The offense will fill the two openings easily and smoothly IMO. TE will probably be Holland to start, but with the new redshirt rules I think one (or both) of the two freshman will make a splash some point later in the season. As for the WR opening, Polk, Hippenhammer, or Hamler to start most likely. I think Hamler has the most promise of the three though, and could be a real weapon in the slot. Interesting to see how Shorter is used... He could be put in the slot or used to replace Thompkins on the outside, moving Thompkins back to the slot possibly.

Moving over to the defense, strong safety should be in good hands with either Taylor or Monroe. Sutherland or Wade give good depth, and could see playing time later in the year. Now, to the LB position which is the biggest question mark and really only one I'm worried about. Who to start? Experienced upperclassman or talented but raw underclassmen? It's a gamble either way..

Let's just get it out of the way now... Parsons is playing. Whether it's starting or backup, he's getting into games. Another question is where? MLB or Will LB? I still think Will, as I always have due to the more freedom it allows a LB. While I don't know if he will start, I'm more confident he's a Will and not a MLB. As for the MLB? DEALERS CHOICE. I have no clue. Brooks seems like a tailor made MLB, but he's young. Johnson has the experience but lacks the physical tools of the others. Bowen could take the spot if he climbs out of the doghouse. It's really a crapshoot at this point. I will say this though, if Bowen steps up and shows he's in shape and ready to take the MLB position... we will be in very good shape. He has the talent and experience to do well, but I have no idea where he's at.

My goodness that defensive line looks nasty Roam. This defensive line will be the best since 2012 but it might be better. Speed and strength all over that defensive line. Will the true freshman RB from last year get any snaps? If I was worried about anything it would be the FG kicked, it’s been a while since we’ve had to worry about that position? BTW Miles is the man I was just wondering will he get any snaps

You're right Southern, the Dline does look nasty.  Not only Givens and Windsor, but two real good looking freshman in Mustipher and Hansard. Both are big, run stopper types. DE is also loaded beyond the starters, a lot of talent there.

It's all going to hinge on the LBs. If they get comfortable quickly, and play good assignment football this defense will be crazy good.

As for Miles Sanders, I think he does get a lot of touches.  Very different style from Barkley, Sanders is more downhill. Nevertheless, he will probably share carries with Allen and others.  Though I think he gets probably 15-20 carries a game, but won't be as much of a pass threat as Barkley.

What about the #1 back out of Virginia (Ricky Scales)?  Ricky Slade.

Roam, what are the new redshirt rules you’re talking about? Thanks

I think Roam is referring to the new rule that allows players to play in up to 4 games and still use a redshirt. I also think this will have a major impact on how many freshman we see and quicker development from them. We could see some highly recruited freshman get their feet wet in game action this year and still redshirt giving them 4 years of eligibility.

The dline will be very good, specifically the DEs. I think Simmons has a breakout year. Gross-Matos looks looks he has a really bright future also. Mix in Toney etc and they are 3 deep in really good talent at DE. I’m not as worried about DT as some. Givens is very disruptive and Windsor will do what he is asked to do. He doesn’t need to be a world beater with the other guys around him. He just needs to do his job. Jan Johnson may start at MLB in the beginning of the season but with talent like Brooks, Luketa, and Bowen available to play MLB, I don’t think he is the long term starter.

Thanks LB99 for the info. Little over 2 weeks and we’ll have some penn st football brother! I need it bad because I get myself in a lot of trouble talking about politics and other stuff lol