and just wore teams down with Holmes, Scott and London like we did with Caulcrick. Mix in a little play action to the TE or chuck it downfield once in awhile.

 

[JScottWriter]

I'm most concerned about how O'Connor handles the QB spot and who is going to be his playmaker and/or his backup if he gets hurt. I wouldn't mind if we put the game on the D's shoulders and ran the ball 3 straight plays for 4 quarters and just wore teams down with Holmes, Scott and London like we did with Caulcrick. Mix in a little play action to the TE or chuck it downfield once in awhile.

So the same gameplan as the B1G Championship?

 

[Sbee]

Holmes has been the most impressive in camp so far but we're hearing good things about Madre and LJ as well. They're all listed as starters on the depth chart. The starting job is TOC's to lose and he's embracing the leadership role, I'd expect some big things from Jamal Lyles as far as pass catching and possibly playing DE on some 3rd down passing situations. Madaris is coming along well at WR, he's been hurt for a good portion of his career, RJ will be RJ, small receiver with good hands, makes plays one reverses and sweeps. Felton Davis is at the X now, Stewart at the Z. We have more than 11 positions listed on the depth chart, so it shows 3 WR, TE, FB, etc.

Defense will be really solid, expect huge things from Vayante Copeland. I'd expect Tyson Smith to pass Darien Hicks at corner at some point this year, it doesn't matter much since both guys will play a lot but Smith is coming on. I believe Ed Davis finished his coursework last week, we should have a final decision on him soon. We just need a solid rotation on DE, with guys like Sherrod and Williams getting up to speed so Malik could move outside on some plays.

 

[Spartanmack]

So the same gameplan as the B1G Championship?

similar yes, but I'd be fine with if for an entire season, not just one game. If Cook didn't get hurt last year, I don't think anyone would have wanted to see us ride Holmes and Scott for 80%+ of the offensive production. Also, I don't think we had the defense to do that last year - supposedly this year's squad could be at 2013 levels.

 

[johnny2x2x]

Madaris has emerged as the clear #1 receiver ahead of even Shelton. Davis and Stewart will be the third and fourth guys. That's really good news. Scott, London, and Holmes are pretty even at RB. Beedle and Machado are the starting OTs with Machado really coming into his own. Beedle is the big weakness to me until he proves otherwise, just not a LT's body type although he is athletic. Thiyo Lukasa really benefited from getting on campus in January and has cracked the top 10 for O Line.

Of the freshman WRs, Corley has looked like he was underrated, he's way faster and has more length than anyone thought. Jackson has looked great. Chambers is huge and ribs good routes. Layne is banged up, but will see time as a returner this year if healthy.

On D, Raquan is the big stand out and will start next to McDowell. Cooper and Evan Jones have been really good as the DEs. I think the D Line will be really good if the depth is there behind them.

Tyson Smith is close to beating out Darian Hicks to start at corner opposite Copeland who has looked great. Smith has a lot more speed than Hicks. Mike Panusiak is making the most noise of the freshman defenders and might be the 5th DT. Enoch Smith and Kevin Williams have locked up 3rd and 4th DTs.

Ed Davis finds out this Friday if he graduates.

This is the deepest squad Dantonio has ever had and probably the most talented too. Just lack experience in a few key spots.

 

[Sbee]

Looks like Cassius Peat isn't practicing with the team, dealing with academic issues.

 

[LuciousGameWinner]

Wow I'm surprised LJ is the starter after an impressive year last year. Luckily we have the Olympics to keep our minds off football, but damnit I'm ready for the season to start.

 

[johnny2x2x]

Ed Davis graduated today, he gets to start practicing and should be cleared to play. I'd expect he misses the Furman game and plays against ND. We really missed him as a pass rusher last season. Reschke, Bullough, Frey, Dowell, Jones and Davis is a heckuva 2 deep at LB.