Incoming recruits: Who plays, who redshirts?

[EastHallApp]

Obviously just looking for speculation here, but I thought this might be an interesting topic while we wait for practice to start and 2015 commitments to pick up steam. Here's one guess:

Play (8):

WR Montez McGuire
WR Shaedon Meadors
WR Jaylan Barbour
WR Deltron Hopkins
C Tobias Edge-Campbell
LB Devan Stringer
S AJ Howard
DB Jordan Ford


Redshirt (20):

QB JP Caruso
RB Josh Boyd
RB Jalin Moore
RB/WR Nikia Cathey
WR Mykelti Armstrong
WR Jordan Noil
WR Isaiah Lewis
TE Brandon Walton
OL Chandler Greer
OL Madison Malone
OL Owen Painter
DT Myquon Stout
DE Alanmichael Harkness
DE Curtiss Benton
LB Okon Godwin
LB Eric Boggs
CB Latrell Gibbs
S/LB Teh'Ron Fuller
S Junior Sigalo
S Austin Exford


Ultimately I'd guess at least a couple more defensive players will play, if only to boost depth and special teams, but I'd really have no idea which ones.

Offensively, I wouldn't be surprised if either Boyd or Cathey plays, depending on the durability of Cox and Upshaw. Also think Armstrong could be one of the sleepers of the class, but I figure we can only play so many WRs.

[moehler]

I think we need depth at the wide receiver and def secondary immediately, so I think the odds are better if your a freshman at those positions making the active roster. A specific player to watch is Caruso, my understanding is he had a good spring camp, has shown the strongest arm of all the qbs. If he has a good fall camp, I think SS is going to have a really tough decision whether to redshirt him or not.

[GoApps70]

Strong arm is great, but control and ability to game manage is even more important.
Understood Taylor Lamb had an advantage in that department. Probably at least
partially due to his few extra months in Boone.
Would like to see all three become Holy Terrors on the field though.

[EastHallApp]

I think with QBs, the only way you don't redshirt them is if they're going to be the starter (either at the beginning of the season or later on if your original starter gets hurt). I don't think you burn a guy's redshirt just to play him in garbage time of blowouts.

Also note that Lamb was listed ahead of Caruso on the depth chart after the spring.

[WVAPPeer]

I think we need depth at the wide receiver and def secondary immediately, so I think the odds are better if your a freshman at those positions making the active roster. A specific player to watch is Caruso, my understanding is he had a good spring camp, has shown the strongest arm of all the qbs. If he has a good fall camp, I think SS is going to have a really tough decision whether to redshirt him or not.

Unless Kam or Lamb get hurt I don't see Caruso not red-shirting - you don't burn a year for a back-up or 3rd team role plus it gives him the chance to run the scout team like his predecessors did --- and we still have Halleck as the 3rd guy ---

[mtnjax]

I think Edge-Campbell gets red-shirted to get a year to learn the center position and take over as the starter next year after Fisher graduates

[AppState2014]

I think we need depth at the wide receiver and def secondary immediately, so I think the odds are better if your a freshman at those positions making the active roster. A specific player to watch is Caruso, my understanding is he had a good spring camp, has shown the strongest arm of all the qbs. If he has a good fall camp, I think SS is going to have a really tough decision whether to redshirt him or not.

I'm thinking the same thing. I don't want to play that many incoming WRs though. I'd think 2 or maybe 3 play but 4 is a lot. Would like to maintain the redshirt on some. With Barbour and the late signing on Meadors we have too many WRs in this class so maybe we could play 4, but I sill prefer not to. I'm wondering if a couple of those incoming freshmen maybe transfer. Even if this entire class is the top of the depth chart only half of them can literally start, that's if all the older WRs are behind them all over the next 2 or 3 years.

I think Campbell can play but it would be nice to redshirt him and see him as the 4-year starter. I will say that I think he is probably better than Fisher right now. If Scott wants to go with the best player right now he goes with Tobias but if he is looking to make this line a little more developed physically then I think he redshirts him. It would be nice to redshirt him.

