Starter Updates

So it seems that the starting lineup has for the most part been finalized, with very few surprises. Kevin Riley will be the starting QB, with, I think, quite a lot of rope. Mansion will not be playing this year, barring injury or a big lead in the second half of a game. It is clear that this year, Riley is going to be given the full opportunity to take the Bears to the promised land.

Vareen Tucker and Marvin Jones will be playing wide outs. Boateng did not get the nod, but I would imagine he will be the first guy in. There will probably be 6 or 7 receivers in the rotation, including Sofele. I also imagine using Best / Sofele and Vareen in a hybrid type position quite a bit. This could be a fun season for those guys.

As for the linebackers, the only possibly surprising items is that Devin Bishop is not starting as the senior. But he will play a bit, I am sure. I like the fact that we have three of four LBs coming back next year, with only Eddie Young graduating as a starter, and Bishop as a backup.

The defensive line is back with Cam Jordan as a starter - big surprise there - but it is nice to know that Gregory though Owusu good enough to start. I am pretty excited about the defensive line for the next few years.

In fact, the Bears are only starting five seniors on defense and 2 on offense. I assume that Best will go after this year, but maybe not. The biggest area of rebuilding next year will be our defensive backfield, which will be hit with Syd'Quan Thompson leaving, along with the two safeties.

On the two deep chart, the Bears have 6 seniors on offense, and 7 on defense. So, 13 of 44, or 30%. There are 15 juniors, 12 Sophomores, and three redshirt Freshmen. That being said, it seems like there is plenty of talent and balance in these classes for years to come, and that underclassmen are getting to play if they deserve it.

Best is going to take kickoffs returns, and Thompson is going to take punt returns. It sounds like Ise Sofele may be taking the gunner position on kickoffs, which should be fun.

The good news is that most of these moves / changes that have come have been because there have been better options, not a lack of quality. Mansion has played well, but Riley has done better. Matt Summers-Gavin is playing because he is a monster - not because Boskovitch is no good.

One of the major weaknesses from last year that is not clearly settled yet, I think, is the kicker position. Giorgio Tevecchio is listed as starting, and apparently he has improved somewhat in kickoff performance, but none of our kickers are consistently kicking it to the 5 yard line or better. I do have confidence in him for field goals, as he was 13 of 16 last year, and only missed one beyond 40 yards. But kickoff matter - we gave away too much field position last year. Here's hoping that a year in the conditioning program improved his leg strength. We also have two other placekickers, so there is plenty of competition.

All in all, it seems like a team that is good to go. Here is hoping for an injury free season.

GO BEARS!!