UPDATED: Quick Look @ '12-'13: Depth Chart
I know, I know...it's waaaay to early. How could I possibly know? How could I possibly predict redshirts for kids who are in high school? "Oh wonderful, guess we don't need spring, summer and fall to figure out the depth chart!" ...and so on, and so forth.
But it's a message board. It's for fun. For the occasional prediction or daydream. So for those getting all huffy...breathe, I'm a fan focused on this year just like you. This is purely information (or speculation) to build on for the future.
With that said...my '12-'13 Depth Chart!
QB
1. Denard Robinson (Sr.)
2. Devin Gardner (RS So.)
3. Russell Bellomy (RS Fr.)
RB
1. Fitzgerald Toussaint (RS Jr.)
2. Vincent Smith (Sr.)
3. Thomas Rawls (So.)
4a. Stephan Hopkins (Jr.)
4b. Justice Hayes (RS Fr.)
rs: Drake Johnson (Fr.)
FB
1a. Stephan Hopkins (Jr.)
1b. Joey Kerridge (RS Fr.)
rs: Sione Houma (Fr.)
WR1
1. Darryl Stonum (RS Sr.)
2. Jeremy Jackson (Jr.)
WR2
1. Roy Roundtree (RS Sr.)
2a. Jerald Robinson (RS So.)
2b. Amara Darboh (Fr.)
Slot
1. Jeremy Gallon (RS Jr.)
2. Drew Dileo (Jr.)
TE
1. Brandon Moore (RS Sr.)
2. Ricardo Miller (RS So.)
3. Devin Funchess (Fr.)
LT
1. Taylor Lewan (RS Jr.)
2. Erik Gunderson (RS Jr.)
3. Kyle Kalis* (Fr.)
rs: Ben Braden (Fr.)
rs: Erik Magnuson (Fr.)
LG
1. Ricky Barnum (RS Sr.)
2. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
3. Chris Bryant (RS Fr.)
rs: A.J. Williams (Fr.)
C
1. Rocko Khoury (RS Sr.)
2. Jack Miller (RS Fr.)
RG
1. Patrick Omameh (RS Sr.)
2. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
3. Chris Bryant (RS Fr.)
rs: Caleb Stacey (Fr.)
RT
1. Michael Schofield (RS Jr.)
2. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
3. Erik Gunderson (RS Jr.)
4. Kyle Kalis* (Fr.)
rs: Blake Bars (Fr.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WDE
1. Craig Roh (Sr.)
2. Jibreel Black (Jr.)
3. Frank Clark (So.)
4. Brennen Beyer (So.)
rs: Mario Ojemudia (Fr.)
NG
1. Will Campbell (Sr.)
2. Richard Ash (RS So.)
DT
1. Quinton Washington (RS Jr.)
2. Kenny Wilkins (RS So.)
3. Ondre Pipkins** (Fr.)
rs: Matt Godin (Fr.)
rs: Chris Wormley (Fr.)
SDE
1a. Jibreel Black (Jr.)
1b. Nathan Brink (RS Jr.)
2. Keith Heitzman (RS Fr.)
3. Chris Rock (RS Fr.)
rs: Tom Strobel (Fr.)
WLB
1. Desmond Morgan (So.)
2. Brandin Hawthorne (Sr.)
3a. Antonio Poole (RS Fr.)
3b. Joe Bolden (Fr.)
MLB
1. Kenny Demens (RS Sr.)
2a. Mike Jones (RS Jr.)
2b. James Ross (Fr.)
rs: Kaleb Ringer (Fr.)
SLB
1. Jake Ryan (RS So.)
2. Cam Gordon (RS Jr.)
3. Jordan Paskorz (RS So.)
rs: Royce Jenkins-Stone (Fr.)
WCB
1. Blake Countess (So.)
2. Delonte Hollowell (So.)
3. Terrence Talbott (Jr.)
rs: Terry Richardson (Fr.)
SCB
1. JT Floyd (RS Sr.)
2. Courtney Avery (Jr.)
3. Raymon Taylor (So.)
rs: Anthony Standifer (Fr.)
FS
1. Thomas Gordon (RS Jr.)
2a. Tamani Carter (RS Fr.)
2b. Jarrod Wilson (Fr.)
rs: Jeremy Clark (Fr.)
