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Many people still doubt how relevant the 2018 team. There has been many debates about how high the ceiling is for this team. Some say we would be lucky to win 8 games while I lean more towards 9-10 wins. So let’s take a deep look into each position group.
Offense:
Position: Quarterback
Confidence Level: 7.5/10
Nick Fitzgerald was a focal point of the offense last season. His running and big play abilities were one of the reasons we won 9 games. However, he is coming off of a gruesome leg injury that he suffered in the Egg Bowl. I trust Fitzgerald’s running abilities, but I am not sold on his arm yet. Hopefully, his accuracy has improved during the offseason. If MSU wants to win 10 games this year, it starts with Fitzgerald.
Position: Running Back
Confidence Level: 8/10
This will be a very fun position group to watch this year. Aeris Williams will return for his senior season; last year he rushed for over 1,000 yards. He is a very patient running back, and he knows how to find the gaps in a defense. Behind him, I predict Kylin Hill to emerge as another threat. Kylin is an explosive runner and can make a big play every time he touches the ball.
Position: Wide Receivers
Confidence Level: 6/10
I believe this receiving corps can be great. However, I am concerned about how many passes we dropped last year. That really hurt our team. The good news is that we recruited well at the receiver position during our last recruiting class. The new coaching staff can also help clean up some of those fundamental errors. I really want to see someone step up and be “The Guy” for Fitzgerald on 3rd and long as well as on deep throws.
Position: Offensive Line
Confidence Level: 8/10
Losing a star like Martinas Rankin will hurt, but the O-line returns 4 starters for next season. They found their stride late in the season when they opened up running lanes for Aeris Williams against Alabama. This will be crucial if next year’s offense wants to run the football.
Defense
Position: Defensive Line
Confidence Level: 9/10
There is not a position group on the field that I trust more than our defensive line. We return the SEC sack leader in Montez Sweat along with a former 5 star recruit named Jeffery Simmons. The defensive line will also welcome JUCO defensive end Chauncey Rivers. This group can cause chaos on the field at all times.
Position: Linebackers
Confidence Level: 7/10
The linebacker position for us is an interesting one. Gerri Green was a force to be reckoned with last year. Coming back for his senior season, he will be the unquestioned veteran leader of the linebackers. Behind him there is plentiful talent with Leo Lewis and Willie Gay Jr. who both came on throughout the season.
Position: Safety/Corner
Confidence Level: 7/10
Our secondary should be decent this year. With our defensive line's ability to rush the passer, it will make it easier on the secondary. Mark McLaurin is set to have a big senior season. Brian Cole is also expected to contribute along with Jamal Peters, Jonathan Abram, and Cam Dantzler.
Overall this I am very confident in this team's ability to win ballgames. They have veteran experience at every position, and that is a big plus moving forward. We will have a taste of the action at the Super Bulldog Weekend Spring Game.
#HailState