1. Crowded under center
The quarterback competition was the most talked-about story in the spring and it will continue to be during preseason camp until coach Dawson Odums names a starter. Redshirt freshmen Deonte Shorts and Francis Kanneh are still in a close battle that has been joined by true freshmen Austin Howard of West St. John and Jarrad Hayes of Central. Whoever wins the job will be inexperienced and won’t be counted on to throw as much as Dray Joseph was. They will lean on an experienced offensive line and deep and talented groups of running backs and wide receivers while they grow into the position.
2. The go-to receiver
Joseph’s graduation coincided with that of Lee Doss, the other half of one of the most prolific passing combinations in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. It wouldn’t be surprising if no one player matches Doss’ productivity (78 catches, 1,172 yards, 11 touchdowns) and that’s OK with Odums. Receiver is one of the most talented and deepest positions on the team, featuring a half-dozen or so candidates to be regular targets. Odums would be content to spread the ball around equally if defenses play the receivers straight up.
3. The depth on the offensive line
The line is the most experienced unit :clap: on the team with four returning starters and an experienced player in Brandon Thibodeaux stepping in as the fifth starter at center. The backups, though, are primarily inexperienced, :lol: so it will be important for those on the second unit to distinguish themselves in preseason camp so the coaching staff will know who to turn to if the need arises. The Jaguars will be cautious with senior Zach Brown at left guard, though he’s almost fully recovered from shoulder surgery. With three seniors starting, it will also be important to groom successors.
4. The rebuilt secondary
The starting defensive backfield is expected to be comprised of four juniors and a senior, but the experienced unit still has to replace former starters Johnathan Mack and Virgil Williams. Dionte McDuffy and D’Andre Woodland are returning starters, but the three new starters feature two newcomers. Kevin King is joined by transfers Rhaheim Ledbetter (Florida) and Renaldo Thomas (Tulane) as new starters. The preseason will be important for building continuity within a very talented group.
5. New sidekicks for Miley and Brown
The front six features senior leaders in Arthur Miley at left end and Daniel Brown at Sam linebacker, but the others up front are first-year starters. Junior Donald Phillips is penciled in at right end, and senior Jaylen Jordan is the nose tackle. Junior Javon Allen is expected to start at Mike linebacker, and sophomore Demetrius Carter at Buck, though freshmen Aaron Tiller and Kentavious Preston and junior Tim Patterson all seem destined for significant playing time on a unit the must replace Anthony Balancier and Franchot West, who combined for 167 tackles last season.