This is just a quick review of those coming back. I haven't accounted for the additions in the 2016 class, which can make a difference too.

Defense:

Looks like it could be as good if not better than this season. Those of note coming back:

D-Line: Saffle, Zendae Johnson, Westerfield, Emesibe, Devante Wilson, Looney, Ude, Manley, Bequette, Mekari. Add some 2016 recruits, that's not bad at all.

Linebackers: Hardy, Downs, Barton, Anoa`i, Kearney, Davison, Tongilava. Looks like we're thin here. Maybe switch Powell over.

DBs: Walker, Caleb Coleman, Greathouse, Rubenzer, McCrary, Piatt, Drew, Tartabull, Rambo, Vanderbilt, Allensworth, Albert, Hawkins, Psalms, Derron Brown, Trey Turner, Dozier. It appears that we have more depth than before, and the youngsters have more upside.

Offense:

Line: Granado, Trani, Ooms, Uluave, Moore, Borrayo, Bennett, Cochran, Hinnant. Rigsbee and Farley leave from the starters. Can build on Moore, Borrayo and Cochran. Uluave is intriguing.

RB: Enwere, Watson, Muhamed, Powell, Coprich. We're in good shape.

WR: Wharton III, Hansen, Hudson, Lawler (please?), Noa, Strickland (!), Singleton, Aaron, Rockett, Austin, etc. With newcomers in the 2016 class, while we are severely inexperienced, the talent seems to be there and maybe a little more size and speed.

QB: Chase Forrest, Ross Bowers, or Max Gilliam (early entrant just like Jared)? Should be some good comp. As you know, TFS is not afraid to start a true freshman.

If we can some efficiency from the very inexperienced QB and WR spots, we could be decent in 2016. I'd say something in the range of UW or Wazzu. And of course, we have the more favorable even year scheduling (UCLA, Oregon, UW, Furd, and Texas at home).

I think you meant Ross Bowers.

GATC;842605135 said:

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I think you meant Ross Bowers.

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Ross Bowers for sure.

Don't forget Nickerson at LB.

With an improved defense, I am hopeful that it will offset an offense that most likely will be less productive than the current year. The roster definitely has a good list of players that have been un-tested to date, but the upside looks promising.

:gobears:

honestly I think 2016 will look a lot like 2015 overall.

on the O. the OL looks MUCH better the last few games and basically they all return. They will be a strength next year. Returning more mature RBs. plenty of WRs. IF the TFS is truly as plug and play as purported, the overall offensive results will be roughly the same.

The D will be slightly better IMO. if we could find a healthy sideline to sideline MLB maybe a step up from that.

moonpod;842605170 said:

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honestly I think 2016 will look a lot like 2015 overall.

on the O. the OL looks MUCH better the last few games and basically they all return. They will be a strength next year. Returning more mature RBs. plenty of WRs. IF the TFS is truly as plug and play as purported, the overall offensive results will be roughly the same.

The D will be slightly better IMO. if we could find a healthy sideline to sideline MLB maybe a step up from that.

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Well that's not that bad then, as there were some sky is falling scenarios for 2016. Do we even remotely have a potential Mychal Kendricks type on the roster or as a recruit?

KoreAmBear;842605125 said:

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This is just a quick review of those coming back. I haven't accounted for the additions in the 2016 class, which can make a difference too.

Defense:

Looks like it could be as good if not better than this season. Those of note coming back:

D-Line: Saffle, Zendae Johnson, Westerfield, Emesibe, Devante Wilson, Looney, Ude, Manley, Bequette, Mekari. Add some 2016 recruits, that's not bad at all.

Linebackers: Downs, Barton, Anoa`i, Kearney, Davison, Tongilava. Looks like we're thin here. Maybe switch Powell over.

DBs: Walker, Caleb Coleman, Greathouse, Rubenzer, McCrary, Piatt, Drew, Tartabull, Rambo, Vanderbilt, Allensworth, Albert, Hawkins, Psalms, Derron Brown, Trey Turner. It appears that we have more depth than before, and the youngsters have more upside.

Offense:

Line: Granado, Trani, Ooms, Uluave, Moore, Borrayo, Bennett, Cochran, Hinnant. Rigsbee and Farley leave from the starters. Can build on Moore, Borrayo and Cochran. Uluave is intriguing.

RB: Enwere, Watson, Muhamed, Powell, Coprich. We're in good shape.

