Predicting 2013 Mean Green Starters vs. Idaho

Harry · February 11, 2013

QB: Brock Berglund OR Derek Thompson

Wildcat QB Andy McNulty

RB: Jim Jim OR Reg Pegram OR Brandin Byrd

WR (out): Darius Terrell

WR (out): Darnell Smith OR Rod Lancaster

WR (in): Brelan Chancellor OR Carlos Harris

WR (in): Carlos Harris OR Darvin Kidsey

TE: Chris Loving

OT: Antonio Johnson

OG: Cyril Lemon

C: Boone Feldt OR Shawn McKinney

OG: Mason Y'Barbo

OT: Justin Manu OR LaChris Anyiem

* O-LINE NOTE (I think Kaydon Kirby will play somewhere this season)

DEFENSE

NT: Abbe or Moore or McDorman

DT: Boutwell OR Lincoln

DE: Aaron Bellazin OR Quenton Brown

DE: Sarge OR Quenton Brown

LB: Will Wright

MLB: Zach Orr

LB: Derek Akunne

SS: Laramie Lee OR David Busby

FS: Marcus Rice OR Zed Evans

CB: James Jones or Freddie Warner

CB: Zach Whitfield OR Chad Davis

PR and KR: James Jones OR Brelan Chancellor

Punter: Blake Macek

Kicker: Zach Olen

BIG DAWG · February 11, 2013

QB: Brock Berglund (DT is out, and there won't be a need for. "Wildcat" b/c Brock is dual-treat)

RB: Jim Jim OR Reg Pegram OR Brandin Byrd

WR (out): Darius Terrell

WR (out): Rod Lancaster

WR (in): Brelan Chancellor

WR (in): Carlos Harris OR Darvin Kidsey

TE: Chris Loving

OT: Antonio Johnson

OG: Cyril Lemon

C: Shawn McKinney

OG: Mason Y'Barbo

OT: Justin Manu

DEFENSE

NT: Abbe or Moore or McDorman

DT: Boutwell OR Lincoln

DE: Aaron Bellazin OR Quenton Brown

DE: Sarge OR Quenton Brown

LB: Polk/Smith/Washington

MLB: Zach Orr

LB: Derek Akunne

SS: Laramie Lee

FS: Marcus Trice

CB: James Jones

CB: Zach Whitfield OR Chad Davis

PR and KR: James Jones OR Brelan Chancellor

Punter: Blake Macek

Kicker: Zach Olen

BillySee58 · February 11, 2013

Don't forget about Hilbert Jackson on defense and Drew Miller on offense. Jackson had a pretty solid year last year, and Miller was essentially our fullback but also plays on the line as a tight end.

trussbussdad · February 11, 2013

Personally, My money is on The Buss getting some PT this year at OT. Also, dont think Dutton Watson will sit too much this year at DL.

NorthTexan95 · February 11, 2013

At RB i'd like to see pleny of JimJim and Pegram - mix Byrd in a litle at RB and a little at FB.

CB: Jones, Warner, Davis ... if two of these three can be ready to play then our CB position will be much improved.

DT: Seems we'll have the masses to rotate guys in and out at will ... hopefully a few will take a step forward and be standout performers.

Maduro · February 12, 2013

I remember a lot of talk a year ago about how great the Feldt's would be on our o-line. At this point a couple of you don't even have either of them starting. What's the deal - overrated or injured?

UNTLifer · February 12, 2013

I remember a lot of talk a year ago about how great the Feldt's would be on our o-line. At this point a couple of you don't even have either of them starting. What's the deal - overrated or injured?

I think Cam is overrated, or doesn't have the drive, based on reports, to live up to his potential. Boone will be a RS Freshman next year and is coming off of surgery. I think it is too early to give up on him.

GrandGreen · February 12, 2013

I think McCarney will stick with current players primarily this early in the season. However, the QB and RB battles will probably be settled in the spring.

