Besides the two freshmen linebackers, what true freshmen will get significant pt

Thank you.

I would imagine that Donavaughn Campbell will get some snaps in mop-up duty at OG. The coaches are very high on Campbell due to his sheer girth. He evokes comparisons similar to Trai Turner as a true freshman, and guard is one of the few positions, particularly RG, on the offensive line where a freshman can make his mark. Some of his biggest supporters might even think that he'll eventually secure a starting position by the end of the 2016 season, but I just think there are too many bodies ahead of him. Teheuma/Malone (depending on how the LT position shakes out), Brumfield, and Boutte are all competing for the RG position. Those are some quality upperclassmen to attempt to surpass.

Most people are expecting Drake Davis to emerge from the stellar crop of incoming freshmen receivers, but my money is on Dee Anderson. Anderson provides a similar big body target but he is currently a much more polished receiver when compared with the others. He runs better routes and has more consistent hands. Still, Dural, Dupre, Chark, and Ferguson will command the bulk of the targets in the receiving corps.

Davis will most likely make his mark on special teams. He is an athletic and physical specimen who can cover ground in a hurry. In truth, he's probably the best pure athlete of all of the incoming freshmen. He has incredible potential due to his thick build and impressive measurables. Right now, he is a very raw player who has suffered slightly from his sidetrack flirtation with soccer. He currently doesn't run very crips or precise routes, which is a common shortcoming for most freshmen wideouts. But with all that being said, I will go out on a limb and say that I think he has the biggest upside of any player in this signing class. He's a freak athlete who clearly benefited from Lester Earl's genes. He is physically much more mature than Malachi Dupre was as a freshman...and arguably as a sophomore as well. He's going to require a decent bit of coaching before we see what he can truly offer, but sometimes it's hard to keep those pure athletes off the field.

I know many on the board are high on Stephen Sullivan. What's not to like? He has ideal measurements for a red zone target and he was impressive throughout the camp circuit last year. The question is whether or not he can produce on game day. His frame is phenomenal and it's hard to imagine many collegiate cornerbacks successfully defending such a towering target. But, he does struggle at times to high-point passes and use his size to his advantage. My guess is that he'll gladly redshirt and look to learn from the veterans ahead of him.

Caleb Roddy appears to be wowing the coaches amidst his recent transition from defensive end to tight end. However, there is so much depth at the position that I would be surprised if he gets any worthwhile snaps. But make no mistake about it...if he proves to be an effective and willing blocker, Les will work him into the lineup.

On the defensive line, Rashard Lawrence is an absolute stud. He will likely see action at all three positions, but I would be willing to bet that he will eventually make his home at end in Aranda's 3-4. The kid was an absolute stud at Neville. He's disruptive in the backfield and explosive off the line. Like Anthony Johnson, he doesn't carry much excess weight, despite weighing over 300 lbs. I look for him to be one of Orgeron's favorite signees when it's all said and done.

Edwin Alexander will probably face a learning curve at NT. Right now, it appears that Valentine and Gilmore have the position completely locked up, but Alexander could still see action against lesser opponents. His frame is ideal for the position, and Orgeron will groom him to become the eventual heir.

I don't have high expectations for Glen Logan as a true freshman due to the depth along the defensive front, but he will be a major contributor in the future.

At linebacker, Michael Divinity appears to have secured the starting outside position opposite of Key. Divinity has phenomenal range and athleticism and will likely make plays all over the field in a manner similar to Debo Jones. Also, he appears to display good coverage abilities.

Devin White is being groomed to take over Kendell Beckwith's MLB position. He will factor heavily into the rotation due to his strength, size, and speed. I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually swaps first-team reps with Duke Riley on various series, particularly against more physical offenses.

Sci Martin provides an athletic frame at edge rusher comparable to both Key and Barkevious Mingo. Fortunately, unlike either athlete, Martin is not undersized as a true freshman. His listed weight of 240 lbs puts him a solid 10 pounds ahead of Key this time last year and more than 20 lbs ahead of Mingo as a true freshmen. In addition to being a much more physically "compact" athlete, his sack production his senior year indicates that his pass rushing abilities are comparable to both aforementioned players. Hopefully, this means he will be less likely to be caught in the "wash" during run plays. Martin will wreak havoc on quarterbacks. The concern for him is whether or not he can develop his run stopping abilities. Still, he will see time in obvious passing situations to provide an additional threat off the edge.

This stout group of incoming secondary players might be hard-pressed to receive any playing time. That's not a slight against them, but rather a compliment to the upperclassmen on the roster. Kristian Fulton from Rummel and Savion Smith appear to be the best bets for playing time. Fulton is the more pure cover corner of the two and will probably see action as the sixth defensive back in any dime packages.

While his ball skills are probably the best among the incoming DBs, Smith's status as a corner seems uncertain. Given his impressive stature, 6'2" 192, he could potentially add some weight and move to free safety in the future. His hips do not seem ideal for the corner position, especially when comparing him with Fulton. However, he provides a possibility as a fluid nickel back who can be utilized both for coverage and blitzing in the immediate future.

Fulton, Smith, Divinity, White, and Martin will all certainly be counted on for special teams.

I expect Andraez "Greedy" Williams, Eric Monroe, and Ray/Rashaan Thornton to also make their marks on kickoffs. Monroe is a physical and violent tackler who will be pursuing the starting strong safety position in 2017. Williams is a bit lanky with his 6'2" sub-180 frame but he has a ton of upside. I think Williams might benefit heavily from a redshirted season. The same could be said for incoming safety Cameron Lewis.

Thornton is a guy who certainly passes the eye test and could also factor into the linebacker rotation. But I think he's about a year away from becoming regularly relied on. Divinity has a major advantage over Thornton due to his early enrollment this past spring.

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saint amant steve

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Nice post man

Excellent analysis!!!

Word

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saint amant steve

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Solid post man thanks

So you're saying Divinity is starting over Bower in that spot opposite Key?

Or divinity might just be better and have more versatility.

I think they use Cam Lewis on special teams as well. We're losing Jefferson and Adams(likely) this year and have Delpit and Stevens coming in next year. They'll want Monroe and Lewis to have some PT this year. Not forgetting about Battle because I expect him to get significant time in the rotation this year.

Thanks for the post....great stuff!