WR: Wharton III, Hansen, Hudson, Lawler (please?), Noa, Strickland (!), Singleton, Aaron, Rockett, Austin, etc. With newcomers in the 2016 class, while we are severely inexperienced, the talent seems to be there and maybe a little more size and speed.

QB: Chase Forrest, Ross Bowers, or Max Gilliam (early entrant just like Jared)? Should be some good comp. As you know, TFS is not afraid to start a true freshman.

If we can some efficiency from the very inexperienced QB and WR spots, we could be decent in 2016. I'd say something in the range of UW or Wazzu. And of course, we have the more favorable even year scheduling (UCLA, Oregon, UW, Furd, and Texas at home).

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Aren't kickoffs a major problem?

Irishbear;842605177 said:

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Aren't kickoffs a major problem?

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[SIZE=7]Yes[/SIZE][U][/U]

KoreAmBear;842605172 said:

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Well that's not that bad then, as there were some sky is falling scenarios for 2016. Do we even remotely have a potential Mychal Kendricks type on the roster or as a recruit?

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I think Downs is the closest thing. BTW, I don't recall seeing much of him the last couple of games... has he been on the field?

Big C_Cal;842605199 said:

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I think Downs is the closest thing. BTW, I don't recall seeing much of him the last couple of games... has he been on the field?

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He and Barton are both hurt.

Related:

I don't recall having seen a list of which new schollie players played this season, versus which ones redshirted. Anyone want to make that list (or direct me to it)?

TheSouseFamily;842605144 said:

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Don't forget Nickerson at LB.

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Max Espitia is a Junior, so may return. Hard to figure how he would fit in, based on his not playing this year and being suspended prior..............

Big C_Cal;842605201 said:

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Related:

I don't recall having seen a list of which new schollie players played this season, versus which ones redshirted. Anyone want to make that list (or direct me to it)?

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Hard to say as some freshman were on STs so no 'shirt.

I have seen many posts claiming the offense will drop off a ton. However, I am not so sure. The last few weeks have given hope that the O-Line is trending upwards and currently Cochran, Borroyo, Granado, and Moore are starters who all return, right? Semi has gotten experience and Vinnie returns. If that trend upwards continues, then the whole offense in my opinion jumps forward. Throw in Watson returning who is also trending upwards? Pretty dang good start right there. Lawler returning I think is a key.

LBs does look thin. Powell to LB would be a plus.
Lots more speed coming to DB, and it's needed, especially if they can tackle in open field.

Somewhere, MMcM has to find a home. Would like to see him run, and catch more.

89Bear;842605222 said:

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I have seen many posts claiming the offense will drop off a ton. However, I am not so sure. The last few weeks have given hope that the O-Line is trending upwards and currently Cochran, Borroyo, Granado, and Moore are starters who all return, right? Semi has gotten experience and Vinnie returns. If that trend upwards continues, then the whole offense in my opinion jumps forward. Throw in Watson returning who is also trending upwards? Pretty dang good start right there. Lawler returning I think is a key.

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But who is going to throw him the ball?

concordtom;842605226 said:

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But who is going to throw him the ball?

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Forrest, Gilliam or Bowers. There will be some good comp in spring. Each seems to possess some unique qualities: Forrest (experience, seems to be poised, throws good balls), Gilliam (another Oaks Christian elite QB - early entrant), Bowers (would be nice to have that running QB).

KoreAmBear;842605244 said:

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Forrest, Gilliam or Bowers. There will be some good comp in spring. Each seems to possess some unique qualities: Forrest (experience, seems to be poised, throws good balls), Gilliam (another Oaks Christian elite QB - early entrant), Bowers (would be nice to have that running QB).

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I think people on this thread are underestimating the impact of losing a 1st round talent at qb. Even a normal offense would be hurt by that, but our offense will magnify it considering how qb dependent it is. And beyond his arm talent, the number of plays he has saved based on his movement in the pocket will not be replicated by next years' starter. While the line has played better in the last game or two, Goff has made this improvement seem better than it actually has been.

KoreAmBear;842605244 said:

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Forrest, Gilliam or Bowers. There will be some good comp in spring. Each seems to possess some unique qualities: Forrest (experience, seems to be poised, throws good balls), Gilliam (another Oaks Christian elite QB - early entrant), Bowers (would be nice to have that running QB).