QB Berglund - Not as sure a thing as most think

RB Byrd - I thought he really came on at the end of last year, this will be a real fight between Pegram, Jimmerson and Byrd

WR Chancellor - Only sure pick at WR

WR Smith

WR Terrell - McCarney likes big wr that can block, he might not find this position much difference than te

TE Loving - M. Smith will be primary te receiver

TE M. Smith - on two te sets

TE Miller - on three te sets

OT Johnson - Three returning starters will be locks

OG Lemmon

C MckInney - thought this was a questionable sign at first, but they seem to be counting on him

OG Y'Barbo

OT Manu

DE Bellazin - Rotation at DE will have Brown playing as much as starters

DT Abbe

DT Boutwell - I think Lincoln comes on strong

DE McCoy

LB Akunne

LB Orr

LB Wright - edges out Polk

CB Whitfield - future star?

S Lee

S Trice - think he will be used mostly when opponent is in a run down

CB Jackson - will have to get much better to keep in rotation

GrayEagle · February 12, 2013

Harry, did you just put everyone on the roster out there? Putting 3 guys per position isn't a very bold prediction...

QB: Brock Berglund

RB: Jimmerson

WR (out): Darius Terrell

WR (out): Lynrick Pleasant

WR (in): Brelan Chancellor

WR (in): Carlos Harris

TE: Chris Loving

OT: Antonio Johnson

OG: Cyril Lemon

C: Shawn McKinney

OG: Mason Y'Barbo

OT: Justin Manu

DEFENSE

NT: Abbe

DT: Boutwell

DE: Aaron Bellazin

DE: Quenton Brown

LB: Chad Polk

MLB: Zach Orr

LB: Derek Akunne

SS: Laramie Lee

FS: Marcus Trice

CB: James Jones

CB: Zach Whitfield

PR and KR: James Jones and Carlos Harris

Punter: Blake Macek

Kicker: Zach Olen

On a side note, did anyone else Jamal Marshall is now listed as a LB? Wasn't he a well regarded DB?

I agree with all of your picks except one but that's a huge difference. You pick Lynrick Pleasant, who had 3 catches for 31 yards (no score) over Darnell Smith, who had 28 catches for 379 yards and two touchdowns. My money's on Smith.

This is speculation on my part but I believe that Jamal Marshall was moved to LB largely because we need bodies there. Jamal might have been half a step slow for a safety but would be a fast LB. We lose two of our four top LBs this coming year and replacements are thin.

H-towngreen · February 12, 2013

QB: Brock Berglund - No doubt in my mind. Canales can now run more of his offense

RB: Jimmerson/Peagram/Byrd - No for sure starter as all will get plenty of touches. Can't wait to see what Peagram brings

WR (out): Darius Terrell

WR (out): Darnell Smith/Darvin Kidsy

WR (in): Brelan Chancellor

WR (in): Carlos Harris - In regards to all the WR spots we will see a lot of youngsters in the mix

TE: Chris Loving

OT: Antonio Johnson

OG: Cyril Lemon

C: Shawn McKinney

OG: Mason Y'Barbo

OT: Justin Manu

DEFENSE

NT: Abbe

DT: Boutwell

DE: Aaron Bellazin

DE: Quenton Brown/McCoy

LB: Chad Polk

MLB: Zach Orr

LB: Derek Akunne

SS: Laramie Lee

FS: Marcus Trice

CB: James Jones

CB: Chad Davis

PR and KR: James Jones and Carlos Harris

Punter: Blake Macek

Kicker: Zach Olen

BillySee58 · February 12, 2013

QB: Brock Berglund - Expect this. Mac saying DT won't just give up this position is just coach protocol. Berglund is starting to garner the respect from his teammates as a leader of this team.

RB: Jimmerson - Last year he had no game experience coming into the year so Byrd started essentially by default. I expect Jimmerson to beat out Byrd in the spring and I expect Pegram to beat out Byrd to be the first running back off the bench.

