Top 5 things to look for this spring...

[ksu_FAN]

1) Changes on defense.  The 3-4 front will get the most attention, but I also wonder what kind of coverages we'll use behind it.  Will the cover 2 concept be completely tossed?
2) Development of offensive line.  We have to see this unit improve and develop a more consistent running game.  What will the next faze look like of developing into a more zone focused team?
3) WR/TE development.  Good to have Nelson, Norwood, Mastrud, and Pooschke back, but it will be interesting to see who else steps up, especially at the WR position.  We probably won't know until the fall though.
4) Development of Josh Freeman.  How much improvement should be expected after another offseason and a year of experience under his belt?  He had plenty of ups and downs last year, should be a more consistent player as a SO.
5) Playmakers on defense, especially from the LB spot.  Good to see Campbell and Watts back, but who will step up as our playmaking LBs (Walker should be one) and how will DT develop.  The DT/NG will be a very important spot for us if we want to be diverse up front and especially when we are in a true 3-4 look. 

I'm sure there are plenty of others, but those are the 5 that stand out to me.

[cireksu]

Offensive line.  Are they pass blocking?
 
Offensive line.  Are they getting their secondary blocks?

Offensive line.  Are they getting up field when they pull?

WR's.  Are they creating separation in man, getting open in zones?


Defense, I'm not as worried about, they've talked alot about the D being able to adapt to the different offenses so I think we'll be ok, not great but not 04/05 either.

[michigancat]

1. OL
2. DL
3. OL
4. defense scheme
5. DL

[ksu_FAN]

The problem is that with both the offensive line and defensive line being concerns, it will be hard to see where we really are at probably until we show up in Jordan-Hare.

[chum1]

I think the 'how can they not be improved' concept is legit with regard to the OL.  It's the type of position that you grow into and we actually have a number of guys that have been around for a few years now.

[ksu_FAN]

I agree chum, they've got to get better.  Plus, even though we ran plenty of zone stuff under Snyder, much of what we did last year was new/different than the old schemes and a year in that system should help a bunch.  It will be interesting to see how the OL evolves next year; I just know we've got to get better running the football and stopping the run if we want to win more than 5 or 6 games next year.

[Poopley]

1. Offensive tackles
2. OL interior
3. Defensive interior
4. linebacker play
5. WRs

The OL was as bad as any I've seen since the pre-Snyder days. The OL will have to improve leaps and bounds just to be mediocre. This is going to be a huge task. Stringer's shoulder injury was not minor, he is the only returning guy who could block in space, and he was shaky at times. Missing the spring is going to set him back. Alesana has a long, long way to go. It will probably be the same way for Sims since those Cali jucos just do not typically arrive with any toughness or conditioning. Someone already on the roster HAS to emerge as a tackle. The interior does look to be improved just through sheer experience and more time in the weightroom and with this system.

Once Q went down, we had nothin on the defensive interior. Cline is coming off a torn ACL in the bowl game, and he is merely okay. We have no real playmakers from what I've heard. We need a group of 3-4 guys to step up and at least not get humiliated every other snap. Good luck, Mo & Tim.

LBs . . . a good defensive scheme can hide a lack of athleticism at LB, but the guys have to know their assignments and play without hesitation. This is going to come down to coaching.

WRs . . . we MUST have someone with speed step up opposite of Jordy. We cannot have some slow, fat white guy who opposing teams can just man up with their 4th string corner and bring the safeties up. Somehow, Prince has got to design it so late arriving WR recruits can succeed starting in September. Or Toney Coleman or Cedric Wilson could probably get it done if they can stay healthy and improve.

[coitus]

can someone explain how we're going to be able to tell if it's our ol or dl that is sucking?

if the ol looks good, it'll be due to the changes on defense.

if the dl looks good, it'll be due to the continued suckage of our ol.

if neither looks good, it'll be due to the fact that they're crapty.

[Poopley]

Keep in mind that you aren't going to see a first string OL or DL in this spring game. Half the starters will get drafted to one team, half to the other. All the lines will blow balls. Our linemen as a whole suck so bad that they will not improve practicing against each other because they all suck. It sucks. However, if they just keep that bold and daring mindset and think as one, they will be awesome.

Bring on Auburn! 

[coitus]

prediction#1:  patton will make the ol look better than they really are in the spring game.
prediction#2:  jordy will end spring practice less than 100%
prediction#3:  ian campbell and josh freeman will be on the same team.  coach don't want ian killing free.

there.  now in a few weeks you can pull this one up and laugh.