I would not be surprised if Ford, Harkness, and maybe Walton or one of the other safeties plays (that is if we didn't redshirt someone last year who has potential to be a good two-deep player. Caruso is one that I would only play if Lamb isn't that good. I haven't head anything on Lamb, which scares me and makes me think he isn't panning out. I'm hoping he does so we can redshirt Caruso.

I would be surprised if Stringer plays with all of the LBs we have. I'd like to redshirt him and see him put some weight on.

[WVAPPeer]

" I will say that I think he is probably better than Fisher right now. If Scott wants to go with the best player right now he goes with Tobias but if he is looking to make this line a little more developed physically then I think he redshirts him."

How in the world can you honestly say a young man who has never played a down of college football is better than a 3 year starter? -

[Saint3333]

I agree no one other than coaches can say that, but I bet we see a true freshman start over a multi-year starter by mid season at a minimum of one position this year.

My guess would be at either WR, LB, or DB though.

[EastHallApp]

I do agree that four WRs is a lot to play, but here's my thinking:

-McGuire is a juco, so it would be unusual for him to redshirt. Plus his listed weight is 20 pounds more than any other receiver on the roster, so you have to think he's probably our strongest WR.
-Meadors and Barbour are two of our highest-rated recruits, so I think they'll be too good to sit. Wouldn't be surprised if one or both are among the top four receivers.
-Hopkins played a very high level of HS competition and brings speed that no other receiver on the roster except Sumler can match. Could play offense and/or ST.

On Edge-Campbell, I listed him because he's already included as co-2nd string on the post-spring 2-deep. And because I think a lot of us have heard good things about him.

Stringer I included solely because he was an early enrollee. I agree he needs to bulk up though.

[EastHallApp]

With Barbour and the late signing on Meadors we have too many WRs in this class so maybe we could play 4, but I sill prefer not to. I'm wondering if a couple of those incoming freshmen maybe transfer. Even if this entire class is the top of the depth chart only half of them can literally start, that's if all the older WRs are behind them all over the next 2 or 3 years.

You are never going to have every recruit pan out. Some will be reserves, and that's fine, we need to develop depth. Some may change positions, some may get hurt, some may get buried on the depth chart and transfer. Every school has attrition.

I think one reason we took so many WRs this year (aside from need) is that that's just where we were able to get the best talent. Meadors, Barbour, Cathey and Noil were all probably among the top 6-7 highest-rated players in the class. We need to upgrade talent across the board, so it makes sense to stockpile wherever we can.

[AppState2014]

" I will say that I think he is probably better than Fisher right now. If Scott wants to go with the best player right now he goes with Tobias but if he is looking to make this line a little more developed physically then I think he redshirts him."

How in the world can you honestly say a young man who has never played a down of college football is better than a 3 year starter? -

You can't put a blanket statement like you just made. Jadeveon Clowney was better in HS than any player on our roster at that time. The #1 HS recruit in the country right now would start immediately at App.

Fisher was not better entering App than Campbell is right now. Campbell is a more talented player and bigger than Fisher. I like Fisher but I have heard that Campbell already shown to be more talented in the spring. Nothing against Fisher but I just think Campbell is going to be the better player and while I can understand Fisher starting, I think Campbell will beat him out, if given a fair shot at it.

By the way, Marcus Cox showed up and was CLEARLY the best RB we had last year as a true freshman. Coaches said from day one he was better than any returning RB.

Do you think that we would have offered Fisher if he were coming out of HS this year? I really don't think we would have offered him over Campbell.

[AppState2014]

With Barbour and the late signing on Meadors we have too many WRs in this class so maybe we could play 4, but I sill prefer not to. I'm wondering if a couple of those incoming freshmen maybe transfer. Even if this entire class is the top of the depth chart only half of them can literally start, that's if all the older WRs are behind them all over the next 2 or 3 years.