WR (out): Darius Terrell - Brock likes throwing to him.

WR (out): Darnell Smith - I expect Kidsy to see time here and may take this position over, but for game 1 I expect the dependable Smith to start here.

WR (in): Brelan Chancellor

TE: Chris Loving

Fullback/H-Back: Drew Miller - Don't forget his role in this offense

OT: Antonio Johnson

OG: LaChris Anyiam

C: Mason Y'Barbo

OG: Cyril Lemon

OT: Connor Trussell - dark horse, look out. A solid 6'5" 305 lbs frame and was a big reason, along with Berglund/Terrell/Pegram, our scout offense gave our defense fits in practice all year. - Look for Manu to sub in like Feeley and Anyiam last year

*O-Line note - The best 5 lineman will play and if that means moving Y'Barbo to center, where he is capable of playing, it should be done. Also, people keep putting Lemon next to Antonio Johnson on these lists. Do you guys know he has been our right guard and Y'Barbo has been at left?

DEFENSE

NT: Abbe

DT: Boutwell

DE: Aaron Bellazin

DE: Mccoy - Brown should battle with guys like Darryl Mason and Jarrian Roberts for first end off the bench. I wish we could see Alex Lincoln here more, but he is needed at tackle.

LB: Will Wright - Look for Polk to play plenty and my dark horse is Jamal Marshall moving over from Safety. Marshall has track speed and is currently around 6'3" 220 lbs and growing.

MLB: Zach Orr

LB: Derek Akunne

SS: Hilbert Jackson - Lee is a good player but he is undersized and plays hard which prevents him from staying healthy. He would be better served coming off the bench. Jackson is pretty well put together and I think would hold up better.

FS: Marcus Trice

CB: Zac Whitfield - Made Second-team all conference at arguably the hardest position to play in football in his first year playing that postion. Impressive.

CB: James Jones/Chad Davis/Freddie Warner - Should make for good competition. My money is on Jones for game 1 at least and I wouldn't be surprised to see Warner move to safety coming off the knee surgeries.

PR: Darvin Kidsy

KR: James Jones & Chancellor

Punter: Blake Macek

Kicker: Zach Olen

Mean Green 93-98 · February 12, 2013

QB: Brock Berglund - Expect this. Mac saying DT won't just give up this position is just coach protocol. Berglund is starting to garner the respect from his teammates as a leader of this team.

RB: Jimmerson - Last year he had no game experience coming into the year so Byrd started essentially by default. I expect Jimmerson to beat out Byrd in the spring and I expect Pegram to beat out Byrd to be the first running back off the bench.

WR (out): Darius Terrell - Brock likes throwing to him.

WR (out): Darnell Smith - I expect Kidsy to see time here and may take this position over, but for game 1 I expect the dependable Smith to start here.

WR (in): Brelan Chancellor

TE: Chris Loving

Fullback/H-Back: Drew Miller - Don't forget his role in this offense

OT: Antonio Johnson

OG: LaChris Anyiam

C: Mason Y'Barbo

OG: Cyril Lemon

OT: Connor Trussell - dark horse, look out. A solid 6'5" 305 lbs frame and was a big reason, along with Berglund/Terrell/Pegram, our scout offense gave our defense fits in practice all year. - Look for Manu to sub in like Feeley and Anyiam last year

*O-Line note - The best 5 lineman will play and if that means moving Y'Barbo to center, where he is capable of playing, it should be done. Also, people keep putting Lemon next to Antonio Johnson on these lists. Do you guys know he has been our right guard and Y'Barbo has been at left?

DEFENSE

NT: Abbe

DT: Boutwell

DE: Aaron Bellazin

DE: Mccoy - Brown should battle with guys like Darryl Mason and Jarrian Roberts for first end off the bench. I wish we could see Alex Lincoln here more, but he is needed at tackle.

LB: Will Wright - Look for Polk to play plenty and my dark horse is Jamal Marshall moving over from Safety. Marshall has track speed and is currently around 6'3" 220 lbs and growing.

