Seems like we have done threads like this in the past and I always think it is fun. Pretty sure I made a breakout prediction for Gaines heading into either his sophomore or junior years.

Offense - Austin Walter. Yeah, I'm picking a guy that isn't even on the depth chart. I think there will be plenty of Owls who have good seasons on offense. But I think the WR will be rotated and each will get enough touches that there isn't a true "breakout". Dillard and Davis are very solid, but Walter put up video game numbers in HS, Coach Bailiff commented in the spring that no one could tackle him, and everyone knows he has elite speed. I'm predicting he gets 600+ total yards even if no one in front of him gets injured. And for a guy not on the depth chart I would conside that a "breakout". Seriously ... 2,704 yards rushing his senior year on 201 carries, with enough accoldes and stars to back up that success. The only way I'm wrong is if Sam Stewart ends up being the breakout instead...

Defense - VJ Banks. Reminded me of a young Gaines when he was on the field last year. If he has the similar speed to Gaines, which I don't know, then I think he will be a total stud. My #2 choice is Grayson Schantz. I think the DE and secondary will be fine, as long as guys stay relatively healthy.

Special Teams - whomever is the primary punt returner

Offense - Austin's a good one. Could throw Sam Stewart in there as well at RB. Lance Wright seems obvious at WR. Anderson at LT has been drawing rave reviews.

Defense - Basically the whole secondary.

ST - Whoever wins the kicking job.

Wild card breakout surprise on offense....Receiver Trevor Long. Have had my eye on him since JV, very much in the Jordan Taylor mold. Coach's son. Can play TE, WR, slot. Yards after run. And he's wearing Froggie's number so I know he'll get some help from Above....

(08-31-2015 03:01 PM)Ricefootballnet Wrote:  Wild card breakout surprise on offense....Receiver Trevor Long. Have had my eye on him since JV, very much in the Jordan Taylor mold. Coach's son. Can play TE, WR, slot. Yards after run. And he's wearing Froggie's number so I know he'll get some help from Above....

Oh, and 84 was Buddy's number, too, was it not?

Barring another injury I'm going with TE Cella, who could and should be a killer weapon in the middle of the field

Conner Cella should have a huge season as a blocker and receiver. Aston Walter as well as a kick returner. Whomever takes over the WLB position will have a big year. There's talent all over the field

(08-31-2015 03:09 PM)Ricefootballnet Wrote:  

(08-31-2015 03:01 PM)Ricefootballnet Wrote:  Wild card breakout surprise on offense....Receiver Trevor Long. Have had my eye on him since JV, very much in the Jordan Taylor mold. Coach's son. Can play TE, WR, slot. Yards after run. And he's wearing Froggie's number so I know he'll get some help from Above....

Oh, and 84 was Buddy's number, too, was it not?

84 was the number Red Bale gave to our top receiver. Started with Froggy Williams, then to Bill Howton, then Buddy Dial.

Cameron Decell.

On a more "national" scale I think it is Mouchantaf. Watching him in 2013 I was impressed with everything he did, and I think he can generate some really good buzz by the end of the year.

I'm thinking Brandon Hamilton is due for a great year. Sounds like they've switched him over to Defense. Not sure if he will still be returning kick offs. He's got speed and strength. RS Jr. I'm hoping for big things from him in 2015.

German...

Fingers crossed that DJ stays healthy but history suggests there will be a point where he goes down with an injury. German steps-up and solidifies his position as the guy next year.

Mayden: Almost 33 yards per catch last year on 7 grabs (3TDs) as a true freshman.
Maybe the average dips a little this year but maybe the catches go up a lot.
Can we line up five wide at WR?

J.T Ibe

offense-Lance Wright

defense-Zach Abercrumbia

Well I've been thinking Espinosa would be the guy for several years now on defense to step it up, so I'll stick with him again on defense. Maybe the redshirt freshman OL on offense. On special teams, I'll be a homer and go with walk-on Jae Phan (who will be on the kickoff returns).

Offense - Mayden, Cella.

Defense - Abercrumbia, Ellerbee.

Is it too late to mention Womac?

WALTER, DILLARD, JACKSON, RICE O LINE AND RUNNING GAME! [OK I have the benefit of "fore-knowledge" and first game statistics] AWESOME performance by entire team!!