Fair enough, however PSU was starting sophomores and Fresman last year on the line. Smith leaves as well as Diefenbach (who was hurt last year) but that's it, everyone's back, new recruits are here including jersey's Stephen Gonzalez. The line is bigger, faster, plus we have the #1 junco tackle in the country already practicing with us and a transfer from Stanford who was stuck behind an all American the last 4 years and can finally show what he can do.
doesn't Rutgers lose 3 starters from their line plus two 4 year starters in Nova and Burton, plus Kroft, plus Turzelli plus the fridge on offense alone? I'm also not sure where you're getting Keith Lumpkin shutting down Joey Bosa and Randy Gregory, both of those guys had good games against you and that was with Gary Nova as ur QB.
Also Al, not saying the guy won't be good, but don't you think it's a bit of a stretch to compare a guy whose not been a starter as the next Vince Wilfork? Esp when he's only 290 lbs and Wilfork's closer to 370
If PSUs OL pans out, as you suggest, then it will be a great season for you, no doubt about it. But for me, PSUs OL performance right now is somewhat of an X factor, an unknown.
Didn't mean to suggest that Wilkins was the next Wilfork. Meant to say that Wilkins was Wilfork LIKE, in that he is good enough to occupy two blockers, freeing up the others to make plays. Lumpkin stoned both Bosa and Gregory, but Bosa and Gregory did have some success when they moved to the other side of the line.
Just like PSUs DL, Rutgers OL reloads with talented players who have played, so I don't expect to see any drop off in performance. Two of our three best WRs, Peele and Patton didn't play much of last year, as Peele was suspended the full year due to an off field transgression, and Patton missed much of last year due to a kidney injury. With their return, our WR corp is in a much stronger position. Furthermore, we add a 6'6" WR, Carlton Agudosi, who had a great camp, and should terrorize opposing defenses as long as he can catch the ball. He reminds me of USCs Dwayne Jarrett.
QB will likely see a productivity reduction, as our first year starter will go through a learning curve, but I'm expecting that to be offset by an effective running game. We've got three guys capable of running for 1,000 yards, Paul James, who will be back from injury, Robert Martin, and Josh Hicks. Our qb doesn't have to be good, he just has to be good enough to keep the defense honest.