You are never going to have every recruit pan out. Some will be reserves, and that's fine, we need to develop depth. Some may change positions, some may get hurt, some may get buried on the depth chart and transfer. Every school has attrition.

I think one reason we took so many WRs this year (aside from need) is that that's just where we were able to get the best talent. Meadors, Barbour, Cathey and Noil were all probably among the top 6-7 highest-rated players in the class. We need to upgrade talent across the board, so it makes sense to stockpile wherever we can.

And that is the only reason I would be okay with it, if they upgrade the position. We lost plenty so we do need it. Ideally I think you want to redshirt everyone.

I know everyone can't start but I would be surprised if all of those listed at WR stay there or 1-2 of them don't end up transferring down the line. I hope they all pan out and stay but we all know that just doesn't happen in FBS.

[EastHallApp]

With Barbour and the late signing on Meadors we have too many WRs in this class so maybe we could play 4, but I sill prefer not to. I'm wondering if a couple of those incoming freshmen maybe transfer. Even if this entire class is the top of the depth chart only half of them can literally start, that's if all the older WRs are behind them all over the next 2 or 3 years.

You are never going to have every recruit pan out. Some will be reserves, and that's fine, we need to develop depth. Some may change positions, some may get hurt, some may get buried on the depth chart and transfer. Every school has attrition.

I think one reason we took so many WRs this year (aside from need) is that that's just where we were able to get the best talent. Meadors, Barbour, Cathey and Noil were all probably among the top 6-7 highest-rated players in the class. We need to upgrade talent across the board, so it makes sense to stockpile wherever we can.

And that is the only reason I would be okay with it, if they upgrade the position. We lost plenty so we do need it. Ideally I think you want to redshirt everyone.

I know everyone can't start but I would be surprised if all of those listed at WR stay there or 1-2 of them don't end up transferring down the line. I hope they all pan out and stay but we all know that just doesn't happen in FBS.

Keep in mind also that one thing App can offer recruits who might have offers from bigger schools is early playing time. They see true freshmen playing major roles and they know they will have that opportunity as well, which is more appealing to some than redshirting and sitting for a couple more years at a bigger program.

[WVAPPeer]

" I will say that I think he is probably better than Fisher right now. If Scott wants to go with the best player right now he goes with Tobias but if he is looking to make this line a little more developed physically then I think he redshirts him."

How in the world can you honestly say a young man who has never played a down of college football is better than a 3 year starter? -

You can't put a blanket statement like you just made. Jadeveon Clowney was better in HS than any player on our roster at that time. The #1 HS recruit in the country right now would start immediately at App.

Fisher was not better entering App than Campbell is right now. Campbell is a more talented player and bigger than Fisher. I like Fisher but I have heard that Campbell already shown to be more talented in the spring. Nothing against Fisher but I just think Campbell is going to be the better player and while I can understand Fisher starting, I think Campbell will beat him out, if given a fair shot at it.

By the way, Marcus Cox showed up and was CLEARLY the best RB we had last year as a true freshman. Coaches said from day one he was better than any returning RB.

Do you think that we would have offered Fisher if he were coming out of HS this year? I really don't think we would have offered him over Campbell.

sorry - your response doesn't make sense - I asked how YOU know right now a player who has never played is better than a 3 year starter? ---

[AppState2014]

With Barbour and the late signing on Meadors we have too many WRs in this class so maybe we could play 4, but I sill prefer not to. I'm wondering if a couple of those incoming freshmen maybe transfer. Even if this entire class is the top of the depth chart only half of them can literally start, that's if all the older WRs are behind them all over the next 2 or 3 years.

You are never going to have every recruit pan out. Some will be reserves, and that's fine, we need to develop depth. Some may change positions, some may get hurt, some may get buried on the depth chart and transfer. Every school has attrition.