MLB: Zach Orr

LB: Derek Akunne

SS: Hilbert Jackson - Lee is a good player but he is undersized and plays hard which prevents him from staying healthy. He would be better served coming off the bench. Jackson is pretty well put together and I think would hold up better.

FS: Marcus Trice

CB: Zac Whitfield - Made Second-team all conference at arguably the hardest position to play in football in his first year playing that postion. Impressive.

CB: James Jones/Chad Davis/Freddie Warner - Should make for good competition. My money is on Jones for game 1 at least and I wouldn't be surprised to see Warner move to safety coming off the knee surgeries.

PR: Darvin Kidsy

KR: James Jones & Chancellor

Punter: Blake Macek

Kicker: Zach Olen

Interesting thoughts, gutsy calls on the o-line and especially in the defensive backfield. Thanks for posting.

BillySee58 · February 12, 2013

Interesting thoughts, gutsy calls on the o-line and especially in the defensive backfield. Thanks for posting.

Thank you. Hey, good teams have good competition, which means knocking guys out of their starting positions.

We should see a few surprises this spring.

MeanGreenTexan · February 12, 2013

Thank you. Hey, good teams have good competition, which means knocking guys out of their starting positions.

We should see a few surprises this spring.

I think you're a little biased since you played with Trussell, right?

Of course, if he's better than Manu or LaChris, then this would be excellent and I would not be opposed.

OFFENSE - it really depends on what kind of formation they decide to come out in, but I'll say they start in a run formation, and I'm not going to put multiple names in 1 spot, because you're only allowed 11 men on the field. (and it's chicken to not actually pick a guy)

QB: Brock Berglund - DT will need to show marked improvement in order to keep his job. I pull for him because I like him, but I just don't see it happening.

RB: Brandin Byrd - This is still going to be a Cerebrus. But Byrd will start because he's proven to be a nice battering ram.

WR: Darius Terrell - Darius already has a rapport with Berglund. Watch for a play-action, first-play bomb to him if Chancellor doesn't take it to the house on the kickoff return...Pass the Green Kool-aid!!!

WR: Darnell Smith

Slot: Brelan Chancellor

Fullback/H-Back: Drew Miller

TE: Chris Loving

LT: Antonio Johnson

LG: Mason Y'Barbo

C: Shawn McKinney - I don't think Boone will be ready.

RG: Cyril Lemon

RT: Justin Manu - barely beats out LaChris in Spring & Fall practice.

DEFENSE - I'll say we'll start in a standard 4-3. No nickel.

NT: Abbe

DT: Boutwell

WDE: Aaron Bellazin

SDE: Sarge McCoy

SLB: Derek Akunne

MLB: Zach Orr

WLB: Will Wright - Will is the will.

SS: Laramie Lee - I say Laramie barely beats out Busby here. This will be an awesome battle during spring/fall practice.

FS: Marcus Trice

CB: James Jones

CB: Zac Whitfield

PR: James Jones

KR: Brelan Chancellor & James Jones

Punter: Blake Macek

Kicker: Zach Olen

BillySee58 · February 13, 2013

I think you're a little biased since you played with Trussell, right?
Of course, if he's better than Manu or LaChris, then this would be excellent and I would not be opposed.

I did, which you think would make me biased right? He really has come a long way, and seeing the jumps that he keeps making it's incredible. From watching him play as a freshman on B team to seeing him take Polo Mainukiniu (spelling Eulessismore?) to the wood shed when he played Euless Trinity his senior year. He is the biggest late-bloomer I've ever seen and it seems that he isn't done tapping into his potential.

He has gotten rave reviews from Coach Mac and he is bigger and stronger than Manu, so he has a chance. People are annointing Manu the starter because that's basically what Vito is saying. But yes, we will see what really happens in spring.

