I'm confident in Jordan Brown at QB, and Kelly Carlson as the backup. I doubt the offense changes too much around them, except for the fact that Brown can't run at all, which takes read options out of the mix. As such, don't forget about cornerback Linzell Tyson as a likely wildcat quarterback - it's rumored that Coach Belichick has some packages set up for him and will test them out in the opener against Iowa.
Running back is actually deeper than last year with freshmen Jonathan Shaffer and Scottie Phillips each available after redshirting, meaning UConn can go five-deep at running back. Judging how UConn ran by committee in the latter stages of last year, I'd expect Byers, Swift and Molden to all get their share of carries.
Ja'Montres Jones was an adequate blocking fullback last fall, but Dallas Freeman will have to step up and fill those shoes. Look out for Moss as a goalline receiving threat.
Our group of wideouts may be the deepest it has ever been as we enter the ninth season of this dynasty, and crazily enough, none of them are seniors. Speier will likely quietly head the group again while Byrom contributes with similar numbers and SportsCenter Top 10 catches. Devin Brown has played well all off-season and I expect him to have an even better year than last in the slot. Our backups are all veterans and capable, setting the stage for an explosive offense once again.
Tight end has me worried - I expect fullbacks Moss and Freeman to help out on the interior blocking wise, while I think Paige could be a threat receiving. Mirvil and Graves will be kept active, but aren't ready to play yet. Expect this to be a spot we hit hard in recruiting this year.
The line has me a little worried, but we do have some continuity with four starters returning, which is nice. Like other spots on the defense, I hope none of these guys get hurt as quality depth is severely lacking. Like tight end, I hope we can snag a couple highly rated recruits at all of these spots this year.
Bear in mind that Kevin Jones struggled a bit in fall camp, so we'll see if that carries over any into the regular season, and Michael Clark, despite barely hanging onto his right tackle job, did a good job in run and pass protection in the hundreds of snaps we ran over the last few weeks.
Kiel Hughes was able to take the hotly contested left end job late in camp and will start week one. If it doesn't work out, I'm happy with the depth we have behind him. I'd expect all of these guys to play in some capacity anyhow, be it as reserves or in mop-up duty. Mandrell will return for his third year of starting duty and is the only clear-cut starter amongst the crowd.
Broadricke will start again in the middle, but a few young guys will be afforded opportunities as well. I can't wait to see how true freshman Tarik Madison can make an impact.
I'm excited about the linebacker group this season - we have a nice mix of veterans with some younger stars and future stars. Nevertheless, I need everyone to stay healthy as we're not as deep as we have been in past years. We had a couple starters miss time last year with injuries and we're a little thinner than I'd like to be, especially on the outside. With Kion East moving down, I have the freedom to redshirt Meier and maybe Dortch as well depending on how the year goes. Avan Goulding should be a top backup to keep your eyes on as the year progresses.
Corner is another spot we're very thin at - Only three of these guys have any experience whatsoever. Like the linebackers, we need everyone to stay healthy. I'm hoping to ease in Tyson and Cooke as new guys in the back line without having to throw them into the fire.
We need Tony Rush to step up this year - he had a very rough 2021 and has been afforded one last shot to make nice, or else. Vic Castalanetta returns for his third year starting and is rock solid, while Aaron Brook serves as a capable backup at both slots.
Ricciardi and January were steady as freshmen and look to improve upon solid numbers as sophomores.
UConn opens up with a trip to Iowa City to take on former UConn DC Josh Conklin and his brand new Hawkeyes squad. UConn will get tested with some mid-level Power 5 competition in the Hawks and Vanderbilt (Neutral Site at Nissan Stadium), and have a huge showdown in the Civil ConFLiCT against UCF - in Hartford, for the first time since 2016. The ACC slate looks quite similar to last year, but we do get to face Virginia for the first time in five years, and Pitt for the first time in this dynasty's run.
In the ACC, the two games I'm most worried about are Virginia Tech and Notre Dame - lucky us, we get them both at home. Tech is almost as good as they were last year, and they beat us at home. I've got my eyes locked in on Notre Dame as well, we blew them out last year at their place and I know they're hungry for revenge.
We also get 3 CAC games on the schedule - UCF, Vandy and Louisville!
Guru's Crystal Ball
We lost a few of the best players in school history, and there isn't as much talent as last year, sure. However, that doesn't tamper my expectations for this year. I think the offense is going to be just as good as it was last year, and the defense should have enough experience to get the job done week in and week out. I'll be disappointed if we aren't in contention for a New Year's Bowl Game come season's end, and I think we could ultimately be in contention to repeat and win Title #3 as well!
I think the run of quarterbacks is the reason Shav got bumped to round 2, but also for some reason he only came in at 73 overall. Anyways, some late acquirees by the Colts will relegate him to the bench this year, but I think he'll be a solid contributor moving forward.
I'm pumped for the season as well - I actually played Week 1's game this morning before I leave tomorrow for a few days. Haven't played a game in about two months and I don't play with any regularity anymore so I hope I haven't accumulated any rust on the sticks!