Key Losses:
None. Nada. They're all back. Unless you count moving Trovon Reed to CB.
Key Returnees:
Sammie Coates, Quan Bray, Ricardo Louis, Melvin Ray, CJ Uzomah, Brandon Fulse, Marcus Davis, Tony Stevens, Jaylon Denson (tentatively)
Newcomers:
D'haquille Williams, Stanton Truitt, Myron Burton, Chris Laye
Causes for optimism:
Did you see the part where I said everyone from last year was returning? Yep. Everyone. The only exception right now would be whatever is going on with Jaylon Denson when Gus said he wasn't at practice, yesterday. I really hope it wasn't anything serious or that he's in trouble. Denson is an excellent blocking WR and could add a lot this season. Sammie Coates proved last year that he's one of the biggest deep threats in the country and topped Bruce Feldman's list of "freaks" in college football. Ricardo Louis is excellent on the speed sweep and hopefully improves catching the football. Marcus Davis was clutch in key moments last season. Quan Bray has been a stalwart in the WR corps since his freshman year. Stanton Truitt took part in spring practice and may push for some playing time, as well. Myron Burton will likely redshirt. Then there's this (go to 2:38)...
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0rH8vQdnmCI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
And this...
A lot will hinge on Marshall's improved passing ability, but right now the WRs are looking fantastic.
The TE/H-back position should be good with CJ Uzomah. CJ made a lot of clutch catches, including the winning TD against Mississippi State and the TD to open the 2nd half of the Iron Bowl. He made others in key moments throughout the year. Brandon Fulse adds depth in that slot. That's about it in terms of the pass-catching TEs. Chris Laye could possibly see some time as a freshman if needed, and Jakell Mitchell in more of the Jay Prosch H-back roll, but he needs to gain some weight at only 218 pounds right now.
Marshall's passing? Maybe? I don't know, I'm really not seeing much cause for concern right now. I honestly can't remember the last time I said that about Auburn's wide receivers. Dameyune Craig is the man. I love watching him warm up with the WRs and see him wing the football just like he did back when he was playing for the Tigers, as well. Other than whether or not Marshall has improved as a passer - and don't forget he was the most efficient QBs in the country over the last few weeks of last season even before the spring and summer workouts - I really can't see much. What do y'all think? Any worries about this WR corps?
Next up: Running Backs