[BJWilliams]

Frankly the biggest question offesively will be (I think) at tight end with Herman graduating (he is graduating right?). we have our leading rushers from both 2013 and 2014 coming back, our 2014 backup coming back, our top 3 QBs coming back, plus our top receiver or two. Now, slot receiver is a concern I just remembered, but I don't think we will be in an outgunned position next year

[forbidden]

Des will be back for 2015 so it will be him, Abnar and Macon as our top 3 backs. Des just missed a 1000 yard season last year, Abnar was a 1000 yard rusher this year. I think with them the running game will be fine

The problem you have is there is only one football, and that means you will do one of two things to try and "appease" some. Because you have Dez coming back you are going off what he did 2 years ago and he has to get back into being hit as well as explosive, then you have DJ who will feel he shouldn't have to take a back seat as he showed that he can carry a team, then you have Macon who has to try and get touches. Now you also are going to have a "DIVA" WR yes I said it that is going to want to recreate what he did this past year and a rightfully so, assuming we can work on some drops. Now the thing is what do you do at the QB spot because rightfully so, this team is not where it was if it wasnt for a RS Frosh QB that feels his time is now and wants to be on the field to make things happen not have to sit another year for a guy he feels now he can compete with. So you passify him and move him to the slot to be another Gabe, that may or may not work, you see as the QB he has the ball in his hands every play and gets to make game deciding type plays, now you have him running routes hoping to get the ball. It may take him a second or so to learn how to run routes, (same as Gabe). And then if it doen'nt work out you have Bradwell who got the "shirt" this year that will be trying to contribute, so if Masha gets the slot nod and Bradwell is the backup QB, BUT it doesn't work out well for Masha he may be wanting to move back to QB but then is another year from taking those snaps, all while trying to be a "team" player and moving positions.
Man this staff has its work cut out for them, as if they don't or did'nt have enough on their plates already.

A lot of the position battles can and probably will be worked out in spring ball. Des will be tested since he has not faced game action since the CSU win in 2013. also, Des was somewhat of a mentor to DJ as he prepared to be the feature back, so I do not think you will see any ill between the two. by having two backs who can both carry significant loads, it should not be a problem dividing carries, with Todd Macon getting some as wel if/when needed, and he can step in as the #2 because that was his role this past season prior to his foot injury. Masha will get his opportunity to earn his place on the depth chart, wherever it may be. Youre casting a pretty wide aspersion by saying he somehow needs to be "pacified" by going to the slot.

As to the "diva" WR...who are you to assume the attitude of any of the players. I highly doubt (in my personal opionion), that any of the wideouts (especially the one to whom you may be referring), will feel like they are somehow "entitled" to having the ball thrown their way and if it doesnt happen they decide to become a "distraction" a la some former professional wide receivers.

First,
You have 3 rbs trying to get the work of 2 Todd is not a 3rd down back persay, as that swing out the back field screen type back, that would be great for DJ but he has shown that he can be a #1. I never said the animosity would be between the RB's personally, but on the inside of any real baller they know how they feel if they are feeling slighted. One was the "guy" before his injury and some coaches don't feel a player loses his spot due to it, and he proved his worth before it. The other by the injury stepped up and into the number 1 spot and carried the load and showed why he should be the guy". So now you have the coaches who have to decide who should be the 1 the 2 and the 3. Now, in saying that, thats where i'm getting my assertions that even tho there may not be a personal grudge between the two on the field persay, on the inside they both have to feel why they should get the nod. Now what would you do, make Dez your #1 with Todd being the back up and DJ getting the #3 role with swings and screens? What?

You say Masha will get the chance to earn his spot, well if im him I would feel that I have done that, and waited, and earned a chance to be the guy under center. Or should I feel complacent and have to settle for the back up QB spot again, or maybe even have to move to another position to accommodate others. By that I mean like I said, Masha moves to slot, Bradwell becomes the #2 (Maybe), and then lose out on being a QB, and Im not saying Masha is not a "team" guy or anyone of these guys for that matter, but I know how players think. The reason I say pacified is because they feel obligated to play Josh as the senior QB and move Masha to slot to get him on the field in some sort of way, because if they don't have that kid on the field, then they as coaches need to look in the mirror, he can help.

See, there you go in casting your own aspersions about how I am thinking, I am thinking from a former players perspective, in that with the RB situation being "muddled" that in turn possibly can affect the amount of passes being thrown a game. And if you think I am wrong about that then my friend you must not have played. I never said that "he" personally would be a distraction and the term "diva" was used in the way of saying that they want the ball thrown to them as much as possible and if the team is running the ball more to accomodate that situation then, yes there will be less passes thrown throughout the course of the game. And if you think after putting up the numbers he did a WR won't "think" they are entitled to having the ball thrown there way then again you didnt play "that" postion for sure. Your senior QB needs "numbers" and that doesnt happen by handing off the ball to the rbs and your senior WR needs numbers for himself. Not once did I or have I said that these guys individually would be a cancer or cause trouble but don't fool yourself into thinking that they are not thinking about playing further than LU. And Don't think that LU has not or is not blowing up in recognition either. I'm sure they are all for the team but best believe they want to shine for themselves as well.

