Depth on Offense

The '10 edition of the CATS reveals more depth on Offense, in more positions that what we have had in recent memory. Here is a quick review.

QBs: We have 3 potential SEC starters (R Mossakowski, M Newton, and M Hartline) fighting for the starting position this year. Each player has a defined skill set, and the coaches will put the player(s) out there which will put us in the best position to win (we could actually have multiple starters this year).

Hartline is the most experienced and a game manager. Newton has actual field time and along with Hartline has a winning record. Mossakowski seems to have the cannon arm and the most upside.

RBs: Probably the deepest unit on the roster. We have speed and power thoughout the unit and have never been this deep with potential playmakers. D Locke gets the start and will be backed up by players such as D Russell, B Grainer, M Simpson, and R Sanders.

FBs: M Allen seems to have the starting position on lock down, G Meisner has moved from DL to a backup role. There are several others in play for Special Teams and backup roles.

WRs: We have 3 really good ones (R Cobb, C Matthews, and L King). The jury is still out on some of the other players, but there is the opportunity for another player to step up and show that he belongs on the field. Will True Freshman, J Priester become a player at this position?

TEs: Probably the weakest unit on the team. At this time, it is hard to figure out who the players are, but R Wallace, N Melillo (who got time on the field last season), and A Smith look to be the early leaders. Look for all 3 to be fighting it out for time this year, Melillo because he has been on the field, Wallace because he has been in the program for a year, and Smith due to talent and his early arrival in Lexington.

OL: We have about 8-9 true players to get a starting 5, and for depth. It looks like the players for a starting role are: B J Murphy, Stuart Hines, M Smith,/M Davis, L Warford, and Brad Durham. Other players in the mix include: D Ulinksi, J Lanefski (recovering from injury), and S Simpson (although the coaches seem to indicate that Sam needs another year to fill out).

Add to this list that K Mitchell is a 6 ft * in redshirt Freshman, C Burden (moved over from DE and seems to be holding his own), T Woods (who has some backup time), and the incoming True Freshmen (Especially T Eatmon, and T Mc Adoo) and you can see that there may be a surprise or two for the '10 or '11 season.

Look for the staff to be very excited about the offensive unit this year. The main concern will be getting the O-line to gel and the QB on the field which can get us in the end zone.

It will not matter who is named the starting QB, the staff will catch some heat from a section of the fanbase which seems to think that another player should get the nod; however, it would be hard to fathom a staff which would put a QB on the field which they feel would not give them the best chance to win.


"OPERATION WIN"