The depth chart is out: http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools...depth_chart_event/depth_chart_20110919aaa.pdf
Offensive Changes: Jimmy Bennett is now the starting left tackle, with Tyler Bullock as the backup. Bullock had previously been listed as a center. Kevin Friend is the new left guard, with Steve Greene backing him up. Gary Bardzak has been moved back to center.
Defensive Changes: Jesse Joseph is now an "OR" with Teddy Jennings at one defensive end spot.
Special Teams Changes: none.
My Take
QB: I would start Micharl Nebrich this week. McEntee hasn't had much success and while I thought he played better than the numbers indicated against Vandy, I thought he played worse than the numbers indicated against ISU. He really struggled when the pocked got pushed back and threw off-balance often, which isn't a good idea for anybody, let alone a quarterback with sub-par arm strength. Nebrich seems to be unafraid of stepping up in the pocket and even when he's missing receivers on deep balls, he's overthrowing them where there is no risk of an interception. There will be growing pains and Nebrich will probably be sacked a bunch, but I believe it is in UConn's best interest for the future and for this year to go into the game planning on using Nebrich for most of the game. Of course, that can be adjusted if Nebrich struggles substantially.
RB: DJ Shoemate is a fumbler. That is a fact. However, UConn has to find somebody to share carries with McCombs. McCombs probably cannot handle the work load physically for the entire year, and further, I don't think he's good enough to be consistently effective against better defenses. He can be effective in a tandem, though. Who will his partner(s) be? Stay tuned. Somebody pointed out last week that Shoemate is an excellent blocker and that the tight ends blocked poorly last week, so maybe Shoemate can be used in a blocking role.
FB: We're spoiled. These guys aren't as good as the fullbacks we've had in the past, at least at this point.
OL: Several changes have been made, the most intersting of which is Friend getting moved inside to left guard. We are now very thin at the offensive tackle position. Let's hope Jimmy Bennett stays healthy. The offensive line must play better than it has thus far.
WR: No one thinks these wide receivers are very good. A lot of people seem to think they're really bad, but it's tough to be a good receiver when the ball is being thrown off target. I think they're not as bad as people think, but it will take improved quarterback play to find out either way. Also, keep an eye on how Isaiah Moore follows up last week's performance.
TE: We have got to find these guys more, especially Ryan Griffin. He should be leading the team in receptions. Others have pointed out that the blocking needs to be much better from these guys.
DT: Very good so far.
DE: Very good so far. Can't wait to see what Joseph will do, but I also hope he's not rushing himself back. I'd hate to see him re-injure himself.
LB: These guys have been impressive so far this year. Sio Moore has been exceptional both in rushing the quarterback and in pass coverage. Jory Johnson and Yawin Smallwood have both played well. I have no idea how the backups have been doing and we are thin here.
CB: I expect both Blidi and Gratz to get beat deep a few times because they're now playing a much more aggressive style, as they are bumping the receivers at the line as opposed to giving them a fancy cushion. Also, I'm not sold on our safety play, especially in pass coverage- more on that below. Both corners are physical and big. Blidi is already very good, but has the potential to becom a shut-down corner.
S: These guys make me worry. I trust neither in pass coverage. Junior (still) takes questionable routes but is pretty good in run support, while Agbor's run support is so-so. Byron Jones has looked excellent thus far, staying with receivers in pass coverage and making a spectacular shoestring tackle last game in run support. He should be seeing increased snaps soon, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him take over for Agbor, maybe even this week.
Special Teams: Nick Williams is still a very good kick returner. The problem thus far has been the lack of blocking, and no returner will look good without that. On punt returns, Williams needs to make better decisions, but I am not opposed to him handling punt returns, nor am I opposed to seeing Taylor Mack handle them. Teggart needs to be more consistent. Wagner needs to be better. Christen gets excellent length on kickoffs early, then tends to lose steam as the game goes on. He has excellent leg strength; now he just needs to improve the stamina in his legs.