I think one reason we took so many WRs this year (aside from need) is that that's just where we were able to get the best talent. Meadors, Barbour, Cathey and Noil were all probably among the top 6-7 highest-rated players in the class. We need to upgrade talent across the board, so it makes sense to stockpile wherever we can.

And that is the only reason I would be okay with it, if they upgrade the position. We lost plenty so we do need it. Ideally I think you want to redshirt everyone.

I know everyone can't start but I would be surprised if all of those listed at WR stay there or 1-2 of them don't end up transferring down the line. I hope they all pan out and stay but we all know that just doesn't happen in FBS.

Keep in mind also that one thing App can offer recruits who might have offers from bigger schools is early playing time. They see true freshmen playing major roles and they know they will have that opportunity as well, which is more appealing to some than redshirting and sitting for a couple more years at a bigger program.

Exactly. Right now many of the incoming freshmen we are signing are probably as good as many juniors and some seniors on our team. It's why last year was the first of three straight years we won't have a lot of senior starters because most of our starters are the younger players, due to improved talent level we are bringing in.

[AppState2014]

" I will say that I think he is probably better than Fisher right now. If Scott wants to go with the best player right now he goes with Tobias but if he is looking to make this line a little more developed physically then I think he redshirts him."

How in the world can you honestly say a young man who has never played a down of college football is better than a 3 year starter? -

You can't put a blanket statement like you just made. Jadeveon Clowney was better in HS than any player on our roster at that time. The #1 HS recruit in the country right now would start immediately at App.

Fisher was not better entering App than Campbell is right now. Campbell is a more talented player and bigger than Fisher. I like Fisher but I have heard that Campbell already shown to be more talented in the spring. Nothing against Fisher but I just think Campbell is going to be the better player and while I can understand Fisher starting, I think Campbell will beat him out, if given a fair shot at it.

By the way, Marcus Cox showed up and was CLEARLY the best RB we had last year as a true freshman. Coaches said from day one he was better than any returning RB.

Do you think that we would have offered Fisher if he were coming out of HS this year? I really don't think we would have offered him over Campbell.

sorry - your response doesn't make sense - I asked how YOU know right now a player who has never played is better than a 3 year starter? ---

I was just giving you examples of cases where a freshman is better than someone who has been a starter in college football.

And I said in there that Campbell was supposedly a better player in the spring than Fisher. Maybe I'm jumping the gun a little but I think Campbell is the better player and should be the starter.

Remember, Campbell came in the spring so he has been working out and should be a step ahead of your normal incoming freshman. Go watch the Shrine Bowl and you tell me Campbell isn't physically as strong and faster than Fisher is right now. He dominated in that first half, against a lot of players going to BCS schools.

[mtnjax]

2014, i'm going to guess you didn't see Edge - Campbell play center during the spring game. His blocking was good, yes, but his snaps were wildly inconsistent at times. He even said himself he hasn't played center since Pop warner. A redshirt year would benefit him greatly and he would be a 4 year starter after that

[JTApps1]

" I will say that I think he is probably better than Fisher right now. If Scott wants to go with the best player right now he goes with Tobias but if he is looking to make this line a little more developed physically then I think he redshirts him."

How in the world can you honestly say a young man who has never played a down of college football is better than a 3 year starter? -

While I don't think Campbell will start Aug. 30 it isn't out of the realm of possibility that some upper classmen will lose their job to a freshman. I think Fisher will start due to his knowledge of the system which is huge for a Center, but I wouldn't be surprised to see two new starters beside him at the guard positions. The team had struggles last year, and we have had two really good classes back to back so a lot of positions are wide open. I hope we never give anyone a position just because they started in the past.

[EastHallApp]

I think Edge-Campbell is going to be really good and that's why I project he'll play this year. But as for starting, note that he is not only behind Fisher on the depth chart, but he is also listed as "OR" for second team with Jesse Chapman.

Could just be a case of making a true freshman pay his dues, but also note that AJ Howard is listed alone as second-team SS.