With bad news hitting the fan on the very first day players returned to campus, it’s time to forget the past and look towards the future. That’s right, who will replace Paul Warford and Christian Johnson. And if something changes between 11 p.m. last night and by the time media day activites starts.. I’m sorry.
Lucky for you though, I will be attending media day for the newspaper. Onto our replacements in order of the likelihood that the players will start in that position.
Corner:
1. David Jones
The post-spring depth chart has Warford in a virtual tie with senior David Jones. Jones stat line in 2007: 11 games played, 11 tackles, 1 pass breakup.
2. Robbie McAtee/Shomari Moore
Listed as Trevard Lindley’s backup, the senior could switch to the other side of the field. Moore is listed at third on the depth chart behind Lindley, but played in all 13 games last year. McAtee 2007 stats: six games, 11 tackles, 1 pbu. Moore 2007 stats: 13 games, 20 tackles, 1 tfl, 1 INT, 2 pbu.
3. Randall Burden
The redshirt freshman is third on the depth chart behind Warford/Jones out of spring camp. But the kid has shown flashes of talent. Probably will end up being the nickel or dime corner.
4. E.J. Adams
This is a long shot, but Adams originally came in as corner and played well last year before injuries. Now a WR due to lack of good depth at that position, it’s not a long shot to see Adams switching back if the freshman wideouts step up.
5. E.J. Fields
Freshman could crack the field, but this is an even longer shot to start.
Guard:
1. Zipp Duncan
Johnson was listed as the starting left guard post spring practice, but Duncan came in and took Johnson’s job last year during fall camp. Duncan would probably have challenged Johnson again and could have won out again. Almost a sure pick to start at left guard.
2. Stuart Hines
The redshirt freshman is expected to challenge Jess Beets for the right guard slot, but could slide over and challenge Duncan if needed.
3. Any freshman/career backup.
After the top two, the replacements could come anywhere. Dustin Luck or Michael Williams are veterans who could shoot up the depth chart. Or incoming freshman like Dave Ulinski, Matt Smith or Chandler Burden could contribute.
The Warford problem is minor, as the corner position has some depth. But Johnson’s latest mishap, in a series of them, could hurt the depth along the o-line. Anyway, off to the media day, will have updates later.