[forbidden]

I don't think anyone is saying that Woodrum won't be the starter. I just think our offense won't have enough firepower to compete for much more than a playoff appearance next year, and I don't think a playoff appearance would be a bust in any way for this team next year.

If we are now going to just "settle" for play-off appearances to say we are doing something, then the coaches are doing an injustice to these kids. I want the whole kit and caboodle. CHAMPIONSHIPS

[forbidden]

Frankly the biggest question offesively will be (I think) at tight end with Herman graduating (he is graduating right?). we have our leading rushers from both 2013 and 2014 coming back, our 2014 backup coming back, our top 3 QBs coming back, plus our top receiver or two. Now, slot receiver is a concern I just remembered, but I don't think we will be in an outgunned position next year

Finding a TE that can do what Herman did would be of one of my top concerns. He was a great inline blocker and would kill you in pass catching. I think the next man up is '#89 Cannon and or #17 Coumin

[Purple Haize]

So Masha has been waiting. So what? Woodrum has been playing and winning. If Masha doesn't want to wait then that's on him
By your definition every RB and WR is a diva. What player in their right mind DOESNT want the ball thrown/handed off to them.
And we have won 7 Championships

[Dr. Sheh]

And we have won 7 Championships

I don't mean to speak for forbidden, but maybe he's talking National Championships? Personally I think we have the talent for a quarterfinal and possibly a semifinal appearance next year.

[forbidden]

So Masha has been waiting. So what? Woodrum has been playing and winning. If Masha doesn't want to wait then that's on him
By your definition every RB and WR is a diva. What player in their right mind DOESNT want the ball thrown/handed off to them.
And we have won 7 Championships

Man, go ahead with that 7 championship stuff, just remember to add CO in front of it. And what you have done is prove my point in saying that with ONE football and this much talent, it will be difficult. Yes, that is also my point when I was using the word DIVA. Its not always a bad thing.

You saying its on Masha as to whether he wants to wait, that's oh so tru, but remembe this LU doesn't have the "7th" chip WITHOUT Masha, thats for sure. My point is he needs to be on the field, and competition is good. It shouldn't be handed because one has done their "time". Thats all i'm saying, this kid needs to be on the field, and he could have possibly helped us on Saturday, even it was at WR

[jcmanson]

Not used to arguing about having too much talent...

[thepostman]

I actually agree that josh should not just be the starter because he has been there and done that. He should earn it. With that said I am pretty sure PH agrees with

[Purple Haize]

Agree with whom?
Woodrum hasn't done anything to lose his starting job. Masha hasn't done anything to blow the coaching staff of fans away. Yes, heQH'd our win at Coastal. Never said he was a bad player or shouldn't be on the field. Just not seeing it next year at Q B

[forbidden]

Agree with whom?
Woodrum hasn't done anything to lose his starting job. Masha hasn't done anything to blow the coaching staff of fans away. Yes, heQH'd our win at Coastal. Never said he was a bad player or shouldn't be on the field. Just not seeing it next year at Q B

Oh and I guess you saw back a cpl years ago when josh wasnt splitting time and we lost that game vs NSU that Josh was blowing away his competion. My whole point is that it should be competition, and in his only two games of starting in college football that he won by the way that he hasn't done anything that said he should have lost the chance to stay in and get more time. More than one "Jet sweep" that he got once he was back relegated to the bench. And I by no means am saying that Josh is a bad player either.

What Josh has over him is more "time" in this system thats it, everything else comes with that same exact time, that Josh was given.

[thepostman]

Agree with whom?
Woodrum hasn't done anything to lose his starting job. Masha hasn't done anything to blow the coaching staff of fans away. Yes, heQH'd our win at Coastal. Never said he was a bad player or shouldn't be on the field. Just not seeing it next year at Q B

I agree that he souldn't just be given the starting job because of what he has done. He should have to earn it every year.

[ballcoach15]

Barring injury #6 will be QB. I think #3 will see lots of action also somewhere on the field. He is a playmaker, and you need to get ball in playmaker's hands. Think of the trick plays we could run with both QBs on field.

[forbidden]

Barring injury #6 will be QB. I think #3 will see lots of action also somewhere on the field. He is a playmaker, and you need to get ball in playmaker's hands. Think of the trick plays we could run with both QBs on field.

The minute you have to rely on trick plays to beat someone you have already lost, you had a former QB on the field in #10 and what mighty trick plays did they pull out the bag

[ballcoach15]

For a trick play to work , it has to be called at the right time, and executed correctly. You have to scout opponent and know what trick plays will work. Now granted many coaches are afraid to call trick plays.

[Purple Haize]

Agree with whom?
Woodrum hasn't done anything to lose his starting job. Masha hasn't done anything to blow the coaching staff of fans away. Yes, heQH'd our win at Coastal. Never said he was a bad player or shouldn't be on the field. Just not seeing it next year at Q B

Oh and I guess you saw back a cpl years ago when josh wasnt splitting time and we lost that game vs NSU that Josh was blowing away his competion.

