Needs - QB, DL and LB (O'Hara, Lewis and Clewis gone)
Depth - OL, DB, RB (8 of 10 OL will be Srs, need depth behind Birmingham)
Okay - WR (return almost all)
Ryan O'Hara wasn't a world beater, but was a two year starter that needs to be replace. Clewis was a world beater, and the Bronchos likely won't fill that void with equal talent.
Under former head coach Chuck Langston, the Bronchos relied heavily on junior college and D1 transfers to replenish their roster. This year, with Terry Holland in charge, every single recruit signed so far is from the high school ranks, and every one is from Oklahoma. Offensively, UCO signed 8 offensive linemen including Oklahoma all-stars Curtis Baker, Cread Helton, Matt Lantz and Brian McGuire. At QB, OK all-stars Jason Robison and Garrett Valdez may need to be ready to contribute if Clancy doesn't improve his performance over last year (in limited duty). Matt Jackson leads a group of 4 WRs to add depth to a group that returns the top targets from last year. Defensively, Herbert Byrd and five other signees will bolster a line that loses Corey Lewis and Nigel Dawson, but still returns good talent. The secondary is good hands, but Dolphin Davis could be ready to step in if called upon. Where the Bronchos lost the most was at LB, and Bryson Crawford and Tucker Cason may be needed to be ready as true freshmen.
Overall Grade B-
It is certainly understandable for UCO to change how they recruit, and this could turn out to be an excellent class. However, there are some immediate needs that might still be lacking. Who will lead the offense (and an offense averaged 14 points a game) - Colin Clancy, who struggled in limited time last year, one of the two from last year's roster with no college playing experience, or one of the two signees this year? Defensively, you cannot hope to replace Will Clewis with freshmen, but the Bronchos lost two other top LBs as well - that's a tall order for freshmen to try and fill.
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