WR - This was the hardest hit spot on the roster. Daniel Nichols (1st LSC North) leaves SOSU with 192 receptions and more than the 3,000 yards and 32 TDs. Jerrod Temple (2nd LSC North), Ty Hull (2nd LSC North), Jay Rose, Michael Goodlow, and Jerome Hewitt (1st LSC North as a return specialist) are also moving on. That group combined for 202 receptions for 2,747 yards and 27 TDs. The top returning receiver is Dee Williams, who had just 10 receptions in 2009.
Need Depth:
QB - A bit of a mystery here. We have heard reports that Justin Pitrucha will not be back for his senior season, but that has not been confirmed. Regardless, Logan Turner is expected to take the reins in the fall. Dallas McCutcheon provides an experienced backup, but will be a senior. Last year's top QB recruit, Reid Golson, has transferred.
OL - Starters Jerrod Anderson (1st LSC North) and Bryce Perkins are gone. Sean Taglialatela (2nd LSC North), Ryan Sullivan and Robert Westbrook are returning starters.
LB - The Savage Storm will miss Noe Lopez, the leading tackler last year, and a 2nd team LSC North choice. But starter Johnny Seals (2nd LSC North) returns, as do Brad Chesshir, Russell Hurst and Colby Gibson.
DB - Bernard Daniel (1st LSC North) and Cedric Robinson were seniors last year. The cupboard is not bare though, with Steven Harris (2nd LSC North), Welton Johnson, Matthew Leatherwood, Brandon Harrison, A.J. Garcia, and Jeremy Law all returning.
Good Quality/Depth:
RB - Baylen Laury and Josh Johnson were both 2nd team LSC North players, and combined for more than 1,200 yards and 12 TDs rushing. Laury was also the second leading receiver, catching 41 passes for 355 yards and 3 more TDs.
DL - Cody Walters and De'arteuy Jones graduated, but three starters return. Alex Moore was a 1st team LSC North selection, while Dexter Elliott and Lionel Gillespie were both 2nd teamers. Romelle Terry and Rodney Payne are also experienced returnees.
SOSU addressed their future QB needs with Xavier Smith, a good sized prospect out of North Mesquite. Cedrico Pollard and Derrell Newton should be ready to contribute when Laury and Johnson have moved on. The holes at WR were addressed with transfers Sam Roberson, DeQualin Evans, Michael Hill and Quentin Morris. Two TEs were also brought in, Donel Morrison and Kevin Brown (rated the #103 TE prospect by ESPN). Prospects Adrian Adams, Gerson Reyes, Josh Burkham, Preston Smith and Sean Clayton should bolster the offensive line down the road. Not as much projected help on the other side of the ball. Simeon Stevenson is the top defensive line recruit, while the secondary should get immediate help from Scotty Bryant and Emanual Jackson, and future help from Will Cowan.
LSC Ranking - 9
Overall Grade- B
The Savage Storm did a good job on the offensive side of the ball addressing their immediate needs at receiver and tight end, and their future needs everywhere else. The defense does not appear to have gotten the same attention, unless some players move around.
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