What Josh has over him is more "time" in this system thats it, everything else comes with that same exact time, that Josh was given.

That was a couple of years ago. Which leads to....

Most people call having 'time in system' Experience. Most coaches want an experienced play caller. The NSU game Josh was not. So unless Masha is head and shoulders better than Josh at QB, which he is not at this point, you don't trade an experienced QB for an inexperienced one.

[Kricket]

Most people call having 'time in system' Experience. Most coaches want an experienced play caller. The NSU game Josh was not. So unless Masha is head and shoulders better than Josh at QB, which he is not at this point, you don't trade an experienced QB for an inexperienced one.

I'm not saying Woodrum should be benched by any means, but do you think he has progressed as much as you'd expect for a 3 year starter, who's going on 4 years starting?

[flameshaw]

It is nice to talk about expectation for next year. The conversation so far has been focused on the skill positions, however, it is all going to depend on the DL and OL. We have enough skill players on O to be very good based on the line play..

[SuperJon]

At the beginning of the season I was one of the first ones out there saying that Josh hadn't progressed as he should.

I'm not saying that now. Josh made big steps forward in every area of his game this season. He's probably not going to win the Payton, but he's definitely got a chance to be a strong candidate this coming season.

I was one too and I agree he made big steps.

[olldflame]

It is nice to talk about expectation for next year. The conversation so far has been focused on the skill positions, however, it is all going to depend on the DL and OL. We have enough skill players on O to be very good based on the line play..

Hanson will be missed, but we have really loaded up on OLinemen the last few recruiting classes, and have a lot of depth. Plenty of solid players, an all conference guard returning in Jonathon Burgess, and 2 or 3 other young guys who can be just as good. On the DLine we lose Niko Davis and Toby Onychi, but with JaRon and Chima back along with Gerald Holt, Edwin Dessources, and a really good one we redshirted this year in Tolan Avery we can be at least as good.

[Purple Haize]

Most people call having 'time in system' Experience. Most coaches want an experienced play caller. The NSU game Josh was not. So unless Masha is head and shoulders better than Josh at QB, which he is not at this point, you don't trade an experienced QB for an inexperienced one.

I'm not saying Woodrum should be benched by any means, but do you think he has progressed as much as you'd expect for a 3 year starter, who's going on 4 years starting?

Yep.

[Dr. Sheh]

Expectations for this team should be higher than ever. Personally, I think we should at minimum split Montana/JMU. Win one of those we are continuing in the right direction. Beat Georgia State. I understand they are FBS but they are TERRIBLE. 5-1 at worst in conference play should be the goal. A loss to WVU (not saying we'll lose, just not expecting to win) and assuming we beat the last as of yet unannounced non-conference game would put us roughly at 9-3 and possibly in the conversation for a seed. Lastly, we should look to host a game and make a quarterfinal appearance. That may seem like a lot but I honestly believe we can achieve it. We need to continue to improve on our seasons and expect more based on the returning talent next year. I love the difficult scheduling, this will be the best schedule and home slate we've ever had. 2016 looks to be somewhat of a rebuilding year at the moment, but we'll see what our recruiting class looks like this coming year and I hope it is strong.

Does anyone know roughly how man starters on offense/defense we have returning? I know we have a lot coming back.

We should have 7 starters back on offense and 5 on defense plus the best punter and kicker in the league return. We redshirted a couple good players who should fill some wholes on the D.

Thanks Chippy.

Our offense will undoubtedly be our strength again next year. On defense we will miss Sigmon and Hagen the most for sure, but I really like Gary Sampson and Nick Newman stepping into the spotlight. As was pointed out, Newman finished 2nd on the team in tackles, and he should only get better. JaRon Greene and Chima will continue to be great on the D-Line. I think the defense has a lot of young guys with great talent, just haven't had the experience yet. If it comes together quickly, I see no reason why the D couldn't be better in 2015.

[ballcoach15]

My expectations for 2015:

Get NCAA bid
Host playoff game in Lynchburg
win at least 2 playoff games, but hopefully more.

[jcmanson]

Taking an early look at the 2015 offense
http://www.libertyflamesnation.com/2015 ... w-offense/

[Humble_Opinion]

I can't believe this thread turned into a debate as to whether or not Woodrum should be the starter next year. Seriously PH - are you getting trolled?

I'm sorry... but if you can't tell that Woodrum's deep balls were more accurate this year than they were previously then you either didn't watch a game or you are BLIND. I also thought his decision making was better. To be honest, the thing that frustrated me the most about our offense this year was that I thought the play calling was TOO conservative at times. You have a good OLine, a 3 yr starter at QB with a good arm, and your WR's were almost always 3 - 4 inches taller than the DB's they were going up against. If it's 3rd and 12 in a playoff game and the score is tied in the 4th quarter, you put the ball in the air. Play to win - not to stay in the game. As long as the OLine and DLine are both strong again next year, I say anything less than a quarterfinal appearance would be a bust in my opinion.