SS
1. Jordan Kovacs (RS Sr.)
2. Marvin Robinson (Jr.)
3. Josh Furman (RS So.)
rs: Allen Gant (Fr.)
* - I don't think Kalis will redshirt. I think he'll play OT his freshman year before moving inside to LG for the remainder of his career
** - I don't think Pipkins will redshirt. I think he'll play DT his freshman year before moving to NG for the remainder of his career.
FB & Slot - Notice these positions are in italics. I realize you can't have 12 players on the field at once. This is my way of recognizing that. (Personally, I believe Shotgun, 3 WR, 2 RB will be our primary set along with the Pro Set formation.)
November 27th, 2011 at 2:13 PM ^
I got to daydreaming on this Sunday afternoon, so I figured I'd make an update. Let me know if any corrections need to be made.
Someone yesterday asked about the captains for next year's team (after watching Koger, Martin and RVB's postgame presser). I'd say it's clear that 2 will come from the defense. Roh/Demens and of course Coach Kovacs. The offensive captain will be obviously be Denard.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:12 PM ^
just a hunch but guessing Justice Hayes will move to WR
November 27th, 2011 at 2:41 PM ^
I could DEFINITELY see that. Especially since Borges inherited all of these small slots. I think he likes that "player" and we'll keep 2-3 on the team every year (as opposed to 6-7). I think Berkley Edwards, Braylon's 5'9 speedster little brother fits this mold/position perfectly.
With that said, I think we should continue to recruit Florida. Not as much, but there is no denying the speed and toughness of the guys we have from that state.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:18 PM ^
November 27th, 2011 at 2:19 PM ^
...he's no longer on the team.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:18 PM ^
i think we might see jake ryan become a WDE with Beyer staying at SLB.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^
Why? Ryan is built perfectly for the SLB position, and has turned into a playmaker in his first year at the position. I'm assuming you expect Roh to move to SDE, but I think we have so many 3-tech/5-tech hybrid recruits coming in that we will find someone to play well at SDE. W
I guess we have so many recruits coming in and so little depth that I wouldn't be surprised to see Roh bulk up a bit and move to SDE, but that depends entirely on who comes in ready to play and where. I don't think Ryan will move, regardless of what happens on the line.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:44 PM ^
ryan played with his hands down a few times and is going to keep getting bigger. we're going to need help on the d-line next year. our interior could be soft. i think moving ryan might allow us to have our best players on the field, including beyer. we'll see.
November 27th, 2011 at 4:13 PM ^
Sorry, but is Ryan moved to WDE...it would be so Cam Gordon could play SLB...not Brennen Beyer.
November 27th, 2011 at 4:37 PM ^
Beyer is past Cam on the depth chart for a reason, I think we have probably seen the end of Cam playing on the defense, unfortunately. If Ryan moves, it would be to make room for one of the many freshmen who could step in at SLB.
I still don't see why Ryan would be moved, though. I don't think he is going to get that much bigger over the offseason, and regardless of where he ends up we will probably be starting a freshman at WDE/SLB. I think its more likely that Ryan stay put, because that is where he is at his best and we will probably get better production out of one of our freshman DEs than one of our freshman LBs (its a less experience-based position).
November 27th, 2011 at 5:01 PM ^
Cam was at the top of the depth chart coming into the season and for a long time into it as well. My hope is that poor health early in the year also ruined his chances to play once he did get healthy, since he would have missed so much practice time when he was still going through a bit of a position switch. Sort of like how it took Odoms so long to get back into the rotation even after he was starting to cameo on special teams.
The guy had more INTs in 2010 than anybody on the team recorded this year and made 77 tackles. I think you have to find a spot at some point for a guy like that with his size/speed/athletic ability. Adding him into the mix with Ryan, Morgan, Hawthorne, and Beyer (not to mention all the freshmen) just makes those two OLB spots a real strength going into next year. It will be interesting to see to what degree Mattison decides to mix things up with different looks since all of those guys can be effective.
November 27th, 2011 at 6:26 PM ^
Ya, I was wondering about that too. He seemed to have the ability to make plays even though the previous defensive coaching staff had him all over the field. It seems that these coaches are playing things closer to the vest when it comes to injuries and might not wanted to reveal that we would be having two LBs start/play significant time who had never played much before. Also, if he was passed by not only a redshirt freshman but a true freshman at his position of choice purely on ability or the coaches preference, then we would have heard rumors of a potential transfer or at least him being disgruntled or wanting a position switch. It will be interesting to see what happens with him, but it seems that injury might have played a more significant role in him not playing this year (back injuries can be tough).