Also, I have a question for you, and everyone who calls Byrd a bruiser/battering ram/powerback/etc. What has he done to make you believe he is a power back? I have yet to get a good answer and I watched all of the highlights from the season on MeanGreenSports and still don't know why people call him a power back.

Honestly, the one thing he has going for him, save for a slight edge in pass blocking, over Jimmerson is breakaway speed. I believe Jimmerson would have been caught in that long td run by Byrd against South Alabama.

Edited February 13, 2013 by BillySee58

MeanGreenTexan · February 13, 2013

...

He has gotten rave reviews from Coach Mac and he is bigger and stronger than Manu, so he has a chance. People are annointing Manu the starter because that's basically what Vito is saying. But yes, we will see what really happens in spring.

Also, I have a question for you, and everyone who calls Byrd a bruiser/battering ram/powerback/etc. What has he done to make you believe he is a power back? I have yet to get a good answer and I watched all of the highlights from the season on MeanGreenSports and still don't know why people call him a power back.

Honestly, the one thing he has going for him, save for a slight edge in pass blocking, over Jimmerson is breakaway speed. I believe Jimmerson would have been caught in that long td run by Byrd against South Alabama.

I was giving the edge to Manu because he was a JUCO All-American at Snow. Not because of anything Vito said. But, if he is beat out by Trussell, then I'll be excited about Trussell's future here.

I tried to explain Byrd being called a powerback before. I would say he is because he runs north/south so well. He's effective in hitting a hole and blowing up a linebacker to gain a few extra yards. He's not going to be shifty behind the line, or after the line, like Jimmerson. Just because he's not Jerome-Bettis-sized doesn't mean he's not a powerback.

Censored by Laurie · February 13, 2013

QB. Brock Berglund

TB. Brandin Byrd...we'll see lots of Jimmerson and Pegram, but I'd expect the senior to get the first of the carries.

OWR. Darius Terrell

OWR. Darnell Smith...look for Brady Brown to make an impact here as well...note that I'm 2 for 2 in calling dark-horse receivers (Delgado and Smith)

SWR. Brelan Chancellor

TE. Chris Loving

OT. Antonio Johnson

OG. Cyril Lemon

C. Shawn McKinney...he was signed to buy Feldt (or Kirby) time...wouldn't surprise me to see one or the other start later in the year.

OG. Mason Y'Barbo

OT. Justin Manu...if this is right, it means he really impressed to beat out a senior starter.

I think we'll see quite a bit of Carlos Harris and Carl Caldwell in passing downs...Drew Miller and Daniel Prior in running situations...I'm also really hoping Marcus Smith can come back from injury and be a legit receiving threat from the tight end position.

DE. Brandon McCoy

DT. Richard Abbe

DT. Ryan Boutwell

DE. Aaron Bellezin...my hope is that Quenton Brown is used primarilly as a rush specialist, rotating with either McCoy or Bellezin

OLB. Derek Akkune

MLB. Zach Orr

OLB. Will Wright

CB. Zac Whitfield

CB. James Jones...corner will be the battle I'm most interested in watching...between Whitfield, Jones, Jackson and Warner...maybe even Xavier Kelly or D.Q. Johnson...we'll hopefully see 2 emerge and solidify what has been a position of weakness for quite a while.

FS. Marcus Trice

SS. Laramie Lee...don't know what any of you saw in Busby last year.

BillySee58 · February 13, 2013

I was giving the edge to Manu because he was a JUCO All-American at Snow. Not because of anything Vito said. But, if he is beat out by Trussell, then I'll be excited about Trussell's future here.
I tried to explain Byrd being called a powerback before. I would say he is because he runs north/south so well. He's effective in hitting a hole and blowing up a linebacker to gain a few extra yards. He's not going to be shifty behind the line, or after the line, like Jimmerson. Just because he's not Jerome-Bettis-sized doesn't mean he's not a powerback.

Gotcha.

