Haven't done this in a while but since I am not currently actively working I find myself with a bit of time. If I go over some ground our esteemed leader Mark has already covered, my apologies in advance. He has the advantages of being a true insider and reporter. I only try to add armchair Aggie thoughts and observations. Disclaimer added, here we go...
- Quarterback - I believe Coach Klein has the type of QB he wants to run his offense in Marcel Reed. Harken back to Coach's college days. He was not a great passer, but an efficient one at most times. That is what he wants and expects out of "10" and the rest of the room. Efficiency. Enough of the plays are going to be there just on design alone. We can't miss on the low hanging fruit. So, with Marcel, balance is needed. Coach him just enough not dampen his innate creativity, but also have him understand the pocket is there for a reason.
- Running Backs - Now Mark knows a lot more on the recovery status of Moss than any of us so I won't even go there. I have heard good things on Daniels. No whisperings on seeking out a portal RB is a good sign. What I do know is that a power running game is crucial to the success of Coach Klein's offense. Still, I'm on the fence about this group until we start hearing positive reports about health all around when fall camp kicks in full gear.
- Receivers - Looks like the most different group going into next season. I think what I like most early on is their competitiveness, and yes, chippiness. They will have watch that for penalties. I like where they slotting everyone thus far. Craver inside is a fit. KC outside is fine. Williams has taken great strides. ABR looks really good. I suspect Bussey will be outside, too. Like Mark, I still think we need another big bodied WR. Regardless, Marcel now has receivers who can make plays if he'll just exercise some patience and stick with the script more.
- Tight Ends - I said when we signed him Boerkircher was an underrated guy. Still think so. Niblack has always been able to catch the ball. Armstrong is just learning but looks the part. I really don't know about Riley or Karner. Hope Thor finally breaks out. I believe the talent is all there to do what Coach Klein wants to do in both the passing and running games. We'll see...
- O Line - Hmmm... I really want to say everything is great, all conference, Joe Moore Finalists, but...right tackle and some depth. First, I like the improvements last year over previous mostly and I like our returnees, mostly. Crownover is adequate at times at RT. Sometimes he's very good. It's those other times that concern me. Probably going to have to coach him up and roll with him as Mark said. Depth is always going to be an issue in the NIL era but I don't have to like it.
- Edges - Really interesting to think we can be better with guys we lost, but I agree we can. I don't believe we played to our strengths well last year and Coach Elko really saw that. I think he went back to basics on edges. Attack but still contain the run. We still have to be able to hold up when teams run right at us because we are still pretty light. We have a lot more guys who can do that I thought we did. I had hope, but wasn't sure. Still have to refine the habits through camp for the season but it's a great start.
- D Tackle - One of the funniest things about the Spring Game to me was how many holding calls weren't called. Hicks, Regis and Onyedim were getting horse collared nearly every play. Not great for the O Line but nice for the D Line. Hicks has really changed his body and was just unblockable. Onyedim was just too quick and powerful for whoever tried to block him and Regis was just Regis. Add that Rink and Sanders has good starts, well, better than expected. Still need another earth mover in there, but again, feeling better than thought I would.
- Backers - Honestly, I believed this group would make this kind of a jump. There was just too much talent not to. It's a bit difficult when we've got so much talent on the pine and hard to get snaps for in our scheme. This group looks very good if they have fixed the issues with run fits and tackling. More to come in the summer/fall.
- Secondary - I have been banging the drum for another corner for forever. You just can't have enough experienced corners. In the Spring Game, I thought Ricks played much better. He was beaten by better throws and catches. That's gonna happen. He had his defensive moments. So did Humphrey. I really liked how Shaw played. But, what really impressed me most were the pass offs in the zone coverages. We actually looked like we had played zone coverage before! Here's hoping...
