2014 Fall Camp Discussion

The number next to incomers is their 247 recruit rating.

QUARTERBACKS

Who's gone: Johnny Manziel (NFL), Matt Joeckel (transferred to TCU)
Who's back: #7 Kenny Hill (6-1, 215, SO)
Who's new: #10 Kyle Allen 100 (6-3, 205, FR)

Obviously it's a transitional year and we don't know who the QB will be. Hill has a year in the system and showed a bit of swagger when he got into the game last year. But the early buzz on Allen is phenomenal. Hill is more of a game manager, taking what the defense gives, and working the offense. He also is fairly adept as a runner. Allen will take more shots and has an almost perfect delivery and while he moves well in the pocket, he mostly remains there. Sumlin has publicly said he doesn't expect to name a starter until 2 weeks prior to South Carolina. Hearing positive on both QBs but Allen seems to have "it" and it's hard to bet against him.

RUNNING BACKS

Who's gone: Ben Malena (eligibility expired)
Who's back: #21 Tra Carson (6-0, 230, JR), #3 Trey Williams (5-8, 195, JR), #5 Brandon Williams (6-0, 200, JR), #20 James White (6-0, 218, RS-FR)
Who's new: none

Malena will be sorely missed for his leadership and blocking but from a pure talent standpoint, the A&M backfield is loaded. Carson and Trey Williams both showed what they can do at times last year with Carson really shining down the stretch. Brandon Williams is insanely talented but hasn't seemed to have had that breakout. James White is best described as a younger, bigger Malena. He's definitely already a coach favorite and may well see the field more than people expect. He'll definitely find a spot on Special Teams. This backfield is deep and diverse.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Who's gone: Mike Evans (NFL), Derel Walker (eligibility expired), Travis Labhart (eligibility expired), Sebastian Larue (transferred to Washington State), Jaquay Williams (transferred to Louisville), LaKendrick Williams (graduated)
Who's back: #84 Malcome Kennedy (6-0, 205, SR), #23 Sabian Holmes (5-11, 175, JR), #18 Edward Pope (6-4, 180, SO), #9 Ricky Seals-Jones (6-5, 225, RS-FR), #6 LaQuvionte Gonzalez (5-10, 165, SO), #80 Kyrion Parker (6-2, 194, RS-FR), #19 Jeremy Tabuyo (5-11, 186, SO)
Who's new: #2 Speedy Noil 100 (5-11, 190, FR), #15 Frank Iheanacho 96 (6-5, 220, FR), #13 Jamal Jeffery 87 (5-9, 175, FR), #11 Josh Reynolds 89 (6-4, 190, SO)

While everyone knows Evans left early for the NFL and it's pretty hard to replace a top 10 draft pick, the A&M receiver corps may be as talented as it's ever been in '14. The group will be led by steady veteran Malcome Kennedy. Kennedy is maybe the least explosive WR on the roster but he runs good routes, catches the ball, and blocks downfield. He also outworks everyone. He'll provide a security blanket to whomever is tossing the rock. RSJ is back after a knee injury last fall and all signs point to a huge season. He was the talk of the town last August but somehow this spring he was overshadowed by Speedy Noil. Noil is a game changer and his presence is going to force changes in how defenses approach us. Another newcomer, Josh Reynolds, also made a splash this spring. The JUCO transfer showed length and explosiveness and may force a reshuffle of the original position plan to get him onto the field. In the shadows, guys like Pope, Holmes, Quiv, and Tabuyo each have had their ups and downs. But each has ability and could emerge like Labhart last year. And that's not even counting Parker who was a scout team star last year while redshirting but injuries kept him out of the spring. Incomers Iheanacho and Jeffrey will get their chance but this is an extremely talented group to break into right now and chances of a redshirt are high (esp Jeffrey who is dealing with a back injury)

TIGHT ENDS

Who's gone: Nehemiah Hicks (eligibility expired)
Who's back: #85 Cameron Clear (6-6, 274, SR), #41 Brandon Alexander (6-6, 266, JR)
Who's new: none

Cam Clear came with a lot of hype, but until the CFA bowl, he really didn't have much impact in the passing game (he was a monster in the run game however). Again we hear rumors that we're going to rework the position to take advantage of his talents but we've heard this before and with our WRs, it's hard to take them out of the game. Ricky Seals-Jones has worked in this new hybrid TE set which could be pretty interesting and Brandon Alexander returns as a 2nd blocking TE in short yardage sets. The potential for redefining the role is definitely there but Spav needs to show me before I believe.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Who's gone: Jake Matthews (NFL), Shep Klinke (eligibility expired), Ishmael Wilson (transferred to Baylor), Joas Aguilar (retired)
Who's back: #70 Cedric Ogbuehi (6-5, 300, SR), #51 Jarvis Harrison (6-4, 325, SR), #56 Mike Matthews (6-2, 285, JR), #74 Germain Ifedi (6-5, 320, SO), #79 Joseph Cheek (6-7, 304, JR), #68 Ben Compton (6-4, 300, SR), #78 Garrett Gramling (6-6, 315, SR), #71 Kimo Tipoti (6-3, 314, SO), #73 Jeremiah Stuckey 81 (6-4, 300, SO)
Who's new: #77 J.J. Gustafson 86 (6-5, 277, FR), #72 Jermaine Eluemunor 97 (6-4, 318, JR), #65 Avery Gennesy 94 (6-4, 270, JR), #76 Zach Ledwik 86 (6-5, 270, FR), #75 Koda Martin 88 (6-6, 275, FR), #50 Tank Davis 86 (6-4, 265, FR)

The offensive line continues to be a rock in this offense, returning 4 starters from a 2014 group that was one of the best in the nation. Ogbuehi slides from RT to LT and Ifedi from RG to RT. This opens up the RG spot for an open competition and early returns are it will be between Joe Cheek and Garrett Gramling. Gramling looked quite good filling in for Harrison at times last year but Cheek had a nice spring. The two JUCOs Eluemunor and Gennessy worked 2nd team in the spring but either could emerge in fall camp to challenge here as well. Not only is this a talented front line group, it has good depth. Harrison has played some at LT. Cheek at RT. Compton is a solid backup center who can also slide to guard. And Gramling has several starts under his belt at LG. So it would take multiple injuries before there is any real concern about depth. This should allow all 4 of the incoming freshmen to redshirt, though if one plays, it will likely be Gustaffson who really was impressive in the spring.