Make no mistake. MLB is still a huge question mark. We have talent there but Bates is playing out of position and is not the banger in the middle we need, and Kirkland is still a freshman playing QB of the D. I like the competition there but it still worries to think of opposing teams lining up in I or other pro style running schemes. I do think our team is starting to really come together in understanding their roles in a 1 gap defense.
Players who will see their roles expand as the coaches gain more confidence in their ability:
Emmanuel Mosley has gained 40 pounds and is finally not a physical causality at CB. He locked down every Wideout he went against in yesterday's open practice
Todd Kelly Jr. S Will be vital in run coverage and makes a play on the ball at all possible moments.
J. smith is always the firs WR in drills and is really improving his route running.
Kerbyson has finally grown into his LT role. He is routinely stopping our DEs and turns Maggitt around quite a bit.
My list of non contributors last year to playmakers this year are:
Gaulden at nickel
McDowell at will
Vickers at DT hybrid

List of newcomers who look the part:
Kamara at RB (already a leader)
McKenzie...
Kyle Phillips DE is the unsung hero of this class. The MVP of the Army AA game is really impressive
Tuttle DT will get solo blocked which is good news
J. Jennings is really impressing at WR. Maybe 300 yards this year
P. Williams was always making forum headlines during summer workouts
Kirkland: photographic memory and a real thumper who will have rust to knock off before he lives up to the talent

Hidden gems:
Justin Martin is a very confident corner
Vincent Perry is making people understand why Butch gave him an offer.
Ralph David Abernathy will get about 5-10 plays as a third RB. He was coached by Butch at cincy and is a playmaker. He made Louisville look silly.

Final grades:
QB: B+
RB: B
WR: B+
TE: B- (needs depth)
OL: C- (LT and LG are blue chip. The rest are scrubs or unproven freshmen)
DE: A (wouldn't trade anyone's edge rushers for ours)
DT: B (I am confident they will improve but we're still relying on freshmen players with freshmen endurance and experience)
OLB: B+ (I really like JRM and I see McDowell repeating the trend JRM followed)
MLB: C+ (again it's easy to give a higher grade based on talent, but that talent is unproven in a very vital position)
CB: B+ (cam is a top 10 pick next draft, EMosley is improving consistency, Martin is really impressing, and Gaulden will make plays given the opportunity)
S: B+ (i love the combo of experienced seniors and really talented underclassmen in TK and Berry)
K: B+ (medley hit 3 straight from 58 and is proven)
P: who knows? (I've seen out punters hit 65 yarders but I've also seen them hit 35 yarders. Someone needs to stand out)

TL;DR: Tennessee is better, but you still think we suck. I get it. MLB and OL are two of the most vital positions is college football, until they prove themselves, I will definitely not be calling for a 10-2 season.