Spring ball is halfway over and there have been a number of players and coaches interviewed discussing the progress so far in practices. To see or listen to those interviews, check out the videos (via Idaho Statesmen) or audios (via Idaho Press Tribune).
Based off of what coaches and players are saying, a few players have emerged at each position as potential breakout candidates. This was a topic @broc1101 brought up a month or so ago so now seems like a good time to revisit it.
I'll start a list, give some info I've heard from a source or two and hopefully that can jump start a discussion.
Quarterback: I've personally heard Ricedorff is adding a new element to the offense. He takes off running out of the pocket, the WRs block and release and he either runs or hits them for a big gain. Also, I've been told Rypien is doing a great job spreading the ball around, throwing a good deep ball and hitting his checkdowns often (something he didn't do much of last year)
RB: Per interview, Mahone has slimmed down. He's a big chunk of reps right now
WR: BJ had an article out today. He highlights Jefferson, Butler, Ogbebor and Modster. I would guess Modster is a near lock to start. Harsin also mentioned Carter as someone ahead of where he thought he would be coming off of surgery.
TE: A healthy Roh and Bates seems like a good guess to breakout
OL: Lots of new faces gaining reps right now. Harsin mentioned Cleveland as someone who has stood out (I believe)
DL: Lots of guys moving around. Moa should benefit from a switch to DT. Alot of the 2016 guys have switched positions.
LB: Maeva sounds like he is taking the MLB job with a solid spring. Whitlock sounds like he can be plugged in anywhere. LVE sounds like he's taking his leadership role very seriously. I've heard Desmond Williams name a few times.
S: Sounds like a crowded and talented top 4. Nawahine has been with first team much of spring. Pierce and Happle have split time with first team.
CB: Horton and Young are getting majority of first team reps. RHD has been singled out by Ambrose and/or Harsin in interviews. I've heard Evans is doing fine considering he is a true freshmen so that's to be expected.
Based off of what coaches and players are saying, a few players have emerged at each position as potential breakout candidates. This was a topic @broc1101 brought up a month or so ago so now seems like a good time to revisit it.
I'll start a list, give some info I've heard from a source or two and hopefully that can jump start a discussion.
Quarterback: I've personally heard Ricedorff is adding a new element to the offense. He takes off running out of the pocket, the WRs block and release and he either runs or hits them for a big gain. Also, I've been told Rypien is doing a great job spreading the ball around, throwing a good deep ball and hitting his checkdowns often (something he didn't do much of last year)
RB: Per interview, Mahone has slimmed down. He's a big chunk of reps right now
WR: BJ had an article out today. He highlights Jefferson, Butler, Ogbebor and Modster. I would guess Modster is a near lock to start. Harsin also mentioned Carter as someone ahead of where he thought he would be coming off of surgery.
TE: A healthy Roh and Bates seems like a good guess to breakout
OL: Lots of new faces gaining reps right now. Harsin mentioned Cleveland as someone who has stood out (I believe)
DL: Lots of guys moving around. Moa should benefit from a switch to DT. Alot of the 2016 guys have switched positions.
LB: Maeva sounds like he is taking the MLB job with a solid spring. Whitlock sounds like he can be plugged in anywhere. LVE sounds like he's taking his leadership role very seriously. I've heard Desmond Williams name a few times.
S: Sounds like a crowded and talented top 4. Nawahine has been with first team much of spring. Pierce and Happle have split time with first team.
CB: Horton and Young are getting majority of first team reps. RHD has been singled out by Ambrose and/or Harsin in interviews. I've heard Evans is doing fine considering he is a true freshmen so that's to be expected.
