Need Help:
Running Back - Daniel Thomas concluded a great career last season, finishing with over 3,000 yds rushing. Terrell Lee, the second leading rusher was also a senior last year. Kobey Lewis is the leading returning rusher (158 yds, 1 TD), and Chas Freeman had 5 yards. No other returning running back had any attempts.
Wide Receiver - Leading recievers Sam Tindol and Drew Peterson have moved on. No returning receiver had more than 14 receptions.
Defensive Secondary - This is where the Rams lost the most. Four starters (Quinton Butler, Tarric Jones, Rickey McKinley, and Michael McLeod) are gone. They combined for 154 tackles, and 7 INTs. The cupboard is not bare, with a lot of game time spread out among the team's younger players. However, they will be counted on a lot more this fall.
Need Depth:
Quarterback - Josh Neiswander returns from injury, and Michael Cochran should be recovered from surgery by fall. Last year was a vivid reminder of why having several able quarterbacks is vital. Neiswander went down with a season-ending injury in week one, and freshmen Cochran and Will Mezger struggled the remainder of the season, combining for 1,380 yds and 9 TDs, but 17 Ints.
Offensive Line - Joey Faken was a senior last year, and we understand Jorrie Adams is no longer on the team. Returners Zack Bradley and Brian Dickey started every game last year, while Jim Ed Baugh started 8 games. Four others returning had 10 starts among them. Dickey and Baugh will be seniors, so the Rams need some more big bodies to give solid depth.
Good Quality/Depth:
Defensive Line - Cody Smith (HM LSC South) leads the returnees. Smith started every game last year, and 4 of his fellow returnees combined for starts in each game as well. Two will be seniors this fall, but the Rams have spread playing time among numerous players, so there is a lot of experience here.
Linebackers - Jordan Cortez (HM LSC South) has moved on, but fellow starters Ian Ritchey and Edward Cantrell lead the returnees. They will both be seniors this year (D'Angelo Waites as well), but much like the defensive line, several younger players have game experience.
The Rams brought in several transfers to address some immediate needs: QB Aqura Brown was all conference in junior college last fall and will give the Rams depth in case of injuries. Coach Carr said that V'Keon Lacy will be the team's best receiver in the fall and that the Rams hit a home run with fullback Johnathon Norcott. The Rams also bolstered their offensive line with the addition of A. J. Mackey and Austin Sumrall, while Austin Mayes and LeVaughn Andrews should do the same of the other side of the line. Pat West and TerRe' Camille are good prospects at linebacker, and the secondary added Dekkar Williams, Anthony Brown and Courtney Moore.
LSC Ranking - 7
Overall Grade: B
The defense did well bringing in numerous players that were rated by several recruiting services. The offense still appears to have some holes, especially at running back and wide receiver, but added some depth at QB and on the line.
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