Offensive Changes: Jimmy Bennett is now the starting left tackle, with Tyler Bullock as the backup. Bullock had previously been listed as a center. Kevin Friend is the new left guard, with Steve Greene backing him up. Gary Bardzak has been moved back to center.
Defensive Changes: Jesse Joseph is now an "OR" with Teddy Jennings at one defensive end spot.
Special Teams Changes: none.
My Take
QB: I would start Micharl Nebrich this week. McEntee hasn't had much success and while I thought he played better than the numbers indicated against Vandy, I thought he played worse than the numbers indicated against ISU. He really struggled when the pocked got pushed back and threw off-balance often, which isn't a good idea for anybody, let alone a quarterback with sub-par arm strength. Nebrich seems to be unafraid of stepping up in the pocket and even when he's missing receivers on deep balls, he's overthrowing them where there is no risk of an interception. There will be growing pains and Nebrich will probably be sacked a bunch, but I believe it is in UConn's best interest for the future and for this year to go into the game planning on using Nebrich for most of the game. Of course, that can be adjusted if Nebrich struggles substantially.
RB: DJ Shoemate is a fumbler. That is a fact. However, UConn has to find somebody to share carries with McCombs. McCombs probably cannot handle the work load physically for the entire year, and further, I don't think he's good enough to be consistently effective against better defenses. He can be effective in a tandem, though. Who will his partner(s) be? Stay tuned. Somebody pointed out last week that Shoemate is an excellent blocker and that the tight ends blocked poorly last week, so maybe Shoemate can be used in a blocking role.
FB: We're spoiled. These guys aren't as good as the fullbacks we've had in the past, at least at this point.
OL: Several changes have been made, the most intersting of which is Friend getting moved inside to left guard. We are now very thin at the offensive tackle position. Let's hope Jimmy Bennett stays healthy. The offensive line must play better than it has thus far.
WR: No one thinks these wide receivers are very good. A lot of people seem to think they're really bad, but it's tough to be a good receiver when the ball is being thrown off target. I think they're not as bad as people think, but it will take improved quarterback play to find out either way. Also, keep an eye on how Isaiah Moore follows up last week's performance.
TE: We have got to find these guys more, especially Ryan Griffin. He should be leading the team in receptions. Others have pointed out that the blocking needs to be much better from these guys.
DT: Very good so far.
DE: Very good so far. Can't wait to see what Joseph will do, but I also hope he's not rushing himself back. I'd hate to see him re-injure himself.
LB: These guys have been impressive so far this year. Sio Moore has been exceptional both in rushing the quarterback and in pass coverage. Jory Johnson and Yawin Smallwood have both played well. I have no idea how the backups have been doing and we are thin here.
CB: I expect both Blidi and Gratz to get beat deep a few times because they're now playing a much more aggressive style, as they are bumping the receivers at the line as opposed to giving them a fancy cushion. Also, I'm not sold on our safety play, especially in pass coverage- more on that below. Both corners are physical and big. Blidi is already very good, but has the potential to becom a shut-down corner.
S: These guys make me worry. I trust neither in pass coverage. Junior (still) takes questionable routes but is pretty good in run support, while Agbor's run support is so-so. Byron Jones has looked excellent thus far, staying with receivers in pass coverage and making a spectacular shoestring tackle last game in run support. He should be seeing increased snaps soon, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him take over for Agbor, maybe even this week.
Special Teams: Nick Williams is still a very good kick returner. The problem thus far has been the lack of blocking, and no returner will look good without that. On punt returns, Williams needs to make better decisions, but I am not opposed to him handling punt returns, nor am I opposed to seeing Taylor Mack handle them. Teggart needs to be more consistent. Wagner needs to be better. Christen gets excellent length on kickoffs early, then tends to lose steam as the game goes on. He has excellent leg strength; now he just needs to improve the stamina in his legs.
