[BJWilliams]

We move to the last of the skill positions on the offensive side by looking at the big boys helping the o-line pave the way. Before we go a quick explanation. I was given a suggestion on my last preview to include the class and years of eligibility remaining. In parentheses next to the name is the class and a number with a Y, which is the number of years of eligibility, which factors in whether or not they have used a redshirt year. Now, on to the preview:

Fullback

Players Lost
None

Players Returning
Nicky Fualaau (Senior 2Y) 11 Rushes 31 Yards 1 TD 4 Catches 31 Yards
Thomas Kennedy (R-Sophomore 3Y) No Rushing Stats 1 Catch 4 Yards
Daquin "Buddy" Edwards (R-Freshman 4Y) No 2014 Stats (Redshirt)

2 year starter Fualaau missed 1 game due to suspension but was an integral part in DJ Abnar rushing for over 1000 yards, and Kennedy was a fine fill-in when Fualaau was out and gave him a rest in situations when the fullback was used. Edwards was redshirted in 2014 after arriving from Florida and this will be the first opportunity we will get to see how good of a FB he will be for us.

My guess is it will once again be Fualaau and Kennedy as the top 2 with Edwards getting some game experience in garbage time before battling with Kennedy for starter in 2016 barring injury

Tight End

Players Lost
Dexter Herman 30 Catches 442 Yards 2 TD (2014 Big South All-Conference Second Team)

Players Returning
Canon Smith (R-Junior 2Y) 2 Catches 10 Yards
Garrett Long (Senior 2Y) No 2014 Stats
Will Johnson (R-Junior 2Y) No 2014 Stats
Tyler Meeks (R-Sophomore 3Y) No 2014 Stats
David King (R-Freshman 4Y) No 2014 Stats (also backup long snapper)
kendall Couamin R-Junior 2Y) 4 Catches 28 Yards

The Flames lose all-conference performer Herman and bring back a slew of potential successorrs, but they are all unproven, much like Herman was before he became the starter in 2014. The battle will probably come down to Smith, Long, Couamin and WVU transfer Johnson with King serving as back up to long snapper Hunter Winstead (more on him in a few weeks). Smith has the most experience in the Flames system but all four will no doubt do well as we head into the spring.

[Purple Haize]

You put the years in!

[jlread]

My big question is what's up with the Will Johnson kid from WVU??? I thought he was coming in to be a BEAST!!! Was he just not available this season?? I never saw him.

[BJWilliams]

Sorry to say jlread, but as far as FBS transfers go, your mileage may vary. Just because you come from a P5 school does not always mean you instantly come in and blow away the established player (or players) at your new FCS home. I'm sure that manson, Lang or somebody that got to see more of the team from day to day could elaborate, but he just didn't show himself to be better than the guys we already had...and not playing for a year did not help his case either. I think this spring and fall will really tell us whether this transfer is a boom or a bust

[jlread]

Touché

[Chris Lang]

Didn't have a great grasp of the offense early. Saw more playing time late. He'll be in the mix for the starting job next year.

[jcmanson]

You left out Kendall Couamin

[Chippy]

Didn't have a great grasp of the offense early. Saw more playing time late. He'll be in the mix for the starting job next year.

It seemed he only came in as part of blocking schemes as a second tight end.

[BJWilliams]

I did actually manson. Thanks for catching, I will edit that right away.