Good explanation, I just don't think that ever happened (him blowing up a linebacker) and I don't think he ran north/south effectively but that's me. P1 and Aztecskin can back me up on that. I would rather have Jimmerson "wear down the defense" all game.

Jim Jim actually weighs more and was a nightmare for teams to try to tackle. A guy who slips your tackles all game long and punishes lbs and safeties (look at LaLa highlights) like Jimmerson would really wear down the defense. Then maybe Byrd could come in and pop a long TD run.

Cooley · February 14, 2013

I've seen enough of Brandin Byrd. Let's empty the backfield if we have to.

BillySee58 · February 14, 2013

I've seen enough of Brandin Byrd. Let's empty the backfield if we have to.

Or just see more Jimmerson and hopefully Pegram can be productive.

I'm glad someone else actually watches the play and doesn't just see 2 and 3 yards gains and think "oh, he's a power back."

GrandGreen · February 14, 2013

Byrd played more than Jimmerson, because he is or was a much better blocker. Jimmerson looks faster to me and is a big play guy. Pegram could beat both out.

I think all three will be a little better than average backs and Jimmerson could be the heir apparent to the Galbreath, Thomas, Cobbs and Dunbar line of dominating backs.

I do think however, that McCarney will continue his rb by committee and play all three.

meangreener · February 14, 2013

QB - Brock Berglund

HB - Brandin Byrd/Antoine Jimmerson/Reggie Pegram (these three will get equal carries but Byrd will take first snap.)

WR1 - Darius Terrell

WR2 - Darnell Smith

SLOTWR - Brelan Chancellor

TE - Marcus Smith

OT - Antonio Johnson

OG - Cyril Lemon

C - Cam Feldt

OG - Mason Y'Barbo

OT - Justin Manu

DE1 - Brandon McCoy

DE2 - Aaron Bellazin

DT1 - Richard Abbe

DT2 - Ryan Boutwell

OLB - Derek Akkune

MLB - Zach Orr

OLB - Will Wright

CB1 - Zac Whitfield

CB2 - Chad Davis (This kid is going to come in and blow it up, unless Mac RS him)

FS - Marcus Trice (He is being moved to FS, correct?)

SS - Laramie Lee

MeanGreenTexan · February 14, 2013

QB - Brock Berglund
HB - Brandin Byrd/Antoine Jimmerson/Reggie Pegram (these three will get equal carries but Byrd will take first snap.)
WR1 - Darius Terrell
WR2 - Darnell Smith
SLOTWR - Brelan Chancellor
TE - Marcus Smith
OT - Antonio Johnson
OG - Cyril Lemon
C - Cam Feldt
OG - Mason Y'Barbo
OT - Justin Manu

DE1 - Brandon McCoy
DE2 - Aaron Bellazin
DT1 - Richard Abbe
DT2 - Ryan Boutwell
OLB - Derek Akkune
MLB - Zach Orr
OLB - Will Wright
CB1 - Zac Whitfield
CB2 - Chad Davis (This kid is going to come in and blow it up, unless Mac RS him)
FS - Marcus Trice (He is being moved to FS, correct?)
SS - Laramie Lee

Did you mean Boone? Or do you really mean Cam? If so, I'd love some insight as to why. This is the first time I've seen his name brought up by anyone in this thread.

meangreener · February 14, 2013

Did you mean Boone? Or do you really mean Cam? If so, I'd love some insight as to why. This is the first time I've seen his name brought up by anyone in this thread.

I meant Boone. Those two confuse me. Because I think Mac knows this is his last shot to get it right and he is not going to hold back or stockpile players. This is his team through and through and the transfers show that. Feldt has a lot of talent and our C is fairly weak, in my opinion. I think he comes on strong in practice and Mac puts him on the field. Mac's all in this year which is why I also think Davis plays CB2. The other reason I think this is because it seems blatantly obvious to me Thompson will not be starting next year unless Berglund is terrible. Mac doesn't seem to care much about your tenure for this upcoming year, based on his comments. Edited February 14, 2013 by meangreener