Perhaps a meaningless exercise at this stage in the preseason but I had some time to kill at work so figured I'd take a stab at it:
Quarterbacks:
1. Anthony Brown (R-So)
2. EJ Perry (So)
3. Matt McDonald (R-Fr)
· Matt Valecce, Johnny Langan
The obvious question mark at the QB position is the health of starter Anthony Brown. Football players can take two years to fully recover from ACL tears so the worry is that his athleticism will be diminished this season. If he is fully healthy he will need to take a step forward with his accuracy and decision making to reach the next level as a QB. At backup the job appears to be EJ Perry’s. Perry gained valuable experience in practice last year and would undoubtedly be the most game-ready backup if Brown went down again with an injury. Third string is a toss-up between the younger QBs and one would hope that they are not pressed into action this year. Valecce and Langan (who is probably a future LB) are likely redshirts.
Runningbacks:
1. AJ Dillon (So)
2. Travis Levy (So)
3. David Bailey (Fr)
4. Javian Dayne (Fr)
AJ Dillon is arguably the best running back in college football so there is obviously no debate at starter here. The more interesting question is who else will see regular carries behind him? Levy will see plenty of the field as the team’s de facto 3rd down/receiving back and will also receive a fair share of carries. Bailey and Dayne have the size to backup Dillon as the ‘big back’ in the offense, with Bailey being the more heralded recruit between the two. With how run heavy BC’s offense is I would expect both freshmen to see the field this season.
Wide receivers:
1. Kobay White (R-So)
2. Jeff Smith (Sr)
3. Michael Walker (Sr)
4. CJ Lewis (So)
5. Ben Glines (R-Jr)
6. Elijah Robinson (Sr)
· Jehlani Galloway
The best BC receiving corps from the past decade (see: tallest midget award) is a good mix of big bodied WRs and smaller, speedy types. Kobay White is the group’s headliner and could be BC’s first NFL WR since Kelvin Martin. Jeff Smith and Mike Walker are two of the fastest WRs BC has had in recent memory and should stretch the field for the offense. CJ Lewis is intriguing as he has an excellent combination of size and speed and may just need experience at the position to succeed. Jehlani Galloway is the only freshman and likely redshirts.
Tight ends:
1. Tommy Sweeney (Sr)
2. Chris Garrison (R-Jr)
3. Korab Idrizi (Jr)
4. Jake Burt (R-Jr)
· Joey Luchetti
With a great season Tommy Sweeney may be drafted in the top 3 rounds at next year’s NFL draft. He is an excellent receiver, solid blocker, and possesses good size/athleticism. The offense remarkably improved last season when getting him the ball was made a priority (AJ Dillon had something to do with that improvement as well). Behind him on the depth chart is solid depth with a good mix of guys who can catch and block. Garrison has good hands but is more of a big WR while Idrizi is a good blocker. Freshman Joey Luchetti almost certainly redshirts.
Offensive line:
1. LT Aaron Monteiro (Sr), LG Sam Schmal (Gr), C Jon Baker (Gr), RG Chris Lindstrom (Sr), RT Ben Petrula (So)
2. Rotational pieces: John Phillips (R-Jr), Elijah Johnson (R-So), Alec Lindstrom (R-Fr)
· Finn Dirstine, Thomas Shelmire, Tyler Vrabel
This is the toughest position to predict starters with 7 highly qualified players vying for 5 spots. It likely won’t matter much who the starters are as the OL will rotate heavily to keep up with BC’s new fast paced offense. This unit is talented, experienced, and deep and should be one of the best in the nation. All three freshmen will likely redshirt due to the depth ahead of them.
Defensive line:
1. DE Zach Allen (Sr), DT Ray Smith (Sr), DT Bryce Morais (R-So), DE Wyatt Ray (Sr)
2. DE Marcus Valdez (R-Fr), DT Tanner Karafa (R-Jr), DT TJ Rayam (So), DE Brandon Barlow (R-So)
· Ryan Betro, Kyiev Bennermon
The first unit of the defensive line should be as good as any in the ACC (with the exception of Clemson). Zach Allen will be a 1st rounder next year and I would expect Wyatt Ray to be drafted as well. The DTs will rotate regularly and are all solid (but unspectacular players). Ray Smith headlines the group and has a chance at playing in the NFL. Bryce Morais can bump out to DE and allow Zach Allen to slide inside to give a different look on passing downs. Freshmen Ryan Betro and Kyiev Bennermon come into school with good size and may see some early action rotating in with the DTs.