November 27th, 2011 at 6:19 PM ^
Here is the depth chart of Nebraska...the final game in which both were healthy. There isn't even an "OR" by Cam. He's the clear #2.
November 27th, 2011 at 6:28 PM ^
Since he was the one spelling Jake Ryan in all the games and Cam wasn't. I don't think most of the depth charts printed are very helpful. I think there might have been an announcement or update on a depth chart somewhere, but I'm too lazy to look for it.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:19 PM ^
On Oline the 2012 class will be playing in short order and the coaches will try to get the best ones on the field so Magnuson Kalis and Braden probably won't all stack up at the same position. I'd guess Braden (6'7") will be backup LT, Stacey might be backup Guard or Center, Kalis will be backup RG (like uber-pulling Guard Omameh) and Magnuson will be backup RT. AJ Williams is a tall bulky TE or a normal height/underweight Tackle.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:25 PM ^
Note the * next to Kalis...
I think Kalis, Stacey and Williams will be OG (no clue which side). I actually think Kalis and Stacey have a shot at playing C.
I think Braden, Bars and Magnuson will play OT (which position, your guess is as good as mine).
November 27th, 2011 at 2:39 PM ^
I thought Williams is considered to be a tackle if he moves from TE.
November 27th, 2011 at 3:35 PM ^
I'm feelin you on the Pipkins call. I think the same thing. Of course this year I thought Campbell would start but the coaches put Heininger in and it was the right call. Maybe one of our current guys pulls a Heininger (Godin actually could fill his shoes, especially since he's the top producing DLineman recruit we have by far), but barring that I think Pipkins starts after a few games in the rotation.
November 27th, 2011 at 6:34 PM ^
I really doubt any of the Oline commits contribute unless we really need them to. It is the toughest position to come in from day one and contribute. Plus, my guess would be that Mealer plays the backup at all the spots much like Schofield did this year. We just have to hope the Oline stays healthy next year or things could get sour quickly. If one of our freshman Oline were to be called on though, I think you would be correct in assuming that it would be Kalis, although don't sell Magnuson short. At some of the camps, many people thought he outperformed Banner and was a more polished prospect in general (I think people tend to think Banner has a higher ceiling though).
Also, Pipkens is probably correct and it wouldn't suprise me if Godin or Strobel play early.
I think Wilson might get redshirted though. And I believe Royce is a MLB prospect and Ringer would be one of the OLB spots, but not sure there.
November 27th, 2011 at 7:55 PM ^
I think you'll be surprised with the Freshmen linemen. The depth is so thin and unproven that they'll be given a shot at playing time right away. Kalis in particular might be able to play right away on the interior.
A lot of it will depend on their ability to pick up the blocking scheme, but we won't know if they can until they play some. Kalis should be physically able to play quickly--which is really why he's a 5* prospect.
November 27th, 2011 at 7:51 PM ^
In one of the recruiting update interviews Caleb Stacey or Ben Braden said the coaches wanted them as a center and they had their HS coach move them to center so they could used to the position. I'm 95% it was Stacey
November 27th, 2011 at 2:23 PM ^
Looks good. The only exceptions are that I think we see Gallon move outside, Dileo lock down the slot, and Pipkins/<insert freshman WR> find major time at their respective positions.
November 27th, 2011 at 3:51 PM ^
Dileo has been a nice playmaker on limited opportunities this year. I expect he'll get more PT and more looks next year.
November 27th, 2011 at 6:35 PM ^
If Stonum returns I am not so sure that Gallon will necessarily start as an outside WR. Might get rotated there with Stonum, Roundtree, and Jackson though.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:23 PM ^
He was supposed to be a linebacker or maybe a WDE. How did he get to tackle weight? At least the coaching staff didn't waste time moving him, unlike coach Mork who has Lawrence Thomas playing linebacker at 280.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:26 PM ^
IMO he's a SDE, but I am the last person on EARTH that is going to question Mattison, Hoke and Montgomery.
