For this year’s freshman class, the redshirt year is finally over from a football standpoint. In the rear-view mirror is what is no doubt the toughest year for any college athlete on and off the field. Scout team and freshman weight training is over and these guys are now considered 2nd year freshman in the eyes of the coaching staff. The freshman are ready to show what they can do in spring ball and hopefully make their case for playing time in the 2012 season – whether it’s as a starter, backup or on special teams. The goal for all has to be to make the travel squad.
The 2-time winners of the award are bolded:
Offensive Scout of the Week
Fr. – P.J. Sparks, RB (vs. Drake)
Fr. – Jameer Jackson, WR (at Idaho)
Fr. – Casey Young, WR (at Fresno State)
So. – Anthony Eboreime, WR (vs. BHSU)
Fr. – Jace Hellman, OL (at So. Utah)
Fr. – Brandon Anderson, OL and RsFr. – Payton Decoteau, FB (vs. UMW)
Fr. – Romon Bridges, WR (vs. Cal Poly)
RsFr. – Payton Decoteau, FB (at No. Colorado)
Fr. – Luke Hoplin, OL (vs. Sioux Falls)
RsFr. – Chris Comes, QB (at UC Davis)
Jr. – Marcus Hendrickson, QB (vs. USD)
Defensive Scout of the Week
Fr. – Will Ratelle, LB (vs. Drake)
Fr. – B.J. Fifita, DB (at Idaho)
So. – Caleb Nelson, DL (at Fresno State)
Fr. – Dwayne Brown, CB (vs. BHSU)
Fr. – Adedayo Idowu, DB (at So. Utah)
Fr. – Kyle Woodsmall, DL (vs. UMW)
Fr. – Chris Brown, CB (vs. Cal Poly)
Fr. – Dillon Olson, DB (at No. Colorado)
Fr. – B.J. Fifita, DB (vs. Sioux Falls)
Fr. – Will Ratelle, LB (at UC Davis)
Fr. – Kyle Woodsmall, DL (vs. USD)
When looking at who might make an impact next season, the only way to do it is to look at who could step in and fill a position of need. The Sioux graduated 14 seniors so there will definitely be spots to fill.
We see both Jameer Jackson and Casey Young fighting for time at WR. The Sioux lose Daggett and Anderson meaning they need depth behind McGill, Ivery and Hardin. Injuries can happen at any time so 5 solid receivers are always a must.
PJ Sparks should provide depth at the RB position which is key with how beat up they get throughout the season. He has the ability to give a spark out of the backfield. He reminds us of former Sioux back Josh Murray in the way he runs.
A wild card at WR/RB could be Romon Bridges. He was highly touted out of Stockton, CA and could possibly fill a need on screens, etc. He is smaller in size (5’8″-160) but appears to be pretty fast/quick.
Sean Meehan, Ross Windfeldt, Jace Hellman, and Brandon Anderson all are near the size already to play on the offensive line. Hellman would be the one who could put on some size but the rest are close. There is a hole to fill with the graduation of Quesenberry. However, 4 starters are back meaning these four could initially be fighting for backup spots. But, as we saw this year with the injuries to Lynch and Quesenberry, depth is huge on the OL. The RT spot appears to be up for grabs come spring ball and we could see a guy like Anderson fighting for that spot. Also, we see Hellman getting a shot at the center position down the road. We have heard good things about the former Red River product.
Javen Butler will almost certainly get a chance to play at safety. BJ Fifita should also get a strong look for time. The Sioux lose Kudrna, Belotti, and Hawkins making both spots up for grabs, technically. Erik Mersereau and Baylee Carr are back. This is an area of concern heading into 2012.
With the graduation of Goertz and Hendrickson at middle linebacker, Will Ratelle should be in the mix for some playing time. He seems like a great candidate for special teams also.
The Browns, Dwayne and Chris, should both get a chance to compete for playing time at cornerback. The Sioux lose starter Kenny Watkins. Daryl Brown is back at one corner and is a lock to start but the other corner position is up for grabs between Chavon Mackey, Chris Hall, and the two Browns. The Sioux do need help at safety and one of these corners could be an option like Hawkins was last year. We can’t help but think there could be a late Juco addition if they don’t like how it’s going.