Linebackers:
1. WILL Kevin Bletzer (Gr), MLB Connor Strachan (Gr), SAM John Lamot (R-So)
2. WILL Davon Jones (R-Jr), MLB Max Richardson (R-So), SAM Isaiah McDuffie (So)
· Hugh Davis, Evan Stewart
· Nick DeNucci, Joseph Sparacio, Vinny Depalma,
The biggest change on the team from last year to this year may be the LB depth. Last year injuries decimated the position and forced position changes and freshman to play before they were ready. This year’s LB corps will be deep and talented and should take a huge step forward. Strachan and Richardson both return from injuries and have the best instincts among the group. The best three LBs in terms of talent are probably Strachan, Richardson, and Lamot so they may end up being the three starters. Oe of the most impressive plays last season was when Lamot ran down Lamar Jackson to force a huge 4th down against UL. He may have the most potential out of all the LBs as his athleticism is off the charts and he can fly. Out of the incoming freshmen, Davis and Stewart are probably the most impressive so they may see some action this year. DeNucci, Sparacio, and Depalma are all likely redshirts unless injuries ravage the position like last year.
Cornerbacks:
1. Hamp Cheevers (Jr)
2. Brandon Sebastian (R-Fr)
Slot Taj-Amir Torres (Sr)
4. Mehdi El Attrach (Jr)
5. Tate Haynes (R-Fr)
· Elijah Jones
· Aaron Gethers, Jason Maitre
Probably the biggest question mark on the roster as it will be difficult to replace two NFL CBs. Hamp Cheevers is a stud and future NFL corner and doesn’t get enough credit for his game-saving strip in the Louisville game last year. Taj-Amir Torres is a very solid slot cornerback but likely doesn’t have the size to thrive on the outside. Sebastian and Haynes both have great size and could battle it out for the starting outside corner spot opposite Cheevers. Elijah Jones is a very intriguing freshman with a NFL corner body and could be an option to play this season. Gethers and Maitre likely redshirt.
Safeties:
1. FS Lukas Denis (Sr), SS Will Harris (Sr)
2. FS Mike Palmer (R-So), SS Jahmin Muse (R-Fr)
· Tyler Days
Denis and Harris combine to make one of the best safety duos in the nation. Denis is a ballhawk in the mold of Earl Thomas while Harris is more of a heavy hitter a la Kam Chancellor. If BC had bigger/better CBs they may have a Legion of Boom-Lite going. Muse is an intriguing prospect and has the size and athleticism to replace Harris in 2019. Tyler Days may end up at CB but will likely redshirt regardless.
Special Teams:
1. K Colton Litchenberg, P Grant Carlson (R-So)
2. K Danny Longman, K/P Joe Tessitore
Here’s another position group with some uncertainty. The punter position is completely open with Carlson, Tessitore, and Litchenberg all as options. Litchenberg was ok last year but faded as the year went on and is certainly no lock to keep the job the entire season. Both freshmen are unknowns but could win a starting job if they flash in practice.
Quarterbacks:
1. Anthony Brown (R-So)
2. EJ Perry (So)
3. Matt McDonald (R-Fr)
· Matt Valecce, Johnny Langan
The obvious question mark at the QB position is the health of starter Anthony Brown. Football players can take two years to fully recover from ACL tears so the worry is that his athleticism will be diminished this season. If he is fully healthy he will need to take a step forward with his accuracy and decision making to reach the next level as a QB. At backup the job appears to be EJ Perry’s. Perry gained valuable experience in practice last year and would undoubtedly be the most game-ready backup if Brown went down again with an injury. Third string is a toss-up between the younger QBs and one would hope that they are not pressed into action this year. Valecce and Langan (who is probably a future LB) are likely redshirts.
Runningbacks:
1. AJ Dillon (So)
2. Travis Levy (So)
3. David Bailey (Fr)
4. Javian Dayne (Fr)
AJ Dillon is arguably the best running back in college football so there is obviously no debate at starter here. The more interesting question is who else will see regular carries behind him? Levy will see plenty of the field as the team’s de facto 3rd down/receiving back and will also receive a fair share of carries. Bailey and Dayne have the size to backup Dillon as the ‘big back’ in the offense, with Bailey being the more heralded recruit between the two. With how run heavy BC’s offense is I would expect both freshmen to see the field this season.
Wide receivers:
1. Kobay White (R-So)
2. Jeff Smith (Sr)
3. Michael Walker (Sr)
4. CJ Lewis (So)
5. Ben Glines (R-Jr)
6. Elijah Robinson (Sr)
· Jehlani Galloway
The best BC receiving corps from the past decade (see: tallest midget award) is a good mix of big bodied WRs and smaller, speedy types. Kobay White is the group’s headliner and could be BC’s first NFL WR since Kelvin Martin. Jeff Smith and Mike Walker are two of the fastest WRs BC has had in recent memory and should stretch the field for the offense. CJ Lewis is intriguing as he has an excellent combination of size and speed and may just need experience at the position to succeed. Jehlani Galloway is the only freshman and likely redshirts.