November 27th, 2011 at 3:23 PM ^
Wasn't he a guy who was praised for his athleticism and range coming out of high school? Don't know if it was nature or a coaching decision to have him bulk up but it seems like a waste of his abilities (just never going to be big enough to be a legit DT while losing mobility, etc.). We were short on bodies at DT last spring and that may have had a lot to do with it. Hopefully with Ash, Washington, etc. stepping up and a few new guys coming in he can slim back down and have a shot at some PT in a year or two.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:26 PM ^
Call me crazy, but I see both Kalis and Pipkins being starters by the end of next season. Kalis is physically ready to play now. With Barnum healthy, but sill not playing I think his starting spot is vulnerable. Also, BArnum was recruited to play center and Khoury has yet to play meaningful snaps over an extender period. I could see Kalis starting at guard with Barnum not starting ot Kalis at guard, barnum at center, and khoury staying as a depth guy. I could also see Pipkins taking the starting NT job with BWC at 3-tech. The only concern about Pipkins from scouting reports I've read is his conditioning.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:28 PM ^
...and technique, which is a HUGE deal for this staff. Those are two HUGE "but's" for a defensive linemen. I think he'll see as much time as Will Campbell saw this year (at most)...as much time as Quinton Washington saw this year (at minimum).
November 27th, 2011 at 2:31 PM ^
Wasn't it Emo who posted depth charts every other day?
November 27th, 2011 at 2:32 PM ^
We look pretty strong across the board on first string, but the depth at both lines is terrifying.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:34 PM ^
I agree with almost all of it except I believe Pipkins is a starter from day one...kid is ready right now.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:34 PM ^
November 27th, 2011 at 2:45 PM ^
i think heitzman could move. beyer only moves if the freshmen are beating him out.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:50 PM ^
I'm curious to see how Heitzman, Rock and Wilkins have progressed and whether any of them will see the field next year. I have a good feeling about Heitzman, he showed promise during his high school all-star game.
Also hoping Poole comes in at a good weight next year and gets in the LB rotation.
Raymon Taylor is another guy to look for in 2012. Hollowell played well on special teams, he might be fighting for a back-up role.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:36 PM ^
This... looks like a really good team. Next season could be about getting enough out of Campbell, Washington, and the young DL guys that this year's DL losses won't sting too bad.
November 27th, 2011 at 5:40 PM ^
That is definitely the key group in 2012: defensive line. UM's defense will hinge on how well those (largely) untested guys play next year. Frankly, I'm a little nervous about that group, but that is a worry for next season.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:37 PM ^
November 27th, 2011 at 2:39 PM ^
I forgot Elliott Mealer, he accidently got deleted when I was moving some of the incoming freshman around.
That certainly adds SOME depth to the OLine.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:41 PM ^
The one guy we'll miss the most is Mike Martin.
November 27th, 2011 at 7:26 PM ^
You could say the same of RVB, I think...both are huge losses. Will Campbell needs to step up big next year.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:42 PM ^
November 27th, 2011 at 3:59 PM ^
I'ma have to see how the new starters on the interior of both lines hold up before I want to see hype like that.
November 27th, 2011 at 4:17 PM ^
If for no other reason than to hype up the Bama game I sadly beleave this to be likely
November 27th, 2011 at 2:44 PM ^
Well done. I think it's pretty telling of how anal many posters here are that you have to include a paragraph-long disclaimer before posting something, as well.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:46 PM ^
Anyone know which incoming freshman plan on enrolling early? Thinking that might help some folks see the field in '12-'13.
November 27th, 2011 at 6:41 PM ^
Bolden is. I think one of the other LB's. Ace had this sometime recently but I can't remember who besides Bolden. I think it was 3-4. Also, if we get Dunn then he will be.
November 27th, 2011 at 8:27 PM ^
I believe Jarrod Wilson and Kaleb Ringer were supposed to enroll early. Not sure how Dunn would affect things.
November 27th, 2011 at 2:49 PM ^
While interesting to speculate on depth charts and team captains, I'm more concerned about the strong, vocal leadership we will be losing. Who will replace Martin, RVB, Molk and Koger as team leaders. Who will be the fiery leaders in the trenches? I'm guessing Lewan will take over the OL leadership despite not being a senior. We need a spark on the DL, and it doesn't appear it will be BWC. Craig Roh? One of the LBs stepping up?
November 27th, 2011 at 4:06 PM ^
Kovacs? But you really never know with those things.