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Don't count out Rubenzer. He said he'd consider switching back to QB next year if Goff were to leave early.

calguru;842605259 said:

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I think people on this thread are underestimating the impact of losing a 1st round talent at qb. Even a normal offense would be hurt by that, but our offense will magnify it considering how qb dependent it is. And beyond his arm talent, the number of plays he has saved based on his movement in the pocket will not be replicated by next years' starter. While the line has played better in the last game or two, Goff has made this improvement seem better than it actually has been.

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That's true. Hopefully the new QB can play almost as well and be a bigger running threat. Maybe we will have another Reggie Robertson who had a passing rating of 151 the year that Aaron Rodgers beat him out. Better line play will go a long way in helping the new QB.

calguru;842605259 said:

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I think people on this thread are underestimating the impact of losing a 1st round talent at qb. Even a normal offense would be hurt by that, but our offense will magnify it considering how qb dependent it is. And beyond his arm talent, the number of plays he has saved based on his movement in the pocket will not be replicated by next years' starter. While the line has played better in the last game or two, Goff has made this improvement seem better than it actually has been.

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A jump forward in line play will help the running game improve, which then helps the QB. Line play improves and the receivers have more time for separation, which then helps the QB. The next QB could have some advantages that Goff never had.
The staff has been pretty high on Forrest.

Eeyore;842605265 said:

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Don't count out Rubenzer. He said he'd consider switching back to QB next year if Goff were to leave early.

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I'm still a huge Rubenzer fan at QB. He knows the offense. He's played in the offense. I think everyone has already dismissed him because of his passing, but his passing wasn't bad in HS, and with his running, you just need to be adequate (think Vernon Adams). Let the best man win!

calguru;842605259 said:

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I think people on this thread are underestimating the impact of losing a 1st round talent at qb. Even a normal offense would be hurt by that, but our offense will magnify it considering how qb dependent it is. And beyond his arm talent, the number of plays he has saved based on his movement in the pocket will not be replicated by next years' starter. While the line has played better in the last game or two, Goff has made this improvement seem better than it actually has been.

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Goff definitely made the offense go, but I expect that any QB Dykes recruits is going to be able to handle the basic offense from the start. They might not rise as quickly as Goff did and get the authority to change plays like Goff has had this season, but they'll still be receiving the same basic plays called from the sideline, so while I do expect some drop off it might not be as much as you think.

Heck, look at WSU. They've had some good QBs go down and the backup ends up putting up better numbers. The offense is designed to be rather "plug and play" even at the QB level.

There will be some dropoff, but it might be limited. We can't be sure.

Also if Watson proves to be a solid RB that will help the new QB quite a bit as a running game protects the QB.

KoreAmBear;842605282 said:

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I'm still a huge Rubenzer fan at QB. He knows the offense. He's played in the offense. I think everyone has already dismissed him because of his passing, but his passing wasn't bad in HS, and with his running, you just need to be adequate (think Vernon Adams). Let the best man win!

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A "not bad" passer in HS and an "adequate" runner ... okay ... helluva endorsement of Luke. :p

If he does become a QB again, odds would seem very high that he'd rarely see the field.
Forrest and Bowers have experience now in TFS and coaches were high on them.

SonOfCalVa;842605297 said:

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A "not bad" passer in HS and an "adequate" runner ... okay ... helluva endorsement of Luke. :p

If he does become a QB again, odds would seem very high that he'd rarely see the field.
Forrest and Bowers have experience now in TFS and coaches were high on them.

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Ah my friend you need to re-read what I said. Not bad/adequate both refer to his passing. I think he is a fantastic runner, and has a good feel for avoiding hits straight on. Heck we haven't really had much of a sample size for his passing ability (TFS and Sonny have). But if you think about the analogy to Vernon Adams, you would understand what I mean. Adams does not have a good arm at all, but because people are so worried about him busting one, they leave receivers wide open and all Adams has to do is flip to them. That's what's great about a dual threat QB.

Definitely need a couple of lbs with speed. Our weakest position on D. OTOH, all of our (3) 4 star D recruits blueshirted- Hawkins (injury in game 1); Ude, and Psalms. Trey Turner with some extra weight and strength looks like a real player, and Saffle was clearly underrated. (Injury?) Nickerson isn't a great player, but he is solid and a leader which the defense will need after McClure graduates. D. Wilson hopefully improves at DE, most JC guys do and he has had a long road back from his injury plagued SC days.