Tight ends:
1. Tommy Sweeney (Sr)
2. Chris Garrison (R-Jr)
3. Korab Idrizi (Jr)
4. Jake Burt (R-Jr)
· Joey Luchetti
With a great season Tommy Sweeney may be drafted in the top 3 rounds at next year’s NFL draft. He is an excellent receiver, solid blocker, and possesses good size/athleticism. The offense remarkably improved last season when getting him the ball was made a priority (AJ Dillon had something to do with that improvement as well). Behind him on the depth chart is solid depth with a good mix of guys who can catch and block. Garrison has good hands but is more of a big WR while Idrizi is a good blocker. Freshman Joey Luchetti almost certainly redshirts.
Offensive line:
1. LT Aaron Monteiro (Sr), LG Sam Schmal (Gr), C Jon Baker (Gr), RG Chris Lindstrom (Sr), RT Ben Petrula (So)
2. Rotational pieces: John Phillips (R-Jr), Elijah Johnson (R-So), Alec Lindstrom (R-Fr)
· Finn Dirstine, Thomas Shelmire, Tyler Vrabel
This is the toughest position to predict starters with 7 highly qualified players vying for 5 spots. It likely won’t matter much who the starters are as the OL will rotate heavily to keep up with BC’s new fast paced offense. This unit is talented, experienced, and deep and should be one of the best in the nation. All three freshmen will likely redshirt due to the depth ahead of them.
Defensive line:
1. DE Zach Allen (Sr), DT Ray Smith (Sr), DT Bryce Morais (R-So), DE Wyatt Ray (Sr)
2. DE Marcus Valdez (R-Fr), DT Tanner Karafa (R-Jr), DT TJ Rayam (So), DE Brandon Barlow (R-So)
· Ryan Betro, Kyiev Bennermon
The first unit of the defensive line should be as good as any in the ACC (with the exception of Clemson). Zach Allen will be a 1st rounder next year and I would expect Wyatt Ray to be drafted as well. The DTs will rotate regularly and are all solid (but unspectacular players). Ray Smith headlines the group and has a chance at playing in the NFL. Bryce Morais can bump out to DE and allow Zach Allen to slide inside to give a different look on passing downs. Freshmen Ryan Betro and Kyiev Bennermon come into school with good size and may see some early action rotating in with the DTs.
Linebackers:
1. WILL Kevin Bletzer (Gr), MLB Connor Strachan (Gr), SAM John Lamot (R-So)
2. WILL Davon Jones (R-Jr), MLB Max Richardson (R-So), SAM Isaiah McDuffie (So)
· Hugh Davis, Evan Stewart
· Nick DeNucci, Joseph Sparacio, Vinny Depalma,
The biggest change on the team from last year to this year may be the LB depth. Last year injuries decimated the position and forced position changes and freshman to play before they were ready. This year’s LB corps will be deep and talented and should take a huge step forward. Strachan and Richardson both return from injuries and have the best instincts among the group. The best three LBs in terms of talent are probably Strachan, Richardson, and Lamot so they may end up being the three starters. Oe of the most impressive plays last season was when Lamot ran down Lamar Jackson to force a huge 4th down against UL. He may have the most potential out of all the LBs as his athleticism is off the charts and he can fly. Out of the incoming freshmen, Davis and Stewart are probably the most impressive so they may see some action this year. DeNucci, Sparacio, and Depalma are all likely redshirts unless injuries ravage the position like last year.
Cornerbacks:
1. Hamp Cheevers (Jr)
2. Brandon Sebastian (R-Fr)
Slot Taj-Amir Torres (Sr)
4. Mehdi El Attrach (Jr)
5. Tate Haynes (R-Fr)
· Elijah Jones
· Aaron Gethers, Jason Maitre
Probably the biggest question mark on the roster as it will be difficult to replace two NFL CBs. Hamp Cheevers is a stud and future NFL corner and doesn’t get enough credit for his game-saving strip in the Louisville game last year. Taj-Amir Torres is a very solid slot cornerback but likely doesn’t have the size to thrive on the outside. Sebastian and Haynes both have great size and could battle it out for the starting outside corner spot opposite Cheevers. Elijah Jones is a very intriguing freshman with a NFL corner body and could be an option to play this season. Gethers and Maitre likely redshirt.
Safeties:
1. FS Lukas Denis (Sr), SS Will Harris (Sr)
2. FS Mike Palmer (R-So), SS Jahmin Muse (R-Fr)
· Tyler Days
Denis and Harris combine to make one of the best safety duos in the nation. Denis is a ballhawk in the mold of Earl Thomas while Harris is more of a heavy hitter a la Kam Chancellor. If BC had bigger/better CBs they may have a Legion of Boom-Lite going. Muse is an intriguing prospect and has the size and athleticism to replace Harris in 2019. Tyler Days may end up at CB but will likely redshirt regardless.
Special Teams:
1. K Colton Litchenberg, P Grant Carlson (R-So)
2. K Danny Longman, K/P Joe Tessitore
Here’s another position group with some uncertainty. The punter position is completely open with Carlson, Tessitore, and Litchenberg all as options. Litchenberg was ok last year but faded as the year went on and is certainly no lock to keep the job the entire season. Both freshmen are unknowns but could win a starting job if they flash in practice.
