Depth chart changes

[Maureen_F]

A new depth chart was released today on page 16 of the Wisconsin release, which is on the BGSU web site.

The coaches shook some things up on defense. Freshman Antonio Smith is first at a cornerback position, with freshman Kenny Lewis backing him up. Terrill Mayberry has moved to free safety and Deaude Perry is first at strong safety.

On offense, there are two changes that were foreshadowed in the preseason. Ruben Ruiz is first team tight end and Jonathan Culp is first at center.

Several changes have been made at the backup positions.

[Flipper]

Wow...two freshmen locking down a corner and Mayberry bumps Crumpler and Nicholson out of a spot at safety. The secondary looks a bit faster with those changes.

Ruiz is going to add a huge dimension to the offense. We haven't had a TE that can get open downfield in a loooong time.

Thanks Maureen....kind of suprised Luke ALexander isn't further up the food chain. Has he been hurt or did he just not show the same skills he did in the spring?

[kdog27]

I like the sound of this. Our secondary definitely needed the competition. I think Rubin Ruiz is going be a huge plus to the offense. He looked great in the spring. Thanks for the information Maureen.

[orangeandbrown]

Wow, that is a good tip. Are all the guys who moved out healthy? I'm glad for the competition, and I'm glad to see us not reflexively redshirting all true freshmen. On the other hand, it leaves us very young at corner. Let's see what our new DC can do.

I like Perry, and I'm glad to see him in the lineup. It will be interesting to see how Mayberry adapts to safety. Of course, with today's multi-receiver threats, it seems like the safeties can end up in pass coverage like corners a lot.

I spent a little time look at the distribution of the classes among the 53 players listed on the depth chart. Here's what I found:

5 years: 11
4 years: 16
3 years: 11
2 years: 12
1 year: 3

I've never looked at this before, so I can't tell, but it seems like that's a more even distribution than you might find in other situations. On the other hand, more than half (27 or 53) of the players are in their fourth or fifth year. Then, 26 of the 53 are in their second and third years.

Clearly, that class that is now in its fourth year was an absolute doozy. That was the last UM class to enroll here.

[BGSUFootballFan]

im scared about starting 2 frosh at corner, but then again we suck at corner so its good we are bringing in better players

[Redwingtom]

Ruiz is going to add a huge dimension to the offense. We haven't had a TE that can get open downfield in a loooong time.

Not only at the TE spot...but he was also lining up as a wideout in the scrimmage. This guy has great hands and can move...I look for him to be a huge underneath target for Omar this season.

[hammb]

What happened to Dozier? I thought he was having a good camp and would be a starter for sure...oh well. Thrilled to see a freshman starting at CB...no confidence whatsoever in the incumbents.

[JoeFalcon]

Wow...these are huge changes. No one knew Kenny Lewis was even on the team until a few weeks ago! It's a mixed blessing that we have that type of young talent in the pipeline at the CB position, but Smith and Lewis look like they can get the job done and will be seasoned by the end of the schedule when it matters most. Janssen, Keon, Jelani and TJ Carswell all played as freshmen in the secondary so there is some precedent.

Diyral Briggs, a big-time 2004 recruit, has taken over the backup DE/LB hybrid position manned by Devon Parks and Tim Arnold has repositioned himself as the top backup strong side linebacker.

I'm excited to see what the new WR's can do.

[Julius Erving]

A freshman starting corner? Ouch. If that is the best that can be put on the field, then Omar and Company better score 50 per game, because they may need it.

I'm less bullish on the Wisconsin game now. I had hoped that some of the vets would step up in the defensive backfield.

[factman]

That means he is BETTER than the returning upperclassmen!!!!!!

I was at a practice last week, and watched Antonio Smith "chuck" one of our starting WR's, and knock him flat on the ground!!!! Coach Brandon made a BIG deal out of it, which was well deserved. From what I have seen, the starting spot is well deserved.

[Falconboy]

What the heck! he's freakin 5'10 and barely 200lbs. Our starting linebacking corps is looking smaller than ever.

[Germainfitch1]

Arnold is not starting he is a backup LB

We are not starting 2 Freshman corners Jelani Jordan still mans one and Smith is at the other.

[BelieveNBG]

In addtion to TJ, Keon, Jansen, and Jelani...Tim Arnold and Terrill Mayberry played as true Freshman.

[Falconboy]

Wow...two freshmen locking down a corner and Mayberry bumps Crumpler and Nicholson out of a spot at safety. The secondary looks a bit faster with those changes.

Ruiz is going to add a huge dimension to the offense. We haven't had a TE that can get open downfield in a loooong time.

Thanks Maureen....kind of suprised Luke ALexander isn't further up the food chain. Has he been hurt or did he just not show the same skills he did in the spring?

We sure need more speed in the secondary for sure. This lineup looks pretty good , but i expected Dozier to start as well.

[Tricky_Falcon]

THE SKY IS FALLING! THE SKY IS FALLING!