Last year we said we make a bowl game if the D goes from Terrible to just bad. They did that. Next year D must step up a notch again and go to mediocre. It's a process.

I think the Offense will have talent at WR, Strickland, Noa and the Austins are all potential players and Hudson should be an even trade for Anderson (the botched catch against ASU notwithstanding). Lawler should come back, didn't have the year he wanted for his possible draft stats, but never know with those decisions.

And hopefully Sonny now knows not to kick off to McCaffrey at the end of the half. There were still a lot of head scratcher decisions, but overall a lot less which means he's knowing the Conference and his talent better each year. And this group of coaches evaluates both HS and team talent much better than the last crew in my view.

It's going to be tough...first three games:

Hawaii (in Australia)
Open date
@ SDSU
Texas

bearingup;842605314 said:

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Definitely need a couple of lbs with speed. Our weakest position on D. OTOH, all of our (3) 4 star D recruits blueshirted- Hawkins (injury in game 1); Ude, and Psalms. Trey Turner with some extra weight and strength looks like a real player, and Saffle was clearly underrated. (Injury?) Nickerson isn't a great player, but he is solid and a leader which the defense will need after McClure graduates. D. Wilson hopefully improves at DE, most JC guys do and he has had a long road back from his injury plagued SC days.

Last year we said we make a bowl game if the D goes from Terrible to just bad. They did that. Next year D must step up a notch again and go to mediocre. It's a process.

I think the Offense will have talent at WR, Strickland, Noa and the Austins are all potential players and Hudson should be an even trade for Anderson (the botched catch against ASU notwithstanding). Lawler should come back, didn't have the year he wanted for his possible draft stats, but never know with those decisions.

And hopefully Sonny now knows not to kick off to McCaffrey at the end of the half. There were still a lot of head scratcher decisions, but overall a lot less which means he's knowing the Conference and his talent better each year. And this group of coaches evaluates both HS and team talent much better than the last crew in my view.

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D White had a very nice jump in his second year. I'm also hoping the other JC guys on defense have that same jump next year.

cbadbear;842605321 said:

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It's going to be tough...first three games:

Hawaii (in Australia)
Open date
@ SDSU
Texas

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Isn't Hawaii pretty crummy? A bye to prep for State will help. Having Texas at home with a big crowd(hopefully) behind the Bears will be worth something.

89Bear;842605222 said:

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I have seen many posts claiming the offense will drop off a ton. However, I am not so sure. The last few weeks have given hope that the O-Line is trending upwards and currently Cochran, Borroyo, Granado, and Moore are starters who all return, right? Semi has gotten experience and Vinnie returns. If that trend upwards continues, then the whole offense in my opinion jumps forward. Throw in Watson returning who is also trending upwards? Pretty dang good start right there. Lawler returning I think is a key.

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I agree. A great qb and Goff is a great qb, had to be great to cover some spotty areas on our team. Less spotty more balance more dangerous

89Bear;842605326 said:

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Isn't Hawaii pretty crummy? A bye to prep for State will help. Having Texas at home with a big crowd(hopefully) behind the Bears will be worth something.

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Hawaii was absolutely terrible this season (it's shameful to CU and McIntyre that they lost to such a terrible team), but who knows with new coach and back to June Jones principles? The new coach Nick Rolovich was a QB in the June Jones system.

dinan3;842605216 said:

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Max Espitia is a Junior, so may return. Hard to figure how he would fit in, based on his not playing this year and being suspended prior..............

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Espitia came out of the tunnel with the seniors but I think he does have a year of eligibility left because of injuries etc. So he would probably have to find a graduate program and enroll. I think that's how it works. IMO, he could emerge as a strong guy off the bench if he commits to some off-season work.

TheSouseFamily;842605144 said:

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Don't forget Nickerson at LB.

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For some reason I thought of him as a senior. I can see him being better next year. With all that experience, he will know exactly what to do (even if he is not fast).

cbadbear;842605321 said:

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It's going to be tough...first three games:

Hawaii (in Australia)
Open date
@ SDSU
Texas

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More reliance / balance on running next year from qb/rb/ol should offset green qb, road, and improve ball control against those three teams. I say we could beat all three fairly handily the way the offense is designed and a decent completion percentage from the qb