We absolutely are, especially at the skill positions on offense!!! Obviously Hack at QB, who in my opinion is the best QB in the country. At RB, we have more depth than people think. Akeel Lynch is a running back I love, and we have a lot of talent behind him. I look for Scott and Allen to provide good depth as both are capable scat type backs that can break off big run at any time. I also look for Barkley to be a tremendous back and for him to get meaningful playing time this year. I feel our receiving corps are the best in the Big Ten. We have tons of depth at both WR and TE. Godwin, Hamilton, Lewis, and Blacknall will all do their thing, and I look for improved separation from corners with each of them, and plenty of chunk plays. Also, look for positive contributions from Thompkins in the slot and on Punt and hopefully kick returns. True freshman Juwan Johnson could play as a true freshman as the kid is an athletic freak in the Calvin Johnson mold. Look for Gesicki to have a big year at tight end, as the kid is a freak athlete and Carter/Breneman will do great things as well. As far as the line goes, I think we will be much improved compared to last season. Look for many more games where we score in the 30s and 40s this year.
On defense, look for Zettel and Johnson to play at the All-American type level that hyped up to be. At D end, I really like Sickels as a pass rusher and hopefully Nassib ends up being an adequate starter at the other end position. At linebacker, I think our starting unit is great, and our second string unit will be solid and provide good depth. Look for a big year from Wartman and Bell, and I think Farmer makes some big plays for us this year, as I am hearing rave reviews about this kids athleticism. In the secondary, it looks to be one of the best we have had in a while, and I look for Lucas to have a huge year and provide great leadership. Trevor Williams is an underrated player who should have a good year, and I think Christian Campbell is the best option to start alongside him, as I am not the biggest Grant Haley fan. Our other safety, Marcus Allen, is destined to be a star in this conference, and I look for him to have a great year. Look for stats similar to last years D and most teams will have trouble getting in the 20s against our D.
Special Teams is easily my biggest concern. The Kicker position absolutely scares me to death, as Ficken was so good and valuable last year. One of the most clutch kickers I've ever seen. Hopefully Joey Julius can at least be an adequate kicker that doesn't miss 'the important kicks,' as many college football games are won or lost on the leg of a kicker. At punter, we will probably struggle to gain field position again, and I think Gulla should be given a shot if he has the strongest leg of the three punters. Pasqerillo really struggled last year, and I'm not optimistic that there will be a big improvement with him starting. I look for Thompkins to start at Punt Returner, and because of this we should be much improved in this area. This kid is a burner with excellent athleticism. Look for this to be our best punt returner since D Will by a long shot. I think Thompkins should at least be given a shot at one of the two kick return spots, purely based on his speed and athleticism. I guess Haley gets the other spot, but if he struggles, like he did at times last season, then it's next man up. Hopefully Special Teams does not cost us any games this year.
Overall, I am very optimistic about what our final record will be this year. I look for a 9-3 season, as I fear special teams will cost us in one of our games. If we can go into OSU undefeated, which is what SHOULD happen, then ANYTHING could happen from there on out, as this team will be sky high at that point of the season, and have a ton of momentum. God I cant wait for the season. Is it September 5th yet?!?!?!
