I was thinking about which players we need to take a big step forward this spring in order for the team and program to take another step forward next year. I don't mean players like Sapp or Slaughter who we know will show up, and Lagaway can't have a big spring because he wont be throwing. This is who I am most interested in paying attention to this spring.
1. Bailey - The backup QB is likely going to have to play some important minutes next year. Hopefully it's just a drive or two here and there, but even if Lags is healthy all year we don't want our backup QB to be a true freshman or a liability. Bailey will get a ton of reps - I hope he instills confidence in us.
2. McCray - If he's going to live up to his potential we need to see at least some real flashes from him. If he's as good as we think he can be, then we have a real difference maker who should be starting to make consistent plays - and some wow plays.
3. Graham - He wasn't just getting playing time at the end of the year, he was making big plays. Shane Matthews called him the best high school football players he's ever seen. If he takes another step forward, I don't know how you keep him off the field, and our LBs become a real strength.
4. McClain - We saw the raw athleticism last year and it was exciting. It was made me understand the hype. He was lost in zone last year, he needs to get the mental part of the game down this spring. One thing that surprised me last year was that he seemed to like being physical and hitting people. He was just too thin to do it. We can see he's worked on his body this offseason. Our secondary becomes REALLY good if he makes a big jump.
5. Thornton - At the end of the year he was making as many big plays as anyone on our defense. Is he really that good? Can he be even better?
1. Bailey - The backup QB is likely going to have to play some important minutes next year. Hopefully it's just a drive or two here and there, but even if Lags is healthy all year we don't want our backup QB to be a true freshman or a liability. Bailey will get a ton of reps - I hope he instills confidence in us.
2. McCray - If he's going to live up to his potential we need to see at least some real flashes from him. If he's as good as we think he can be, then we have a real difference maker who should be starting to make consistent plays - and some wow plays.
3. Graham - He wasn't just getting playing time at the end of the year, he was making big plays. Shane Matthews called him the best high school football players he's ever seen. If he takes another step forward, I don't know how you keep him off the field, and our LBs become a real strength.
4. McClain - We saw the raw athleticism last year and it was exciting. It was made me understand the hype. He was lost in zone last year, he needs to get the mental part of the game down this spring. One thing that surprised me last year was that he seemed to like being physical and hitting people. He was just too thin to do it. We can see he's worked on his body this offseason. Our secondary becomes REALLY good if he makes a big jump.
5. Thornton - At the end of the year he was making as many big plays as anyone on our defense. Is he really that good? Can he be even better?
