RE: Lets talk 2015 Offense
I think CmanJ did a pretty good job of summarizing where we are on offense, but here are a few other points to consider.
I expect Bentley to be the second Monarch to be C-USA offensive rookie of the year, but David Washington has the potential to be the Monarchs' most valuable player on offense. Last year he demonstrated his athleticism and value as a receiver, and I think he is poised to be one of the conference's premier "go to" receivers this year. But his unique, added value is in being ready to go at quarterback should Bentley go down with any significant injury. I hope he does not see one down at quarterback and makes all-conference at WR. But with Verhaegh out, it looks clear to me that Washington will be the next man up at QB, and the Monarchs are fortunate to have a QB of his caliber able to make the position switch (again) if necessary.
Let's talk Melvin Vaughn, or Mr. Versatility. Vaughn was already a good-sized WR, and now he has beefed up enough to play some tight end. He demonstrated his skills and reliability at WR last year. With Vaughn on the field, BW will be able to change the offensive formation without having to change personnel. The monarchs can be in a 10 formation (one running back, no tight end, four wide receivers) on first down and go right into an 11 (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers) on second down just by moving Vaughn in. I believe this should be problematic for defenses as we go from a stong throwing formation to a strong running formation (and vice versa) without making personnel changes. If Vaughn is in the game, we can go from a 10 to a 12 by bringing Swann into the game. I just think we will see super versatility demonstrated this year with Vaughn being effective at either position. Heck, with Swann in the game, we could even see an 11 formation become a 21 formation with Vaughn becoming the second running back and being used as the lead blocker in a power play.
Vaughn = Versatility.
The center position is the key to our offensive line play this year. With Josh Mann gone, someone is going to have to step up big time to fill his big shoes, and based on the spring depth chart, that will be Eli Kessner. The play of the O-line will be one of the primary factors in detemining how successful the Monarchs will be, and with returning starters at both guard and tackle positions, we should be in good shape, but strong center play is a necessity.
CmanJ discussed our wide receivers and the need to find the next Antonio Vaughan. As a side note, I well remember wondering who in the world would ever replace Nick Mayers, and AV did a good job there (although I still think NM is the best receiver the Monarchs ever had). But I digress. This year I believe it will be Marques Little that steps up. Expect him to give us yards after catch in the tradition of Mayers and Vaughan as he has a bust-out year.
(This post was last modified: 07-03-2015 09:13 AM by ODU AGGIE.)
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