Season Preview-Part One(of Three): Offense

To say that there is a level of EXCITEMENT within the nation of Cardinal fans and players a like is an understatement.

I wanted to do a preview on the team seeing as how so many "reputable sources" have previewed the team but have just been making general statements without really looking at the hard work that the team has done. From conditioning with coach Pat Moorer, the fact that the players have accepted the team first motto and have been dealing with all the talk of finishing last in the big east. Before I go into the preview let it be stated that the Cards have every reason to be a better team this year. From the fact that the offensive line is experienced to the new offense that will get the ball around to the WR core having so many playmakers especially some new guys and lets not forget we have Vic and Powell back to run the ball with Jeremy Wright waiting in the wings.

Our offensive line is solid manned by Mario Benavides at the Center who is the only underclassmen starter on the line and also a Rimington Trophy candidate. Even though we did not have as much success as we would have liked in the past few years the line has a lot of experience and when Strength Coach Pat Moorer came to town he toned these guys to the point were the entire OL has slimmed down and trimmed up. With us moving to a Spread Offense the blocks will be significantly different from years past. Look for this line to do a much better job of protecting the quaterback (whoever the starter my be more on that later).

At RB we have a pretty familiar duo in Vic Anderson and Bilal Powell getting most of the carries for the team. We all kno the story of how Vic was the Big East ROY and then suffered a shoulder injury that hindered him from matching his freshman year. Bilal Powell has made steady improvements in his time here and I expect for him to compliment Vic very well in his final year. In addition to these two we have a redshirt freshman by the name of Jeremy Wright who showed that he is capable of providing some help at the position if he gets healthy. If Wright is not returned from injury before the season opener look for Blayne Donnell to bring up the rear in his absence.

If you got to go to any of the open practices or have read about them you already know that the WR position is looking more and more like a strength for this team. With Doug Beaumont returning we have our most experienced receiver back and he will moving to the H-WR in the Spread Offense meaning that his prowess as a runner may be utilized more. Troy Pascley is in his final year and is looking healthy and looks to live up to his potential in his final year. Andrell Smith was a guy who played mostly on special teams in his freshman year but know gets to show if he can make an impact at his position. Damian Copeland had to redhsirt last year after suffering an injury that he was still healing from earlier this year but now he has healed up and will provide depth at the wide receiver position. Jacques Caldwell is a very speedy guy who was used mostly as a return man (and will be doing the same this year) but will be using that speed to add depth as well. The two new guys who have been getting the most recoginition have been JC transfer Josh Bellamy and True Freshman Michaelee Harris. Bellamy has come in and been impressive from the jump he just might end up pushing to start from the first game against you know who. Michaelee has been described as guy who runs routes at in experienced level and will defintely look to make noise early on in his career as a freshman and for the next couple of years. Our TE position has seen some injuries to two guys who looked to be part of the offense this year in Pete Nochta and Stephon Ball. Seeing as how these guys wont be playing Cameron Graham who was more than solid last year will be getting backed up by a familiar face at a new position, Josh Chichester. If Chichester can improve his hands and contribute to run blocking he will be a player that can make a big difference this year. Nate Nord will be healthy this year as well so he will be providing depth at this position.

Now for the position that has been most discussed the Quaterback position. With all three guys returning from last year it looks like Coach Strong is looking for the guy who will be able to lead the team first and foremost. All three have their strengths and weaknesses but this position can greatly improve seeing as how they are all able to get outside the pocket and run. If I had to make a pick it would have to be Froman just because he seems to be more vocal and has to most abilities. There has been a lot of specualtion that one of our Freshman quaterbacks (Dominique Brown and Marcus Smith) may get some playing time this year in the "Wildcard" while one is more of a pure athlete (Brown) and the other is a better passer (Smith) it seems likely that Brown may get the nod.If  there is some solidifying at this position this team will offensively be able to be in any game we play this year.

My opinion of the lineup on Offense:
QB-Froman/Burke/Stein
RB-Anderson/Powell/Wright/Donnell
WR-Bellamy/Andrell Smith/Dominguez
WR-Beaumont/Caldwell/Davis
WR-Pascley/Harris/Copeland
TE-Graham/Chichester



Part Two coming soon...