OFFENSIVE LINE
Where it all begins for the offense, and USU has five returning starters. This unit is anchored by a trio of stars in Jamie Markosian, Eric Schultz, and Tyler Larsen; all three guys earned all-WAC honors last season. Kyle and Kevin Whimpey took huge steps forward as the season rolled on in 2012, and while both might be better suited as interior linemen, Kevin still was solid enough at left tackle by season's end.
Depth is still a big question here, and I'm still crossing fingers that Kevin Whimpey can handle some of the bigger guns around the edge that the early part of the schedule will test him with, but there's no doubting the prowess of five returning starters.
Preseason grade: A-
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TIGHT ENDS
Arguably the brightest star in all of camp has been D.J. Tialavea. He's been a phenomenal blocking tight end for the past two years, but he's shown more than enough ability as a very good receiving threat too.
Behind him, Keegan Andersen has shown a lot of flashes as a solid receiving tight end over the years and now he's likely to get plenty of opportunities to turn flashes into consistency. Wyatt Houston looked very good at times in camp too as a receiving tight end with excellent size and athleticism, but with the other guys in the mix, could have the luxury of a redshirt. Derek Keller is another intriguing guy in the mix who showed a little bit in camp too.
With Tialavea's ability as a run blocker and for how good he's looked catching the ball, he alone should make this position a solid one.
Preseason grade: B+
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WIDE RECEIVERS
After the first day of camp, this position was pretty awful. They steadily improved though to at least a respectable level by camp's end. There are a few veterans who should be able to do alright, a few younger guys with what looks to be some very good potential, and one guy I think could be a star in the making in Jojo Natson.
Travis Van Leeuwen looked to progress nicely through camp, giving me hope in him being the best combo of size, speed, and hands that this unit will offer. Travis Reynolds has the potential to be that guy too though. Natson won't out-muscle anyone, but his shiftiness will be tough for anyone to stick with. Think along the lines of Wes Welker with the Patriots with him.
Brandon Swindall hasn't made the big splash in camp I'd hoped he'd make, but still is loaded with potential to do well. Same goes for Ronald Butler at this point. Alex Wheat has shown some flashes of greatness through camp which has me loaded with intrigue about what he can do in his second year at USU. Speedy freshman Hayden Weichers also made a few big plays in scrimmages toward the end of camp and could be in the mix.
In summary, the top end of this position, while okay, hasn't looked to be anything outstanding. The aforementioned biggest potential star is only 5'7, 151 lbs, which limits how bright his star can shine in the bigger picture. And the younger guys, while loaded with potential, are still mostly that.
Preseason grade: C-
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RUNNING BACKS
If Joe Hill stays healthy, this position will keep up its standard of excellence that's seen three guys drafted in two years. And given how few contact reps Hill took in camp, that health concern seems very justified.
With plenty of extra reps coming his way, Joey DeMartino appeared to make the most of his opportunity. He's looked good in camps and spring practices before, but always been behind a bunch of NFL-caliber backs. As good as DeMartino looked in the past though, he never looked this good. Hill is the definite No. 1 at this position, but DeMartino might not be as far behind him as many think.
Robert Marshall brings the thunder of this backfield and needs to be effective in short-yardage situations, as well as pass blocking. He's another guy who's been stuck behind the NFL guys, as well as battled a few injuries to get his share of the spotlight this year as a senior.
Rashad Hall and Kelvin Lee are X-factors, but it's tough to imagine them seeing a ton of carries unless there's an injury at the top of the depth chart. Assuming Kennedy Williams doesn't redshirt, and he likely won't, you've got to hope that at least two of the three out of Hall, Lee, and Karris Johnson will redshirt to solidify this position more down the road.
Preseason grade: B
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QUARTERBACKS
That Chuckie Keeton kid ain't half bad. He's actually pretty damn good! He's not perfect, but he's getting pretty close. The way he makes reads downfield has come so far in two years, as has the way he recognizes pressure in the pocket. Once in a while he still has a throw get away from him, but very few quarterbacks in college are above that. He's arguably the best quarterback in a conference that's arguably the best conference in the nation for QBs. He alone would get a solid A-minus grade.
Behind Keeton is where things get a little shaky. Craig Harrison will be the backup, and while he's not terrible, he's not going to turn heads with his arm. Scrambling ability isn't much of a trait for any of the other quarterbacks either, although Jeff Manning did have a nice scramble in the last scrimmage. Manning also has the most potential to be great out of any of the other QBs, but still has a ways to go.
The current state of mediocrity among the backups docks the grade a tad, but if Keeton stays healthy, and you have to think he will with this offensive line, this position will shine in 2013.
Preseason grade: B+
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