Nice post fff.
I agree that we are going to be both dynamic and potent on offense. I still think that Snyder will try to control the clock if only to keep our defense, which is likely to be quite porous, off the field and rested as much as possible. I'm really hoping that our defense won't lose it's edge with Koenning out of the picture (Cosh has been maligned for his bend but don't break tendencies).
Back to offense and specifically the running game we now have a more experienced Daniel Thomas, and what I believe to be an upgrade(with all-due respect to Kiethan Valentine) as far as our back-up RB's are concerned. DeMarcus Robinson in particular will be a great change of pace back and should get a handful of opportunities to shine via screen-plays, draws and short passes each game. FFF mentioned Wilson who with another year under his belt should be even more effective as a blocker for the already bruising Thomas.
FFF was all over the positives on the offensive line. All improvements should be maximized under the watchful eye of Charlie Dickey, whom I consider the premiere assistant coach on the current staff.
The defense is just far to unproven to be very optimistic, though I think Snyder will give them every opportunity to succeed through game-planning around ball control. Even with the loss of Josh Moore to the NFL, the secondary, specifically the safeties should be a bright spot. Unfortunately the lack of quality depth on the defensive line could easily hamper their ability to make plays in the secondary.
As far as the linebackers are concerned we are simply too green to get much of a feel for what they will bring to the table. Alex Hrebec returns, but the undersized Junior strikes few as a "playmaker." I think the coaching staff and fans would be more than pleased to see the linebackers play mistake free, assignment sound football and facilitating chances for our some of our more talented players on the DL and DB to make a play. If these guys start trying to do too much they will only end up hurting the team and negating chances for success on defense. I would consider the linebackers having a "Grant Gregoryesque" season to be a success.
I am totally on board with FFF as far as the receivers, and our potential dynamics(Wildcat, etc.) are concerned on offense. The only reciever that we had with any real physical prowess last year was Lamark, and we all know how that turned out(thanks for the great half against KU Lamark). Both Smith and Harper should be physical blockers and both should be able to go over the middle. Also, don't be surprised to see Robinson split wide or in the slot from time to time, not to mention any of one of our undersized receivers who will no doubt get a chance to duplicate the success Brandon Banks had in space last season. Also, don't discredit Colin Klein and another player that can contribute to causing opposing defensive coordinators fits. cK, who spent much of last season slit out at wide receiver, may very well push, or overtake Carson Coffman for the QB role. If he can win the job it would do a lot to athleticize our already talented corp of offensive skill players. If not he will still be one of many viable options available for the Wildcat and other forms of chicanery giving Snyder up to 5 former/current quarterbacks on the field at a given time.
