Just a quick point of clarification: Neither the D- or O-line are really revamped.
The D will have one new full-time starter in Texas Native Quinton Bradley at Rush End. He's a 6' 3" 250lb Soph and we have very high expectations for him (Papers have quoted coaches calling Bradley as having NFL potential). The other End is Max Forde, a Jr in the 6' 4" 250lb range. The interior spots will be filled by rotation, starting with 6' 4" 300lb senior Quayshawne Buckley (started last year, great motor but mentally mistake prone), Vince Keener, a 6' 4" 260 converted DE at the 3 technique, and Soph Ryan Edwards at nose.
The other loss to the D-line was 6' 6" 285 lb junior Jesse Davis, who's moved over to start at strong tackle for the offense. He's long and has a great motor. Though Davis will probably suffer from some growing pains throughout the season, his athleticism will allow for the stretch play and the pseudo-run plays via the pass. The other newcomer is Sr. Nick Von Rotz playing at the strong guard spot, and I know nothing about him other than he's 6' 5" 290.
The rest of the OL -- weak tackle, guard and Center -- are previous starters from last season. I look forward to seeing how the two Sophs at the tackle and guard spot have developed, and getting a better feel for how Petrino uses our very good junior center.
I like our D-line and I look forward to seeing how the OL holds up against your team. The real question marks will be:
- Can the Frosh QB play ball? Freshmen will be freshmen after all.
- Who in the back seven will be leaders for us? All three LBs are JC transfers. The outside backers are undersized but have good feet. Look for Sam Marc Millan. I think our corners will be lead by Soph Solomon Dixon (5' 9", 170lb, Honolulu). The other CB will be transfer Delancy Parham (5' 11", 180lb). One safety is a concern as our starting free is banged up and might not play. Depth behind him is very weak.
If we have any chance of winning, Our Defense will have to figure out how to slow down your power run game behind your right guard, though it will also be interesting to see how you move forward without your all conference center. Chancellor and the #22 running back are great players. On offense, my very uneducated guess is that we'll see a zone read-option base, along with more outside zone plays than we've done recently, specially when utilizing true freshmen Richard Montgomery (he can't be over 5' 6", but the dude has pretty good speed).
"Idaho has a new coach, a revamped D and O line with several JuCos, etc., etc. And, UNT has made some significant changes as well."