I think that you need to look at who we lost, who we return, and how much we rotate guys at different positions.
observation: We lost 3 starting LBs + 1 top backup LB. Furthermore, Seth Wallace is on record stating that he's hoping to rotate guys at LB ... much like Morgan was rotating guys on the DL.
response: Between positional action and special teams play, we played Jewell, B. Niemann, Bower, Ward, Welch, Hockaday, Mends, Jones, and N. Niemann. Some guys were injured/dinged, so that impacted how much they were able to contribute (or how regularly they'd contribute). Even erring on the side of caution, I could see the Hawks playing 8 LBs in '18. The 5 guys returning with experience will very likely see either positional or special teams action in '18 ... but that still implies that the door would be open for more guys to contribute ... perhaps in the ball-park of 3 or 4 more guys contributing. Going off of reports ... I'd venture to guess that Colbert and Doyle are guys who are high on the list as it relates to candidates. We have some walk-on JUCOs ... maybe they'd be in the picture? Maybe Wade and/or McDonald?
observation: The defensive end spot was perceived as so log-jammed in '18 that Golston slid over to DT in order to give himself a chance to see the field more. Also, it didn't hurt that he also played quite a bit of DT in high school too.
response: There is no chance that a true freshman will push for playing time in '18.
observation: The Hawks lost special teams ace Clayberg because he prefers to play on the O-side of the ball. Also, Miles Taylor graduated ... and we're staring down the impending graduation (after '18) of both Snyder and Gervase. On the flip side, Snyder, Gervase, Hooker, and Stone have each seen starter-quality snaps in '17.
response: The Hawks are "deep" at safety in terms of guys who can start. However, the unit is in dire need to developing depth in anticipation of the graduation of Snyder and Gervase. Furthermore, with the departure of Clayberg and Taylor but the return of Snyder from injury ... we should be slated to break in another S. Hello Mr. Craddieth! Perhaps I shouldn't discount Merriweather - the safety who enters the fray in '18 will mostly be cutting his teeth on special teams play.
observation: The Hawks lost Jackson at CB. Also, the fact that Phil Parker is renown as a "yeller" ... that sometimes leads to above-average attrition at DB. On the flip side, the Hawks return OJ, Manny, and Hankins at CB ... all of whom saw quality reps in '17.
response: Creamer made physical strides during the off-season ... and furthermore, ascended the depth chart to find his way on the depth chart. From what I've gathered, Turner has ability ... but his lack of consistency still makes him appear as though he's a raw talent. If a TR FR doesn't redshirt ... it will most likely be due to him finding a niche. Maybe a guy is a really good "cover" guy ... then maybe he can find his way to the field through a nickel/dime sub-package. Alternatively, our depth at RB is poor ... thus, it may prove too risky to have a RB return kicks. Thus, a DB with ball-skills might be able to make noise on special teams as a returner. Given these considerations, Roberts might be every bit as likely to see the field early as the other two (Johnson and Brents).
observation: The Hawks lost Wadley and Butler to graduation. Furthermore, they lost Joly to attrition ... and there still is no word on Toks being cleared medically. In 2015 and 2017, went as far down as playing their #4 RB. In 2016, conditions were a little different ... but the Hawks still primarily just played 3 RBs. Lastly, from everything I've gathered ... after Toren and Ivory, there is a bit of "gap" in terms of how guys are looking at RB.
response: If Geil can make a positive splash - I don't see any reason why he couldn't see the field early. As others have stated, maybe Evans could see the field through special teams ... as I mentioned before about needing a "returner" ... maybe Evans is the guy?
observation: The Hawks lost VandeBerg to graduation. On the flip side, the Hawks also played 3 true freshmen in '17. Furthermore, reports suggest that Groeneweg is a SR who might surprise as a contributor. Iowa's passing game to the WRs was still rather under-developed last year. The Hawks clearly want to continue to make strides in this area.
response: The primary thing to recognize here is that the WR group may be more experienced than it was last year ... however, it's still a relatively young and/or inexperienced group. Thus, if a guy were truly to emerge and make noise out of the group ... then he'd be able to ascend the depth chart and contribute. To that end, Ragaini has had the benefit of joining the team for the Spring. Also, Tracy has the advantage of being an uncommon skills guy - a guy who potentially offers facets to the position that some of the other guys just don't have. There will be opportunity at WR ... but nor would I say that anything is a given either.
